Immigration Watch: Updates as of September 26, 2025

Immigration policy in the United States continues to shift rapidly, with significant changes proposed and enacted in recent weeks. From an updated naturalization civics test to new restrictions on student visas and sweeping changes to H-1B policy, these developments could impact individuals, universities, and businesses nationwide.

Below is a breakdown of the key updates and their potential effects.

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Changes to the Naturalization Civics Test in 2025

On September 17, USCIS announced updates to the Naturalization Civics Test that will take effect on October 20, 2025. These changes apply to applicants filing Form N-400 for U.S. citizenship.

Current Naturalization Civics Test (2008 Version)

Under the current test format:

• Applicants are asked 10 questions
• Questions are selected from a bank of 100
• Applicants must answer 6 out of 10 correctly to pass
• The test is administered orally and remains pass/fail

New Naturalization Civics Test (Effective October 20, 2025)

Beginning October 20, 2025:

• Applicants will be asked 20 questions
• Questions will be selected from a bank of 128 total questions
• Applicants must answer 12 out of 20 correctly to pass
• The test remains pass/fail
• Officers will continue asking questions until a passing or failing result is determined

The updated 128-question bank pulls from both the 2008 and 2020 versions of the civics test.

Modified Test for Long-Term Permanent Residents

Applicants over age 65 who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years will take a modified version:

• 10 questions
• Selected from a bank of 20
• Questions drawn from the 2008 and 2020 test banks

USCIS has published all 128 potential questions in advance, allowing applicants to prepare accordingly.

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Proposed Changes to F-1 Student Visas

The Trump Administration has proposed new limitations on how long international students can remain in the United States on F-1 student visas.

Current F-1 Visa Policy

Since 1978, F-1 visa holders have been admitted for duration of status (D/S). This allows students to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain compliance with their academic program.

Proposed F-1 Visa Rule

The proposed rule would:

• Replace duration of status with fixed end dates
• Limit authorized stay to the length of the academic program
• Cap the period at a maximum of four years
• Require students needing additional time to apply for extensions with USCIS

The proposal was published in the Federal Register on August 28 and is open for public comment through September 29.

Economic Impact of International Students

International students:

• Undergo extensive vetting by universities and federal agencies
• Typically pay full tuition
• Receive limited financial aid
• Contributed approximately $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023

Critics argue that a four-year cap could discourage enrollment in longer programs such as Ph.D. and M.D. degrees and reduce the global competitiveness of U.S. universities.

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H-1B Visa Policy Changes and $100,000 Fee Requirement

On September 19, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting entry of certain H-1B visa holders unless a new $100,000 fee is paid.

The proclamation:

• Took effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 21
• Is scheduled to last one year but may be extended
• Applies to H-1B workers seeking entry or reentry from outside the United States

Who Is Affected by the New H-1B Fee?

According to USCIS and CBP guidance, the $100,000 fee does not apply to:

• Beneficiaries of H-1B petitions filed before September 21
• Individuals with currently approved H-1B petitions
• Individuals who already possess valid H-1B visas

There is no change to existing H-1B renewal fees. The new fee appears to apply only to certain new H-1B petitions involving entry from abroad.

Unanswered Questions About H-1B Implementation

Despite agency guidance, several important questions remain:

• Will change of status applications require payment?
• Will extensions of stay or amended petitions require payment?
• Are cap-exempt employers subject to the fee?
• Does the fee apply to H-4 dependents?
• How will payment be processed and verified at ports of entry?

The administration has stated that the goal of the new H-1B policy is to incentivize domestic hiring. However, industry leaders in technology, venture capital, and artificial intelligence have expressed concern that the policy could:

• Limit access to specialized talent
• Affect U.S. innovation
• Reduce global competitiveness
• Impact AI development, which has been identified as a national priority

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has sought a temporary restraining order, and additional litigation is expected.

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Proposed Changes to the H-1B Lottery System

In addition to the fee increase, USCIS has proposed changes to the H-1B lottery system. The proposal would shift from a purely random selection process to a system weighted based on skillset.

Further details are expected in the coming months.

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Conclusion: Staying Informed on 2025 Immigration Law Changes

From changes to the naturalization civics test to new F-1 visa restrictions and major H-1B policy shifts, immigration law in 2025 is undergoing significant transformation.

Individuals applying for U.S. citizenship, international students, universities, employers, and foreign workers should closely monitor these developments to avoid delays, unexpected costs, or compliance issues.

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If you have questions about how these policy changes may affect you or your organization, contact our office for guidance tailored to your situation. To read more about what I’ve written about today and more, you can subscribe to my bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Immigration Watch.