Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Policy Alert 2025-12 on Family-Based Immigrants

8/1/25 AILA Doc. No. 25080101. Family Immigration

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to explain requirements associated with the screening, vetting, and adjudication of family-based immigrant visa petitions to include eligibility criteria, filing, interviews, and decisions.

This updatestreamlines existing policy to provide clear and consistent guidance for officers and provides guidance related to family-based immigrant visa petitions approvals and denials. It also clarifies certain eligibility and adjudication requirements, including when USCIS requires an interview for family-based immigrant visa petitions and that USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) if the benficiary is otherwise removable.

The policy is effective 8/1/25. Feedback is due 9/1/25.

Cite as AILA Doc. No. 25080101.