⚠️ Important Changes to Green Card Regulations Starting in 2025! Here Are the 6 Major Changes You Need to Know

Beginning in 2025, Green Card holders in the USA will face a wave of significant immigration policy changes that go beyond merely renewing their Green Cards! These changes encompass issues like identity verification, social media scrutiny, and marriage interviews. A single misstep might impact your legal residency, work eligibility, or even your path to citizenship. Below we’ve outlined the six key changes to help you navigate this policy update smoothly 👇

🪪 Extended Validity Period for Green Card Renewal Receipts

Starting September 10, 2024, the validity period for the receipts received after submitting the I-90 form will increase from 24 months to 36 months.

This means: During the waiting period for your new Green Card, you can legally work, travel, and verify your identity with your “expired Green Card + receipt.”

💉 Immigration Medical Exam No Longer Requires COVID-19 Vaccine

Great news! As of March 11, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccine has officially been removed from the mandatory vaccination list for the immigration medical exam.

If you cannot get vaccinated due to religious or health reasons, you can now indicate “Not Applicable” on the I-693 form.

📜 Mandatory Identity Registration for Non-Citizens

This is one of the most crucial changes this year!

Effective January 20, 2025, all Green Card holders aged 14 and older will be required to undergo biometric registration (including fingerprinting).

Failure to register can lead to severe penalties: fines, detention, or even deportation!

How to comply:

• Create a USCIS online account
• Complete the G-325R form
• Finish fingerprinting by your 14th birthday or within 30 days of entry

📱 Comprehensive Social Media Background Checks

Starting April 29, 2025, USCIS will officially conduct social media background checks on Green Card holders.

You may need to disclose your usernames on major platforms (like X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.).

Key content monitored includes:

• Violent or illegal statements
• Sensitive content or misunderstood “dark humor”

Tip: Keep your social media accounts clean and be cautious with your online actions; they will directly affect your residency status!

💍 Mandatory Marriage Interviews for Green Card Holders

Whether you’re a new applicant or already hold a marriage Green Card, all applicants will no longer be exempt from the interview process.

USCIS will conduct stricter reviews to verify that you are indeed a genuine couple:

• Joint bank accounts
• Property or lease agreements
• Photographs and chat records
• Joint bills or insurance
• Potential home visits!

Please prepare authentic and ample evidence ahead of time.

📝 Multiple Immigration Forms Must Use New Versions

Starting May 29, 2025, some older immigration forms will no longer be accepted!

Common forms like I-90 (Green Card Renewal) and I-765 (Work Permit) must utilize versions released after January 20, 2025.

Otherwise, submissions may be rejected!

✅ How to Remain Compliant and Avoid Pitfalls

• Report address changes within 10 days (use online change features instead of mailing)
• Always carry your Green Card or I-90 receipt with you
• Regularly check your case status online
• Be cautious on social media

2025 will usher in a year of stricter Green Card reviews and more detailed technical processes. It is vital to work cooperatively and maintain transparency to ensure a smooth immigration experience.