The US has reinstated a requirement that non-immigrant visa holders return to their home country to apply for green cards, ending a temporary allowance for in-country applications.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that non-immigrant visa holders (such as H-1B, L-1, and F-1 visa holders) must now return to their home country to apply for green cards. This reverses a temporary policy that had allowed some applicants to adjust status while remaining in the United States.
This requirement, known as consular processing, means you must leave the US, attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country, and receive visa approval before returning. The process can take months and carries risk: if your application is denied, you may not be able to re-enter the US on your original visa.
Non-immigrant visa holders must now return home to apply for green cards—no in-country adjustment allowed.
If you're on a non-immigrant visa and considering a green card, consult an immigration attorney immediately. Plan your timeline carefully—you'll need to coordinate your departure, the consular appointment, and your return. Some visa categories may have exceptions; your lawyer can advise whether you qualify for adjustment of status. Start the process early; delays in scheduling consular appointments are common.
Source: original report ↗
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