Published: 27.05.2026
Foreign nationals temporarily in the United States who seek permanent residence will be required to return to their home country to apply for a green card. USCIS officers will determine exceptions for “extraordinary circumstances”; potentially affected groups include spouses of U.S. citizens, work and student visa holders, and people with humanitarian protection.
According to the sources, shifting from in-country adjustment to consular processing could add travel costs, logistical burdens, and dependence on processing timelines outside the United States. This matters particularly to people entering through employment, student, or family-based routes and expecting to pursue permanent residence without leaving the country. Temporary residents and families preparing green-card applications should pay close attention before filing. The change is significant for relocation planning and merits careful review.