DHS 2025 Regulatory Agenda: Key Immigration Reforms to Watch

Key Point 

• DHS’s 2025 Unified Agenda outlines key proposed changes to the H-1B and EB visa programs that could reshape employment-based immigration in the coming year 

2025 Unified Agenda 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released its Fall 2025 Unified Agenda, outlining active rulemaking priorities across its sub-agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Several proposed rules could significantly impact employment-based immigration programs in the coming year. 

H-1B Program Reform (RIN 1615-AD00) 

• Expected Publication: December 2025 
• Summary: DHS plans to revise eligibility for H-1B cap exemptions, increase scrutiny of employers with prior violations, and enhance oversight of third-party placements. According to the DHS rule, the aim is to improve program integrity and better protect U.S. workers’ wages and working conditions. 

Immigrant Worker Reforms (RIN 1615-AC85) 

• Expected Publication: January 2026 
• Summary: USCIS will propose updates to evidentiary standards for EB-1 and EB-2 classifications, including extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, and national interest waivers. The rule will also codify existing policy guidance and clarify site visit authority. 

Medical Examination and Vaccination Requirements for Immigration (RIN 1615-AC37) 

• Expected Publication: December 2025 
• Summary: DHS proposes updates to the medical examination and vaccination requirements for immigration benefits, including adjustments to how civil surgeons conduct and report medical exams. While primarily procedural, this rule may tangentially affect employment-based green card applicants by potentially altering timelines or access to required medical documentation. Employers sponsoring green card cases should monitor this rule for downstream impacts on adjustment-of-status processing. 

Weighted H-1B Registration Lottery  

The DHS Fall 2025 Unified Agenda also includes a proposed rule to implement a weighted H-1B registration lottery, favoring higher wage levels. This rule was officially published in September 2025 and is currently open for public comment. For a full breakdown of how it works and what it means for employers, see Envoy Global’s news alert. 

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