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Immigration & Visas

Trump Administration Requires Foreigners in US to Apply for Green Cards Abroad

The Trump administration is enforcing a policy requiring non-immigrant visa holders to leave the US and apply for green cards from their home countries, eliminating the option to adjust status while in the country.

Image: Seasoned Expat

The Trump administration is enforcing a policy that requires foreigners on non-immigrant visas (such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, and others) to return to their home countries to apply for green cards, rather than adjusting status while in the US. This eliminates the option of "adjustment of status," which allowed visa holders to apply for permanent residency without leaving.

This affects anyone on a work visa, student visa, or other non-immigrant status who is pursuing permanent residency. You must now leave the US, apply at a US embassy or consulate abroad, and wait for processing—a process that can take months or longer. During that time, you're outside the US and cannot work.

You can no longer adjust your visa status while in the US; you must return home to apply for a green card.

If you're on a non-immigrant visa and considering green card sponsorship, act quickly: consult an immigration attorney to understand your options and timeline. Some visa categories may have exemptions or alternative pathways. The policy creates real hardship for those with family, employment, or housing commitments in the US. Have a lawyer review your specific visa type and employment situation before making any moves.

Source: original report ↗

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