The role of US Citizenship and Immigration Services has never been more central to the nation’s immigration system than it is today. As the agency responsible for processing applications for citizenship, green cards, asylum, and employment visas, USCIS is at the heart of America’s immigration journey. In 2025, several major policy shifts have reshaped how the agency operates, creating new opportunities and new challenges for applicants, families, and employers.
From a revised civics test to expanded enforcement powers and stricter moral character assessments, USCIS policies are evolving quickly. For those who depend on the agency’s decisions, understanding these changes is essential.
Understanding the Role of USCIS
US Citizenship and Immigration Services is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is to oversee lawful immigration to the United States. The agency handles millions of applications each year, including:
- Naturalization petitions for U.S. citizenship
- Green card applications for permanent residency
- Employment authorization documents (EADs)
- Family reunification petitions
- Asylum and refugee status requests
Because immigration touches nearly every aspect of American life—from families reuniting to employers hiring foreign talent—the decisions and rules made by USCIS affect millions across the nation and around the world.
Stricter Good Moral Character Evaluations
A major change in 2025 is USCIS’s approach to assessing good moral character, a key requirement for citizenship. Officers now evaluate applicants using broader criteria than in the past.
Beyond checking criminal history, adjudicators are directed to look at:
- Employment records and financial responsibility
- Involvement in community organizations
- Testimonies from neighbors, employers, or community leaders
- Adherence to civic norms and lawful behavior
This shift gives officers more discretion, but it also raises concerns about fairness. Applicants may need to provide additional documentation and character references to demonstrate eligibility.
The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
Another high-impact change from US Citizenship and Immigration Services is the launch of the new civics test starting October 20, 2025.
Key details of the updated test include:
- 20 oral questions drawn from a larger pool of 128.
- Applicants must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass.
- Those who filed for naturalization before the October deadline will still take the older 2008 version of the test.
This updated exam reflects a government push for applicants to show stronger civic knowledge. For applicants, preparing thoroughly for the expanded test will be essential.
New Enforcement Roles Inside USCIS
Traditionally, USCIS was seen as an administrative body. That image is shifting. In October 2025, the agency begins deploying new special agents with direct enforcement powers.
These agents have authority to:
- Investigate fraud and immigration violations
- Conduct searches tied to immigration cases
- Make arrests in cases involving immigration-related crimes
This represents a significant transformation for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, blending its adjudication duties with law enforcement responsibilities.
Revival of Neighborhood Investigations
In a move not seen for decades, USCIS is bringing back neighborhood checks for some applicants. This policy allows officers to reach out to an applicant’s community for confirmation of moral character.
Applicants may now need to submit:
- Recommendation letters from neighbors or co-workers
- Proof of community engagement
- Documentation of long-term ties to the area
For many, this adds a new level of preparation. While some see this as strengthening the credibility of the system, others fear it introduces unnecessary hurdles.
H-1B Visa Filing Fees and Employer Impact
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has also implemented new guidance regarding employment visas. A presidential directive introduced a $100,000 filing fee for certain H-1B visa petitions.
USCIS clarified that:
- The fee applies primarily to new petitions for foreign workers entering the U.S.
- Some exemptions are available if the position is deemed in the national interest.
- Employers must review eligibility and plan financially before filing.
For businesses that depend on foreign talent, this fee represents a significant policy shift that could affect hiring decisions in industries such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.
Visa Bulletin and Adjustment of Status
Each month, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announces whether it will use the “Final Action Dates” or “Dates for Filing” from the State Department’s visa bulletin. For October 2025, USCIS confirmed that applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart.
This update means:
- More applicants are eligible to submit adjustment of status applications sooner.
- Backlogged categories may see relief, particularly in employment-based cases.
- Families waiting years for green cards can move forward with critical paperwork.
The visa bulletin remains one of the most closely watched announcements from USCIS, as it determines how quickly individuals in long lines can take the next step toward residency.
Military Naturalization Eligibility Narrowed
US Citizenship and Immigration Services also updated policies for service members applying for naturalization. Effective August 2024, uncharacterized discharges are no longer treated as honorable for the purpose of immigration benefits.
This means:
- Veterans with such discharges may lose access to expedited naturalization under sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Military families must review discharge classifications carefully before applying.
This change highlights USCIS’s increasing emphasis on precise documentation and strict eligibility checks.
How These Changes Affect Applicants
The evolving policies of US Citizenship and Immigration Services will impact a wide range of applicants:
- Citizenship Applicants: Must prepare for a tougher civics test and stricter character reviews.
- Green Card Applicants: May benefit from earlier filing opportunities under the October visa bulletin.
- Employers and Workers: Face higher fees and greater scrutiny in employment visa categories.
- Military Applicants: Need to confirm discharge status to ensure eligibility.
- Asylum and Humanitarian Applicants: Could experience longer wait times due to shifting priorities and expanded investigations.
The bottom line: immigration processes are becoming more demanding, and preparation is more important than ever.
Tips for Navigating USCIS in 2025
For individuals and families going through the process, preparation is key. Consider the following tips:
- File early to avoid new test requirements or fee increases.
- Keep documentation organized, including employment history, community involvement, and financial records.
- Practice civics test questions thoroughly if filing for citizenship after October 20.
- Consult with legal experts if applying for employment-based visas under the new fee structure.
- Track official announcements regularly, as USCIS continues to roll out changes throughout 2025.
Looking Ahead
The landscape of U.S. immigration is evolving rapidly, and USCIS is at the center of it. With expanded enforcement powers, new testing standards, and greater discretion in moral evaluations, the agency is tightening its processes across the board. These shifts reflect broader policy priorities focused on security, civic integration, and accountability.
For applicants, the challenge will be meeting higher standards with thorough preparation and careful planning. For employers and families, adapting to costs, timelines, and stricter requirements will be critical in navigating the system.
Final Thoughts
The policies set by US Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2025 are reshaping the immigration journey for countless individuals. With stricter moral standards, a revised civics test, revived neighborhood checks, and expanded enforcement roles, the agency is raising the bar for entry and citizenship. If these changes affect you or someone you know, share your thoughts in the comments below and stay connected for continuing updates.