The U.S. is ending consular processing for many visa holders already in the country, forcing them to leave and apply for green cards from abroad—a major shift for anyone on a work or student visa planning to adjust status.
The Trump administration has announced a policy requiring certain foreigners in the United States to apply for green cards at a U.S. consulate in their home country rather than adjusting status while remaining in the U.S. This reverses the long-standing practice of consular processing, which allowed visa holders to change their status without leaving.
This affects non-immigrant visa holders—primarily those on H-1B, L-1, F-1, and similar work and student visas—who were planning to adjust status to permanent residency. Under the new rule, you must depart the U.S., return to your home country, and complete the green card application process at a U.S. embassy or consulate there. The timeline for your return and reentry is uncertain, and you risk being unable to re-enter if your application is denied.
Non-immigrant visa holders must now leave the U.S. to apply for green cards from their home country.
If you're on a non-immigrant visa and considering a green card, consult an immigration attorney immediately. The policy is still being implemented, and there may be exemptions or delays. Do not assume you can adjust status while in the U.S. without confirming current USCIS guidance.
Source: original report ↗
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