U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

A new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy memo is poised to significantly alter the green card application process for many Nepali immigrants, potentially requiring approximately 75% of those seeking to adjust their status within the United States to apply through overseas consular processing. This shift, effective from early 2025 through May 2026, moves adjustment of status from a standard option to an extraordinary relief, impacting individuals on temporary visas.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new policy requiring most green card applicants to complete the process from their home countries, ending the practice of adjusting status within the United States except in extraordinary circumstances. This significant shift, announced by the Trump administration, aims to tighten immigration controls and curb perceived system misuse, with applicants now needing to go through U.S. embassies or consular offices abroad.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy clarification stating that most foreigners seeking permanent residency must apply from outside the United States. In-country "adjustment of status" will now be permitted only in exceptional circumstances, with applicants on temporary visas generally required to undergo consular processing at U.S. embassies abroad. USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler stated the policy aims to restore the original intent of immigration law and improve efficiency.