Submission + - Most people seeking green cards must now apply from outside US (bbc.com)
On May 22, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a sweeping policy memorandum changing how "Adjustment of Status" (AOS) applications are handled. The agency announced it will now treat adjusting status from within the U.S. as an "extraordinary form of relief" rather than a routine path, directing most temporary visa holders to return home for consular processing.
Targeted Groups: The directive primarily impacts non-immigrants holding temporary visas, including students (F-1), tourists (B-1/B-2), and temporary workers (such as H-1B).
The New Rule: Instead of filing Form I-485 to get a Green Card while remaining in the United States, applicants are expected to leave and apply via consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom...