In a sweeping policy shift set to affect thousands of refugee and asylum applicants worldwide, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that only civil marriages will be accepted for spousal immigration benefits beginning July 3, 2025.
The new rule means that religious, customary, or traditional marriages not registered under civil law will no longer be recognized for derivative immigration purposes.
“A marriage must be legally valid under the law of the jurisdiction where it was celebrated,” the USCIS stated, referencing updates to its official policy manual.
Who This Policy Affects
The move will primarily impact:
- Refugees and asylees already granted protection in the U.S. seeking to reunite with spouses abroad
- Derivative spouses applying for immigration benefits based on a marital connection to a refugee or asylee
Applicants from countries where civil marriages are uncommon or not mandatory, including Nigeria, Uganda, India, Afghanistan, and Somalia
For pending and new applications starting July 3, USCIS will require an official civil marriage certificate, in addition to evidence of a shared life — such as joint finances, children, or assets.
Why the Change?
The agency says the update aims to:
- Prevent fraud in the immigration system
- Promote legal consistency
Align with Executive Order 14148 and Executive Order 14163, recent White House directives aimed at reforming the refugee system based on “inclusive and humanitarian values.”
USCIS Advice to Applicants
Couples who were married through religious or customary ceremonies only are now urged to:
Obtain a government-issued civil marriage certificate in the country of marriage
Retroactively register their traditional marriage, if permitted by local laws
Submit proof of a genuine marital relationship, including photos, communication records, and co-parenting documentation