The Trump administration has announced a policy requiring visa holders seeking permanent residency to return to their home country to complete the green card process. This reverses the ability of many applicants to adjust status while remaining in the United States.
Immigration & Visas
Trump Administration: Visa Holders Seeking Permanent Residency Must Return Home
A new policy requires certain visa holders to return to their home country before applying for permanent residency, complicating the green card process.
Consular processing adds months to the timeline and requires leaving the US during the application.
If you're on an H-1B, L-1, or other work visa and planning to apply for a green card, this matters urgently. Consular processing—the requirement to interview at a US embassy abroad—adds months to the timeline and means leaving the US during the application. You'll need to maintain valid status until departure and understand that you may not be able to work or travel while abroad waiting for your interview. This policy particularly affects skilled workers in tech, healthcare, and other sectors who were counting on adjustment of status. Consult an immigration attorney immediately if you're in this situation; there may be limited exceptions or alternative pathways depending on your visa category and employer sponsorship.
Source: original report ↗
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