Published: 27.05.2026
USCIS announced that foreign nationals in the United States on temporary status who seek a green card will have to apply from their home country, except in certain extraordinary circumstances. The change may affect, among others, some spouses of U.S. citizens, work and student visa holders, refugees, and asylum seekers.
According to the source, some people already in the United States on temporary status may need to leave the country and apply through an overseas process in order to obtain permanent residence. That can add travel, documentation, and timing burdens to the path toward a green card. The change is especially relevant to work and student visa holders, spouses of U.S. citizens, refugees, and asylum seekers who expect to adjust to permanent residence. Anyone planning a move around transitioning from temporary status to a green card should take this policy into account when evaluating timing and process options.