A policy shift means most green card hopefuls can no longer adjust status while in the US—they must return home to complete consular processing.
The US has tightened green card processing by requiring most applicants to complete consular processing abroad rather than adjusting status from within the United States. This means that if you're already in the US on a temporary visa and seeking permanent residence, you may now have to leave the country to finalize your green card at a US embassy or consulate.
The shift affects employment-based immigrants, family-sponsored applicants, and diversity visa winners. While some categories retain the ability to adjust status in the US, the default pathway now requires applicants to depart and re-enter. This adds time, cost, and uncertainty to the process—and creates a real risk: if you leave the US to complete consular processing, you must be approved before you can return.
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Most green card applicants must now complete processing at a US embassy or consulate abroad.
If you're on a work visa or family visa and considering a green card, consult an immigration attorney immediately. The timing of your application, your visa category, and your country of origin all affect whether you can adjust in the US or must go through consular processing abroad. Don't assume the old rules apply.
Source: original report ↗
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