The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) has voiced its opposition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to survey and potentially reinterview more than 200,000 refugees who arrived in the country between January 2021 and February 2025, calling on the government to reaffirm its commitment to welcoming refugees. USCRI warns that such a move would unnecessarily endanger the employment and stability of refugees who have already passed extensive screenings.
The Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program remains in place in 2025, benefiting Cuban relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The program allows certain relatives to reunite with their family members in the U.S. before an immigrant visa is made available. This program uses a digital system which makes the application quicker. Detailed eligibility requirements, documents needed and practical tips are given for those applying.
Harvard University international students can return to visa processing. The State Department issued a recent directive to consular posts to resume processing F, M, and J visas for Harvard students. The decision to resume was made after a court order that overturned the previous position which indicated national security concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security has begun to cancel parole and revoke employment authorization granted under the Chinavian Parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, following a Supreme Court decision on May 30.
To encourage undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S voluntarily via a designated app, the DHS has offered to waive civil fines that are usually levied on immigrants who fail to depart. Around 9,000 fine notices have been issued, amounting to nearly $3 billion.
The Department of State has released the July 2025 Visa Bulletin. USCIS will use the Dates for Filing chart for family-based categories and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based cases.
Despite President Trump’s remarks urging protection surrounding long-standing employees in the agriculture, hospitality, and restaurant sectors, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will still carry out routine operations. It is expected to focus on employers hiring undocumented individuals with criminal records.
The State Department mandates consular officers to screen the digital footprint of new and returning student visa applicants. This is to identify any signs of hostility towards the U.S., political activism, or support for foreign terrorist organizations. In case any flagged content is found, it could trigger additional examination of the applicant’s credentials.
1. October 2025 Visa Bulletin: Important Actions to Take
In October 2025, the new Visa Bulletin from the Department of State came into effect. This has allowed those waiting for their employment-based green cards the opportunity to either file their Adjustment of Status (I-485) or get their pending cases approved if a visa number is available. The Visa Bulletin comes with two main charts – Dates for Filing (DOF) and Final Action Dates (FAD) – which regulate the pace of green card processing according to your priority date. The DOF chart gives you permission to file your I-485 application if your priority date is earlier than the date in the chart. If your priority date is current in the Filing Date chart and USCIS allows you to use that chart, you can submit your I-485. If your priority date appears in the Final Action Dates chart, USCIS may approve your case.
To prepare for submission, gather key evidence, such as immigrant petition approvals, civil documents, and passport and status history information, and schedule a medical exam (Form I-693). Supplementary forms will need to be filed, including Form I-485J (Supplement J), Form I-765 (EAD), and Form I-131 (Advance Parole). Other key aspects to be aware of include litigation, job changes, and refreshing your medical exam. If you have a different category with faster approval, you can also request to transfer your I-485 to it.
If you are responding to USCIS requirements, remember to react swiftly. For instance, common Request for Evidence (RFE) might include a fresh I-693, updated Supplement J, or status clarification. Also, if you already filed for a Family-Based Option in fiscal year 2022 and your I-485 remains pending, you can move it from employment-based to family-based with no need to file a new I-485, potentially leading to a quick approval time. While waiting, you can use your Advance Parole for reentry or your I-765 (EAD) for work authorization. Always promptly file any address updates or changes of coordinates to USCIS to ensure all notices reach you.
2. About medical exams when applying for a green card
When applying for legal permanent residence in the US, medical examination is a crucial part of the process. The main purpose of the examination is to identify any potential health issues that might affect your admission. The physician will ensure you have up-to-date vaccinations, and applicants coming to the US with a K fiancé or K spousal visa will not need a full medical re-evaluation, but will need to show they meet vaccination requirements. The exam typically covers a physical exam, a mental health evaluation, a tuberculosis skin test, and a blood test. The results are usually valid for two years from the date of the doctor’s signature.
The medical examination, however, cannot be done by your primary care physician or family doctor. Instead, use the USCIS list of approved “Civil Surgeons” to find a suitable doctor within your locality. The results from the exam will be placed in a sealed envelope – you should not open it as that invalidates the exam. The doctor will also provide you with a copy of your medical examination. To verify the current status of your health and if you think it could impact your eligibility to become a legal permanent resident, seek help from experts at Rian Immigrant Center, Boston.
