As you may know, a new U.S. president will take office on January 20, 2025. This could bring some significant changes to visa policies, which might affect you or your partner’s application process. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

1. Increased Scrutiny and Processing Delays
Expect more rigorous security checks and longer processing times. Past administrations have implemented stricter screenings, which often leads to delays, so it’s wise to prepare for longer wait times.

2. Employment-Based Visa Challenges
Employment-based visas (like H-1B, EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3) might become harder to secure. The incoming administration may focus on reducing foreign labor, meaning employers might face more hurdles in sponsoring these visas.

3. Travel Restrictions
There could be new travel bans or restrictions for certain regions. If you or your Filipina spouse/fiancée travels internationally, it’s a good idea to stay informed, as any changes could affect personal and work-related travel.

4. Public Charge Rule Enforcement for K-1/CR-1 Visas
K-1 and CR-1 visa applicants could face stricter enforcement of the Public Charge Rule, so make sure your financial documentation is solid if you’re going this route. More focus on financial stability might mean added scrutiny in this area.

5. Family-Based Immigration
Family-based immigration might see closer scrutiny, with a possible shift toward prioritizing merit-based visas over family-based ones. Getting started early could be a smart move if you’re planning to file.

Under the Trump administration, visa processing times were significantly slowed, leading to backlogs that affected many applicants. Given the potential for similar delays, initiating your visa application sooner rather than later can be beneficial.