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In a significant move aimed at streamlining the immigration process, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that foreign nationals who are temporarily in the United States and seeking a Green Card must now return to their home country to apply. This new policy, which took effect on Monday, May 22, 2026, marks a significant shift in the way the USCIS processes Green Card applications from foreign nationals currently residing within the United States.
According to a statement released by USCIS, the new policy aims to promote fairness and efficiency in the allocation of Green Cards. “By requiring foreign nationals to apply for a Green Card within their home country, we can ensure that those who are eligible for a Green Card have an equal opportunity to apply, without being disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control,” stated the statement.
Under the new policy, foreign nationals who are temporarily working or living in the United States on non-immigrant visas, such as H-1B, L-1, or F-1 visas, will be required to return to their home country to apply for a Green Card. This change affects a significant number of foreign nationals, including workers in industries such as technology, healthcare, and finance, as well as students and researchers.
The new policy marks a significant departure from the previous system, under which Green Card applicants could submit their applications from within the United States. While the USCIS has yet to provide detailed guidance on the implementation of the new policy, it is expected to result in significant changes to the way foreign nationals navigate the immigration process.
The move has been met with a mixed reaction from industry leaders, immigration experts, and advocacy groups. While some have praised the USCIS for attempting to streamline the immigration process and promote fairness, others have expressed concerns about the potential impact on foreign nationals who may be forced to leave their jobs or education programs in the United States.
As the USCIS begins to implement the new policy, it is expected to face significant challenges in terms of educating foreign nationals about the changes and establishing new procedures for processing Green Card applications from abroad. In the coming weeks and months, it is likely that the USCIS will provide additional guidance and clarification on the implementation of the new policy, as well as establish new procedures for communicating with foreign nationals affected by the changes.