The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced stricter guidelines for temporary foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, marking a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy framework. The new rules are expected to have a major impact on students, tourists, and temporary workers currently residing in the US.
Under the revised policy, individuals on temporary visas will now be required to return to their home countries before applying for a green card. USCIS spokesperson Jack Kahlur stated that the decision has been taken to uphold the original intent of US immigration laws and prevent misuse of temporary visa categories for permanent settlement purposes. A formal policy memorandum outlining the changes has also been issued.
The new guidelines further state that only in exceptional and extraordinary circumstances will applicants be allowed to apply for a change of immigration status while remaining within the United States. All such applications will undergo strict scrutiny by immigration authorities before approval. USCIS has emphasized that the revised framework is aimed at closing loopholes in the existing system and strengthening regulatory compliance.
Officials also noted that even in cases where green card applications are rejected, the updated enforcement mechanism will help authorities identify individuals overstaying illegally in the country more efficiently. This is expected to reduce administrative burden and streamline deportation processes.
Meanwhile, the tightened immigration policies are also reflected in H-1B visa application trends. For the 2027 fiscal year, applications reportedly declined by 38.5 percent compared to the previous year, falling from 343,981 to 211,600. USCIS has also indicated a shift in selection priorities, giving preference to highly skilled candidates with advanced educational qualifications and higher salary brackets.