The tightening of new regulations for green card applications in the United States will officially take effect in June, affecting not only the scope of employment-based green card applications but also narrowing the pathways for many people during the green card application process. This implies that obtaining a green card within the U.S. will be more challenging in the future, making the pathways to remaining in the U.S. narrower.
In summary, firstly, the “final action dates” for employment-based green card applicants will be more stringent, significantly reducing the pool of individuals who can submit applications in June. Secondly, some applicants who previously met the criteria may now be unable to apply. Thirdly, status adjustment has become a “special” procedure rather than a regular step. Lastly, international students and temporary visa holders such as temporary foreign workers may need to leave the U.S. and apply from abroad.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that due to a severe imbalance between visa supply and demand, starting in June 2026, employment-based immigrant applicants must use a more strict “final action dates” chart, meaning the number of individuals who can immediately advance their application process will be limited. Immigration officials also hinted at stricter reviews for green card applicants within the U.S.
In the past, green card applicants had flexible application deadlines and could continue to stay in the U.S. during the green card application process. However, both of these conveniences will no longer be available in the future.
The Department of State releases two visa bulletin tables each month: the final action dates determining when green cards are approved and the dates allowing applicants to submit applications in advance.
Typically, when visa demands exceed the annual limit, the immigration agency slows down the processing of new applications. After the new regulations take effect this year, a stricter final action dates policy will be implemented. This means that applicants who previously qualified under the old “filing dates” a few months ago may not be able to submit their applications if their priority dates are not within the specified timeframe.
The June visa bulletin shows a significant increase in applications from green card holders’ spouses and children, with extended wait times for Indian applicants in key job categories. With reduced system access, many individuals will face longer waits, with some applications even being temporarily put on hold. These restrictions will have a greater impact on some countries than others, especially those with the highest number of green card applicants each year.
In 2023, the countries with the highest number of Green Card recipients were, in descending order: Mexico with 180,500 individuals, Cuba with 81,600 individuals, India with 78,000 individuals, China with 59,300 individuals, the Philippines with 49,200 individuals, Vietnam with 36,000 individuals, Afghanistan with 30,300 individuals, and Brazil with 28,900 individuals.
The new regulations in June contrast sharply with the trends earlier this year. In April, some employment-based green card categories briefly returned to normal, allowing some applicants to apply without waiting. However, this window has since closed, and the system has tightened within a few weeks.
The June visa bulletin also indicates uneven approval progress across categories. While the approval speed for some family-based immigration categories has increased, approval speed for some employment-based visa categories has slowed down. In June, Indian applicants in key categories have experienced visa approval setbacks, indicating swift exhaustion of the annual visa quotas.
Another significant policy change with equally profound impact on immigrants within the U.S. is the adjustment of status. In a memorandum dated May 22, the USCIS classified “Adjustment of Status” (applying for a Green Card without leaving the U.S.) as a “special” consideration rather than standard practice. This means that international students, foreign workers, and other temporary visa holders are likely to complete their green card application process within the U.S.
Furthermore, the government has instructed consulate officials to exercise more discretion in application reviews, taking into consideration all applicants’ experiences rather than just eligibility criteria as done in the past.
The Department of Homeland Security warns that if visa demand continues to rise, further tightening may occur. When visa quotas are reached, certain visa categories could face more delays or even temporary ineligibility for application. For applicants who have been waiting for years, immigration policies are rapidly changing, and progress often comes with unexpected setbacks.