U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Friday that most green card applicants must now undergo consular processing in their home countries [1].
This shift fundamentally changes how non-immigrant visa holders transition to permanent residency. By removing the ability to adjust status while remaining in the U.S., the government creates a significant logistical and professional hurdle for thousands of legal residents.
The policy primarily affects temporary visa holders, including those on H-1B, F-1, and J-1 visas [1]. Under the new rules, these individuals must leave the U.S. and apply for their green cards through a consulate in their country of origin [1].
Officials said the move aims to tighten immigration procedures and reduce the misuse of visa pathways [1]. By shifting the processing burden to consular offices abroad, the government intends to increase oversight of the permanent residency application process [1].
The scale of the impact is substantial. Approximately one million people apply for green cards each year, and about 500,000 of those applicants do so from within the U.S. [2]. This new requirement effectively targets that half of the applicant pool, forcing them to exit the country to finalize their legal status [2].
Legal experts said that the adjustment-of-status route was previously the standard path for those already legally employed or studying in the U.S. The new mandate requires these individuals to coordinate their departure with their employers and families, a process that can take months or years depending on the consulate's backlog [1].
“Most green card applicants must now undergo consular processing in their home countries.”
This policy represents a significant pivot from the 'adjustment of status' model to a 'consular processing' model. By requiring applicants to leave the U.S., the government increases the risk that applicants may be unable to return if their visas expire or are denied during the wait. It also places a heavier administrative burden on U.S. consulates worldwide and may disrupt the U.S. labor market by forcing high-skilled workers on H-1B visas to vacate their positions while awaiting residency approval.
