A major policy shift now requires most non-immigrant visa holders to return to their home country to apply for a green card instead of adjusting status within the US—a significant change for anyone planning to transition from temporary visa to permanent residency.
The Trump administration has announced that most non-immigrant visa holders must now apply for green cards through consular processing in their home country rather than adjusting status while remaining in the US. This reverses the long-standing practice of in-country adjustment and fundamentally changes the green card pathway for expats and foreign workers.
Previously, many visa holders (H-1B, L-1, F-1 students, and others) could file for green card adjustment without leaving the US. Under the new policy, they must return home, apply at a US consulate or embassy, and wait for processing—a process that can take months or years and leaves applicants outside the US during the waiting period.
Most non-immigrant visa holders must now apply for green cards through consular processing in their home country rather than adjusting status while remaining in the US.
If you're on a non-immigrant visa and considering a green card, act quickly if you're eligible to adjust in-country under current rules—the window may close. If you must return home to apply, factor in extended time abroad, potential job loss, and family separation. Consult an immigration attorney immediately to understand your options and timeline. This policy has major implications for anyone planning long-term US residency.
Source: original report ↗
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