New Rule Requires Some Immigrants to Apply for Green Cards Outside U.S.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services enacted a policy requiring certain immigrants to apply for permanent residency, or green cards, from outside the United States. The agency announced the change, which affects individuals present in the U.S. who are eligible for but have not yet obtained permanent resident status.

This rule focuses on those who must undergo consular processing, a procedure where an applicant attends an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of origin to finalize their green card application. Previously, some individuals could adjust their status to permanent resident within the U.S., even if they were technically required to apply abroad.

The agency did not specify the number of individuals affected by the change.