Why Indian immigrants are hit by new US ‘apply in home country’ green card rule
- Team TOI Plus
- TIMESOFINDIA.COMUpdated: May 23, 2026, 19:41 IST IST
The US government on Friday said that migrants seeking permanent residency or a green card in the country will have to return to their home country to file their applications, potentially affecting the path to citizenship for Indians on work and student visas. By some estimates, more than 5 lakh people of various nationalities apply for a green card every year.
“From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” said Zach Kahler, a spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Service.
“From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” said Zach Kahler, a spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Service.
