Expanded Travel and Entry Restrictions

Country-based restrictions were reinstated in June 2025 and expanded in December 2025. The later proclamation fully or partially restricts entry for nationals of dozens of countries and specifically states that family-based immigrant visas are no longer broadly exempt from the restrictions.

For a U.S. citizen engaged or married to a national of an affected country, the impact may include suspended visa issuance, inability to enter the United States or the need to seek a narrow exception or case-by-case waiver.

Review the current entry proclamation

Online-Presence Review for K Visa Applicants

Beginning March 30, 2026, the Department of State expanded online-presence review to K-1 fiancé, K-2 child and K-3 spouse visa applicants. Applicants should expect public social-media activity and other online information to be examined for identity, security, admissibility and consistency with the visa application.

Couples should carefully review names, dates, relationship history, employment information, travel history and public posts for inconsistencies before submitting forms or attending the interview.

Read the State Department announcement

Stronger Family-Petition Vetting

USCIS issued updated family-based immigration guidance in August 2025 and additional spousal-petition guidance in October 2025. The agency emphasized verification of genuine family relationships, circumstances that may require interviews, and fraud detection at the petition stage.

This does not mean every legitimate couple will be denied or interviewed. It does mean that incomplete forms, inconsistent histories and weak relationship evidence can create more risk than they did under a less enforcement-focused approach.

Learn how to document a genuine relationship

Greater Public-Charge and Financial Scrutiny

The State Department has instructed consular officers to examine whether an immigrant is likely to become a public charge. The review can include age, health, family circumstances, financial resources, education, skills and current or past use of U.S. public benefits.

In January 2026, immigrant visa issuance was also paused for nationals of a long list of countries while public-benefits screening policies were reviewed. Applicants from affected countries may still attend interviews, but issuance may remain paused unless an exception applies.

Review marriage-based immigration income requirements

A More Demanding Citizenship Civics Test

USCIS introduced the 2025 naturalization civics test for applicants filing Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. The test uses a bank of 128 questions. An officer asks up to 20 questions, and the applicant must answer 12 correctly.

This is a confirmed change, not merely a forecast. Applicants should verify which test applies based on their N-400 filing date and study the corresponding official materials.

See the U.S. naturalization process

More In-Person Visa Interviews

The State Department substantially narrowed nonimmigrant interview-waiver eligibility effective October 1, 2025. K-1 and K-3 applicants ordinarily already expect consular interviews, but the broader policy direction confirms a return to more personal screening and fewer routine waivers across visa categories.

USCIS still has authority to determine whether an interview is needed in many family-based cases. Applicants should prepare every filing as though an officer may later question the couple about the relationship and supporting evidence.

Prepare for a K-1 visa interview

Check Nationality-Based Restrictions First

Before spending months preparing a case, determine whether the foreign partner’s nationality, passport or country of residence is affected by a visa-issuance pause or entry proclamation. Also check whether an exception applies to dual nationals or another protected category.

Make Every Answer Consistent

Dates and facts should agree across the petition, visa application, prior visa records, social-media profiles and interview answers. Explain legitimate discrepancies rather than hoping they will not be noticed.

Front-Load Relationship Evidence

Provide organized evidence showing how the relationship began, how it developed, in-person meetings, continuing communication, shared plans and the couple’s intent to build a life together.

See how a front-loaded petition works

Prepare Strong Financial Documentation

Use current tax records, pay statements, employment evidence and, when needed, properly documented assets or a qualified joint sponsor. Do not assume that meeting a single income number will resolve every public-charge concern at a consular interview.

Learn about joint sponsors

Expect an Interview

Prepare for direct questions about the relationship, prior marriages, family members, immigration history, finances and future plans. Bring updated evidence rather than relying only on material submitted months earlier.

Use Current Government Instructions

Immigration policy can change quickly. Check USCIS, the Department of State and the applicable embassy or consulate before filing, scheduling travel or attending an interview.