US Eases New Rule Requiring Green Card Applicants To Return Home Country, Offers Relief To Indians

Key Takeaways

• US Eases New Rule Requiring Green Card Applicants To Return Home Country, Offers Relief To Indians Published By, Last Updated: May 23, 2026, 13:12 IST The policy sparked immediate concern among Indian professionals working in the US on H-1B visas, many of whom already face long waiting periods for employment-based green cards.
• A Green Card puts immigrants on the path to US citizenship and allows them to live and work permanently in the country.
• The United States immigration authorities have partially softened newly announced green card rules after the policy triggered concern among foreign professionals, particularly Indian workers living in the country on temporary visas.
• The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Friday introduced a major policy change that restricted foreign nationals on temporary visas from applying for permanent residency while remaining inside the United States.
• Under the revised policy, applicants on work, student and tourist visas would largely be required to return to their home countries and apply for a green card through a US embassy or consulate.