us visa application

Many Indian immigrants on employment and student visas rely on getting their green card while they’re still in the US. The new rule adds further uncertainty to the process.

In a significant policy update, the US government has categorized green card adjustments as a scarce discretionary privilege, a decision that may force many Indian H-1B visa holders to pursue their applications outside the country. Immigration attorneys foresee a rise in legal battles, warning that this could jeopardize the residency journey for numerous individuals, leaving them facing increased risks.

USCIS has issued a new policy memo requiring most foreigners seeking a green card to apply from their home country, shifting from adjustment of status within the U.S. This stricter standard emphasizes weighing negative factors like immigration violations and inconsistent conduct, demanding stronger evidence of "unusual or outstanding" positive ties to the U.S. for those applying domestically.

Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that nearly 540,000 family-sponsored green card applications and about 170,000 employment-based applications are currently pending.

US non-immigrant visa applicants now face new questions about experiencing or fearing harm in their home countries, with affirmative answers potentially leading to denial. This change could impact future asylum claims, as applicants might be challenged on the veracity of their statements. Immigration experts suggest these questions target legal immigrants who might later seek asylum.

USCIS has clarified a new Green Card policy. This policy could have required many to apply from abroad. However, USCIS now states that applicants with national interest or economic benefit may continue their current process. This offers relief to many H-1B visa holders and tech industry workers. The agency is reasserting its interpretation of immigration law.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new 'America First' visa scheduling system in India, prioritizing business professionals and investors crucial to US economic and strategic interests. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expedite travel for those contributing to trade and investment, while also emphasizing stricter security screenings for all applicants.

USCIS now has the power to reject or deny immigration applications, even keeping fees, if an invalid signature is found months or years later. This new rule, effective July 10, 2026, applies broadly to most benefit requests, including visas and Green Cards. Applicants cannot usually fix signature errors after submission.

USCIS reports significant changes in the H-1B visa season, with a focus on higher-skilled foreign workers. This year, 71.5% of selected applicants hold U.S. master's degrees or higher, a notable increase from last year. The agency also noted a substantial drop in registrations within the lowest wage category, indicating a successful effort to curb low-wage applications and protect American jobs.

Green Card hopefuls from India face a significant setback as the US State Department's June 2026 Visa Bulletin reveals retrogression in EB-1 and EB-2 categories. High demand has pushed cutoff dates backward, potentially leading to further delays or unavailability. Similar concerns loom for India's EB-5 unreserved category.

Foreign nationals in the US seeking permanent residency must now return to their home countries to apply for Green Cards, according to a new USCIS policy. This change, effective immediately, aims to restore the original intent of immigration law and streamline the process. Exceptions will be made only in extraordinary circumstances, freeing up agency resources for other critical cases.

The Madhya Pradesh government has opened applications for its overseas scholarship scheme for the Academic Session 2026-27. The programme supports eligible students seeking admission to Master's and PhD courses abroad. Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste category, meet income and age requirements, and secure admission to globally ranked institutions. The scholarship covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, contingency expenses, travel costs and visa charges. Applications must be submitted by May 25, 2026, through the Department of Higher Education portal.