Most Searched Immigration Questions of 2025: What People Want to Know

Immigration remains one of the most searched and discussed topics in 2025 as individuals and families around the world seek clarity on how changing laws and policies affect their future in the United States. At DeMine Immigration, we have analyzed the most common immigration questions people are asking this year to understand what matters most to applicants, sponsors, and anyone navigating the U.S. immigration process in a changing legal environment.

Question 1: How do I get a Green Card?

What people ask: “How can I get a green card?” “What are the requirements?”
Answer: The green card (lawful permanent residence) allows you to live and work in the U.S. on a long-term basis. The common pathways are family-based sponsorship, employment-based sponsorship, refugee/asylee status, and in some cases the diversity visa lottery.

Key details for 2025:

• Confirm the category you qualify under (family, employment, etc).
• Be sure you meet eligibility for that category (e.g., petitioner status, qualifying family member, job offer, etc).
• Understand backlog, priority dates, and country caps if applicable.

Action you can take today: Check your eligibility category and do an initial document checklist (passport, status history, family history). Then schedule a consultation to map your timeline.

Question 2: What is the difference between a visa and a green card?

What people ask: “What’s the difference between a visa and a green card?” “Does having a visa mean I can stay permanently?”
Answer: A visa generally allows you to enter the U.S. temporarily (non-immigrant) or in some cases permanently (immigrant visa) but the overseas consular process. A green card is U.S. lawful permanent residence status.

Key details for 2025:

• If you hold a non-immigrant visa (such as F-1, H-1B, etc) you are subject to terms of that visa (duration, work authorization, travel).
• Having a visa does not automatically convert to a green card. You may need to file a Form I-485 Adjustment of Status (if inside U.S.) or go through consular processing.

Action you can take today: Review your current status and document whether it is just a visa or leads toward permanent residence. Clarify if you need to shift strategy.

Question 3: Can I work in the U.S. while waiting for my Green Card or visa?

What people ask: “Do I need separate work authorization while waiting?” “When can I apply for an EAD?”
Answer: It depends on your status and category. Some applicants can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while their green card or adjustment of status application is pending. Others must wait until status is approved.

Key details for 2025:

• If you are adjusting status from within the U.S. you may concurrently file Form I-765 (EAD) along with Form I-485 if eligible.
• If you are outside the U.S. and going through consular processing you typically cannot work in the U.S. until your immigrant visa is issued and you enter.
• Unauthorized work before your status allows it can jeopardize your application.

Action you can take today: Confirm whether your filing stream allows an EAD. If so, prepare your I-765 and required supporting documents. If not, plan your finances for the waiting period.

Question 4: What happens if I overstay my visa or am out of status?

What people ask: “If I stay past my visa expiration will I be banned?” “Am I eligible for a waiver?”
Answer: Yes — overstaying or being out of status can trigger bars to re-entry (e.g., 3-year or 10-year bans) and complicate adjustment of status or other immigration benefits.

Key details for 2025:

• Unlawful presence accrues once you are present in the U.S. without legal status or after the authorized period ends.
• If you depart the U.S. after accruing certain levels of unlawful presence you may face a 3- or 10-year bar for re-entry.
• Waivers exist but are fact-dependent and require legal analysis.

Action you can take today: If you believe you may have overstayed or lost status, stop and schedule a case review. Do not assume you can fix it by leaving and returning without checking.

Question 5: What Are the New Immigration Changes in 2025?

What people ask: “What’s new in 2025 immigration law?” “How are policy updates affecting me?”
Answer: In 2025, some of the major themes include increased scrutiny of social media and digital records for visa/green card applicants, evolving processing backlogs, and changing interview or waiver eligibility rules. For example, U.S. immigration officials are seeking to expand social media data collection for applicants.

Key details for 2025:

• Applicants should expect more questions about online presence, travel history, employment history and digital footprints.
• Processing delays continue; budget and policy shifts are affecting adjudication capacity.

Action you can take today: Review your social media and digital presence with a professional if you’re applying. Maintain clear records of travel, employment, and status history in case extra verification is requested.

Guiding Your Immigration Journey

As immigration continues to evolve in 2025, we remain dedicated to guiding our clients through every step of the process with clarity and care. At DeMine Immigration, our goal is to help you find the right answers and move forward toward your future with confidence.

📅Schedule a consultation today and let us help you take the next step in your immigration journey.