November Relaunch: Opening on 1st November
Xender Facebook logo Linkedin logo Instagram logo Youtube logo
  (+1) 413 400 3003
WhatsApp
WhatsApp Message
Perplexity ChatGPT Claude Gemini

U.S. Green Cards and Visa Holders to Face Photographing Vetting From December

Perplexity ChatGPT Claude Gemini
U.S. Green Cards and Visa Holders to Face Photographing Vetting From December

The United States administration is about to implement photographic vetting of all non-citizens when they enter or exit the United States. In support of this implementation, the authority has cited advances in facial recognition technology that can detect illegal activities swiftly and with increased precision.

As per the official documents in the Federal Register, the US Customs and Border Protection will implement photography and biometric checks at land borders, seaports, and airports from the upcoming month of December. This vetting will extend to all non-citizens of the U.S., including green card holders living in the country.

As one of the leading EB-1A experts in the industry, we are continuously monitoring the visa landscape and sharing our comprehensive breakdowns about these developments. As always, here is our clear breakdown of this new update as always.

Why is this update significant?

This rule first surfaced in 2021. Now it has returned triumphantly as part of the Trump administration’s push for stricter border enforcement. The administration also planned to conduct a closer tracking of the departures. This will help USCIS prevent people who are abusing the system and overstaying their visas. CBP, aka US Customs and Border Protection, has asserted that this implementation can add an additional layer of screening in detecting fraudulent practices and conducting identity checks.

What is about to change?

The policy is going to be effective from December 26, 2025. You can expect the following major changes:

  • Photographing the non-citizens at all departure points in the U.S.
  • Collecting biometric data for increased vetting
  • The facial recognition scan will expand to children under 14 and adults over 79
  • Matching the new photos with the older and already existing images in the government systems.

Here is something interesting and noteworthy that CBP already collects fingerprints and photos from all the travelers entering the country. Now, the similar surveillance will also extend to those exiting the nation.

The statement of CBP

According to several news outlets, CBP has commented on this rigorous vetting in its filing, in the following terms:

“Implementing an integrated biometric entry-exit system that compares biometric data of aliens collected upon arrival with biometric data collected upon departure helps address the national security concerns arising from the threat of terrorism, the fraudulent use of legitimate travel documentation, aliens who remain in the United States beyond their period of authorized stay (overstays) or are present in the United States without being admitted or paroled, as well as incorrect or incomplete biographic data for travellers”

To summarise, the CBP has essentially cited a range of security issues to explain the new measures.

Consequently, all visa holders are likely to witness increased scrutiny, and they should be extra cautious to follow all the official steps. If you need any personalized suggestions or help from our EB-1A green card consultancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. We always love to discuss and break down the immigration policies for you in detail.

Recent Post
Why Are Many Indians on H-1B Leaving the U.S.? A Pattern of Reverse Migration?
Why Are Many Indians on H-1B Leaving the U.S.? A Pattern of Reverse Migration?

The United States has undoubtedly been the most important magnet for Indian aspirants and professionals. And, one of the real anchors for many Indians’ career dreams was the H-1B visa. However, after the latest fee imposition and increasing screening and vetting, many Indians are at a crossroads of ending their dreams unrealized.

October 2025 EB-1 Bulletin Announces Good News for Filing Dates
October 2025 EB-1 Bulletin Announces Good News for Filing Dates

When the U.S. Department of State releases the monthly Visa Bulletin, you can see two important checklists: the Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications.
Several Research Data Indicates Reducing Immigration Can Harm America’s Own Workers
Several Research Data Indicates Reducing Immigration Can Harm America’s Own Workers

According to Forbes and several other outlets, new researches are indicating a damaging trend to the U.S. economy. Within the last few weeks, studies have hinted that the United States is more likely to prosper by welcoming more immigrants instead of barring or prohibiting them. Contrary to what one may assume, the U.S.-born native workers are not benefiting from stricter immigration policies, the research suggests.

Facing Uncertainty: When H-1B Visa Dreams Hang by a Thread
Facing Uncertainty: When H-1B Visa Dreams Hang by a Thread

The H-1B visa has long symbolized opportunity and hope for many aspirants: the chance for skilled professionals to build thriving careers in the U.S. But today, this dream is under siege.
Do You Need to Make Your Social Media Public to Get a Visa?
Do You Need to Make Your Social Media Public to Get a Visa?

In June 2025, international students applying for F, M, and J visas were met with a startling new requirement: make their social media profiles public for U.S. consular officers to review.
Second Federal Judge Strikes Down the $100,000 H-1B Fee: What the September 30 Ruling Means
Second Federal Judge Strikes Down the $100,000 H-1B Fee: What the September 30 Ruling Means

A second federal judge has struck down the $100,000 fee on new H-1B workers, and with it the September 2026 proclamation that renewed it. U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam Jr. found the policies arbitrary and capricious and ruled they were legislative rules that required public comment first. In plain terms, the government cannot create a charge of this size through agency memos and guidance without asking the public. Once again, our EB-1A consultants have overviewed this important piece of news in great detail.
US Issues New Warning to Indian Students Amidst Immigration Crackdown
US Issues New Warning to Indian Students Amidst Immigration Crackdown

In a recent social media post, the US Embassy in India on Saturday issued a new warning to Indian students. The post states that there would be ‘serious consequences’ if they break any laws or get detained for any reason.
Trump Administration Unleashes Surprise Site Checks for OPT Students
Trump Administration Unleashes Surprise Site Checks for OPT Students

The U.S. administration has escalated the surveillance directed towards foreign students under the Optional Practical Training or OPT programme.
USCIS Releases New Photo Policy to Strengthen Security and Prevent Immigration Fraud
USCIS Releases New Photo Policy to Strengthen Security and Prevent Immigration Fraud

On December 12, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a new photo policy aimed at fortifying identity verification and reducing fraud in the immigration system.

UK to Effect Visa Ban on Nations That Refuse to Take Back Their Deported Citizens
UK to Effect Visa Ban on Nations That Refuse to Take Back Their Deported Citizens

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has recently stepped in with a big announcement last Monday. She spoke of an effective visa ban on countries unless they accept the deported criminals and illegal immigrants, i.e. inhabitants of their own nations.