NEW : The change is expected to increase marriage applications from same - sex spouses . Secretary of State John Kerry says all couples now will be treated the same . A State Department official told CNN on condition of not being identified that the change was expected to immediately affect up to 100 applicants . The policy includes same - sex spouses of Americans and Canadians . The change follows a major Supreme Court ruling on same - sex marriage .
NEW : The change is expected to increase marriage applications from same - sex spouses . Secretary of State John Kerry says all couples now will be treated the same . The policy includes same - sex spouses of Americans and Canadians . The change follows a major Supreme Court ruling on same - sex marriage .