New US Green Card Regulations to Impact Indian Immigrants
Overview of New Green Card Regulations
Starting in June, new regulations regarding US green cards will create longer wait times for Indians aspiring to gain permanent residency in the United States. The federal immigration authorities are tightening the criteria for employment-based green card applications and limiting a previously utilized pathway that allowed many applicants to stay in the country while pursuing permanent residency. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that from June 2026, employment-based applicants will need to adhere to the more stringent "Final Action Dates" chart found in the State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin.
Details of the Changes
Changes in Norms
- Applicants for employment-based green cards will now have to follow stricter "Final Action Dates," which will limit who can apply in June.
- Some individuals who previously met the criteria may find themselves unable to submit their applications.
- The adjustment of status process is now classified as an "extraordinary" measure rather than a standard procedure.
- Temporary visa holders, including students and workers, may be required to leave the U.S. and apply from their home countries.
The "Final Action Dates" chart is crucial as it dictates when a green card can be approved, while the "Dates for Filing" chart allows some applicants to submit their applications earlier. For June, USCIS will only accept applications based on the stricter "Final Action Dates" schedule. This decision limits the number of applicants who can move forward with their applications, especially when visa demand is high. Those whose priority dates do not align with the approved range will be unable to file, even if they previously qualified under the broader filing chart. The latest Visa Bulletin indicates that several employment-based categories frequently used by Indian nationals have regressed, meaning that visa demand has surpassed availability, leading to longer waiting periods.
Implications for Current Immigrants
Change in Status Policy
A recent policy update may also significantly affect immigrants already living in the U.S. On May 22, USCIS released a memorandum that redefined "adjustment of status"—the process allowing eligible applicants to seek permanent residency without leaving the country—as an "extraordinary" form of relief instead of a standard immigration route. The agency has indicated a preference for consular processing abroad as the primary method for obtaining permanent residency. Officials have cautioned that if visa demand continues to escalate, further restrictions may be implemented. Certain categories could experience additional delays or even become temporarily unavailable if visa caps are reached.