U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a policy memo directing officers to require all aliens seeking a green card to complete adjustment of status through consular processing abroad. Only applicants who meet a narrow definition of extraordinary circumstances may adjust while remaining in the United States. The memo reaffirms long‑standing court rulings that the default pathway is clearly outside the country.

The agency says the change restores the law’s original intent, forcing temporary visa holders to leave before beginning permanent residency. By sending cases to the State Department, USCIS can concentrate on priority work such as visas for victims of violent crime, human‑trafficking relief, and naturalization, and improve overall processing speed. Officials expect fewer denied applicants to disappear into the shadows.

Officers must weigh every relevant factor on a case‑by‑case basis when deciding whether an applicant qualifies for the limited exception. The memo emphasizes that nonimmigrants—students, temporary workers, tourists—should not use their short stay as the first step toward a green card. Implementation begins immediately, shifting most adjustment requests to U.S. consulates abroad, and reduce administrative backlog for future filings nationwide.