The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services now require green-card applicants to apply from their home nations.

This policy shift represents a significant departure from long-standing immigration practices. By requiring applicants to leave the U.S. and submit paperwork via the State Department, the administration creates a substantial barrier for those currently residing in the country on temporary visas.

The directive was announced on Friday, May 22, 2026 [1]. Under the new rules, foreign nationals who are currently in the U.S. and seeking a green card must depart the country to complete their application process. This is part of a broader immigration policy overhaul led by the Trump administration [2, 3].

According to reports, the green-card process had remained largely unchanged for more than 60 years [4] before this directive was issued. The administration's move targets the mechanism of "adjustment of status," which previously allowed eligible individuals to transition to permanent residency without leaving U.S. soil.

Industry analysts said the new rule could affect hundreds of thousands of applicants [5]. The requirement to return to a home country introduces risks of processing delays and potential issues with re-entry into the U.S. while applications are pending.

There are conflicting reports regarding the scope of these changes. While some sources said all applicants must leave, others suggest an online filing option for Form I-485 may still allow certain employment-based foreign nationals to apply without departing the U.S. [6]. However, the primary directive issued by the administration emphasizes the requirement to apply from outside the country [1, 2].

“The green-card process had been unchanged for more than 60 years before this change.”

This policy shift effectively ends the ability for most immigrants to 'adjust status' while remaining employed or residing in the U.S. By forcing applicants to return to their home countries, the administration increases the likelihood of applicants being stranded abroad due to bureaucratic delays, which may serve as a deterrent to legal immigration and a tool for reducing the current foreign-born population within U.S. borders.