• by Santhosh Rao

INTRODUCTION:

October 2025 was very active month for U.S. Immigration. GLF provided updates via Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram on numerous U.S. Immigration matters, including:

1. USCIS Issues Dual Memos Impacting Naturalization: Good Moral Character & Neighborhood Investigations 
2. H-1B Visa Overhaul: Key Takeaways for Employers and Institutions 
3. State Department’s November 2025 Visa Bulletin  
4. Navigating the Government Shutdown: What H-1B Workers and Employers must know 
5. Preparing For USCIS’S Mandatory Electronic Payment System starting October 29, 2025 
6. DHS Ends Automatic Extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADS) 
7. USCIS Reaffirms Strict Review on Public Charge Determinations

We at GLF post regular updates on our Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram handles. Additionally, we also periodically send out GLF Newsletters when the subject matter is extensive and relevant for a detailed analysis. Presented below is a consolidated summary of updates posted on GLF’s various social media handles for October 2025.

USCIS ISSUES DUAL MEMOS IMPACTING NATURALIZATION: GOOD MORAL CHARACTER & NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTIGATIONS 

USCIS has issued two key memos resharing how Good Moral Character (GMC) and Neighborhood Investigations are handled for Naturalization applicants

1. USCIS now emphasizes a holistic, “totality of circumstances” approach in assessing Good Moral Character (GMC), weighing both positive and negative factors.  
2. Positive indicators include community service, family responsibility, education, stable employment, and tax compliance.  
3. Disqualifying acts/ Negative factors includes ranging from serious crimes to repeated DUIs or unlawful voting—remain bars to GMC.  
4. Officers may also assess behavior “contrary to the average citizen,” a subjective and undefined standard that could lead to inconsistent adjudications.  
5. USCIS also reinstates the authority for personal investigations under INA §335(a), allowing discretionary neighborhood, employer, and community inquiries.  
6. Applicants may be asked to provide contact information for references.  
7. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate positive contributions and anticipate potential field inquiries during the process. 

USCIS ensures that naturalization reflects both allegiance to the United States and alignment with its moral and civic expectations. 

H-1B VISA OVERHAUL: KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR EMPLOYERS AND INSTITUTIONS 

The White House has proposed significant new restrictions to the H-1B visa program, marking one of the most substantial overhauls in years. The Proposed rule, titled “Reforming the H-1B Non-immigrant Visa Classification Program,” seeks to tighten eligibility standards and increase oversight of U.S. employers hiring skilled foreign workers. 

Key proposed changes include: 

1. Narrowing the definition of “specialty occupation,” 
2. Limiting which employers qualify for cap exemptions (impacting universities and research institutions),  
3. Increasing scrutiny of third-party placements, and 
4. Stricter compliance measures and higher penalties for prior violations. 

A separate $100,000 petition fee has already triggered pushback from industries reliant on global talent—particularly healthcare, education, and tech sectors. Supporters argue these reforms will curb abuse and protect U.S. workers, while critics warn they could undermine innovation, research, and competitiveness by deterring highly skilled professionals. 

The rule is currently in ‘Proposed Rule stage’ at OIRA, once published in the Federal Register it will remain open for public comment for period of 30 days or 60 days as determined by DHS.   

While the administration cites worker protection and program integrity, critics warn these changes could impact employers, universities, and skilled professionals. They may face legal challenges similar to prior H-1B reform attempts struck down by courts. 

STATE DEPARTMENT’S NOVEMBER VISA BULLETIN  

The State Department has issued the November 2025 Visa Bulletin – here are the highlights:  

For Family-sponsored filings, the Dates for Filing chart must be used; likewise, for employment-based filings, the Dates for Filing chart must also be used.

For Family-Sponsored Preference Categories (India): 

1. F-1 – Final Action Date (November 08, 2016) remains unchanged; Dates for Filing (September 01, 2017) remains unchanged. 
2. F-2A – Final Action Date (February 01, 2024) remains unchanged; However, Dates for Filing have advanced from (September 22, 2025) to (October 22, 2025).  
3. F-2B – Final Action Date has advanced from (November 22, 2016) to (December 01, 2016); Dates for Filing have advanced from (January 01, 2017) to (March 08, 2017). 
4. F-3 – Final Action Date (September 08, 2011) remains unchanged; Dates for Filing (July 22, 2012) remain unchanged.  

For Employment -Based Preference Categories (India): 

1. EB-1 – Final Action date (February 15, 2022) remains unchanged; Dates for Filing have not changed (April 15, 2023).  
2. EB-2 – Final Action Date (April 01, 2013) remains unchanged; Dates for Filing (December 01, 2013) remain unchanged. 
3. EB-3 – Final Action Date (August 22, 2013) remains unchanged; Dates for Filing (August 15, 2014) remain unchanged. 
4. EB-4 – Final Action (July 01, 2020) remains unchanged; Dates for Filing (February 15, 2021) remain unchanged. Religious Workers category is Unavailable for issuance.  

The DV-2025 annual limit will be reduced to 52,000. 

NAVIGATING THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: WHAT H-1B WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS MUST KNOW 

The ongoing Federal government shutdown has created uncertainty for H-1B workers and employers alike. While USCIS continues to process already filed H-1B petitions, the Department of Labor (DOL) has stopped issuing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs)—a mandatory step for all H-1B (New/ Transfer/ Amendment) filings. As a result, no new H-1B petitions can be filed until the DOL resumes operations. 

USCIS has, however, acknowledged the shutdown as an “extraordinary circumstance.” This allows for potential excuse of late filings—but only when the delay is directly tied to the shutdown and clearly documented. Employers are advised to proactively prepare all documentation, maintain evidence of delays, and stay ready to file LCAs and petitions immediately once DOL reopens.

For those workers nearing status expiration are advised not to wait but to switch to B-2, H-4, or L-2) before expiry.  This will help in avoid unlawful presence and future immigration complications. Once Federal government function resume, the applicants can switch back the H-1B status and also ensure to withdraw their interim application by requesting for sequential adjudication and maintain their H-1B status under the “last action rule.” 

PREPARING FOR USCIS’S MANDATORY ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM STARTING OCTOBER 29, 2025 

Starting October 29, 2025, USCIS will accept only electronic payments, a significant procedural shift that will require Law firms and Petitioners to review, document, and update their payment processes. 

Until now, most Immigration Law Firms/ Petitioners relied on checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders for filing fees. Under the new system, only Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers or credit/debit card payments will be accepted. Firms should review state bar guidance on whether ACH payments may originate from an IOLTA or client-trust account, as state rules differ on this point 

Recommended Steps for a Smooth Transition: 

1. Use a separate Form G-1450 or G-1650 for each USCIS filing fee, batching fees on one form is not permitted. 
2. Adopt secure payment platforms (e.g., LawPay Smart Spend, Corpay, Extend) that can generate unique, client-specific virtual card numbers. 
3. Do not retain ACH or credit-card forms longer than necessary; redact or delete financial data immediately after submission. 
4. Follow PCI Compliance standards to safeguard client payment information and meet ethical confidentiality obligations. 
5. Maintain a detailed payment log linking each transaction to the correct client and filing to ensure accurate reconciliation, since electronic statements often lack identifying details. 

Note that USCIS will attempt ACH transactions twice before rejection, but will attempt credit-card payments only once, making accuracy and available funds essential. 

DHS ENDS AUTOMATIC EXTENSIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENTS (EADS) 

On October 28, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an interim final rule ending the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for all C-9 Categories. This policy shift is intended to strengthen DHS’s screening and vetting procedures to safeguard public safety and national security. 

Beginning October 30, 2025, individuals filing EAD renewal applications will no longer receive an automatic extension of work authorization, except in limited cases—such as extensions mandated by law or specific Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations published in the Federal Register. 

The new rule emphasizes more frequent background checks to deter fraud and identify individuals who may pose security risks before authorizing continued employment. DHS and USCIS describe this as a “commonsense measure” that ensures proper vetting is completed prior to extending employment authorization. 

USCIS advises applicants to file renewals up to 180 days before their current EAD expires to avoid potential lapses in work authorization. Any timely submission made before Oct. 30, 2025, will qualify for automatic extension under existing rules. 

This development marks a significant procedural change—replacing convenience-based extensions with a security-driven approach to EAD renewals.

USCIS REAFFIRMS STRICT REVIEW ON PUBLIC CHARGE DETERMINATIONS 

On September 4, 2025, USCIS released a Policy Memorandum emphasizing strict adherence to statutory and regulatory standards when determining whether applicants may become a public charge. The guidance primarily affects Form I-485 filings and reaffirms that decisions must be based on a comprehensive “totality of circumstances” criterion, considering factors such as age, health, financial stability, education, and skills. 

While the Memo introduces no new rules or forms, it underscores heightened scrutiny in adjudications. It signals potential increases in Requests for Evidence or Notices of Intent to Deny, especially regarding Form I-864 Affidavits of Support and related documentation. Applicants found inadmissible may still seek limited relief through statutory waivers or by posting a discretionary public charge bond to prove financial reliability. 

Practitioners should identify potential issues early by confirming exemptions, reviewing public benefit history, and ensuring sponsor eligibility, while clearly presenting the applicant’s income, assets, health, and employability to build a strong case under the totality of circumstances. 

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