USCIS Cracks Down: Nigerian Students and Spouses Must Process Green Cards Abroad

USCIS announced on May 22, 2026, a new policy requiring most non-citizens to return home for consular processing when applying for permanent residency. Temporary visa holders can no longer adjust status in the US except in extraordinary cases. Each request will face strict review. Nigerian students on F-1 visas must plan to leave the US after graduation or OPT and apply for their immigrant visas at home. This change increases the risk of visa denial and long separations from studies and loved ones. Foreign spouses of US citizens also face new hurdles. Marriage no longer guarantees on-shore status adjustment. Interviews in Lagos or Abuja will now be the norm. Only truly exceptional circumstances may allow in-country processing. Consult a reputable US immigration attorney for guidance. USCIS will define “extraordinary” narrowly, and policy changes can evolve.

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