U.S. Requires Most Temporary Visa Holders to Leave Country for Green Card Applications

U.S. permanent residency while holding temporary non-immigrant visas must return to their home countries to complete the process. The rule covers students, H-1B and L visa holders, and visitors. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said the change applies except in extraordinary circumstances.

Kahler stated the policy allows the immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes.

The policy was announced on Friday.

It applies to any foreigner who entered the United States on a temporary non-immigrant visa. The administration has introduced other immigration restrictions affecting asylum seekers, students, and highly skilled workers.

Immigration-law experts said the change could affect hundreds of thousands of applicants each year. The measure is part of broader efforts that may further reduce legal immigration numbers.