The US is implementing a series of new measures that will make green card (permanent residency) applications more difficult as of July 2026. According to Newsweek magazine, within the framework of the Trump administration's immigration policies, steps are being taken such as restrictions on visa categories, tightening of application reviews, and expansion of authority to reject applications due to administrative errors.
According to the US State Department's July 2026 visa bulletin, particularly EB-2 work visa applications from India and certain EB-5 investor visa categories have been closed to new applications due to annual quotas being filled. New approvals in these categories will not be issued until October 2026, when the next fiscal year begins.
With a temporary decision taking effect on July 10, immigration authorities at the US Department of Homeland Security are granted the authority to reject or cancel applications if the correct signature is not present on the application form, even if the application was initially accepted. Newsweek notes that applicants may lose the fees they paid and be forced to restart the process.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is applying a stricter timeline for processing applications, basing status change requests on 'final action dates.' This limits the number of people who can currently apply.
A directive issued in May emphasized that applying for a change of status for a green card is a 'discretionary process,' and meeting legal requirements does not automatically entitle one to approval. Immigration officers will be required to evaluate each file individually and consider factors beyond basic requirements. Experts say this will increase uncertainty and tighten oversight on applications.
Newsweek notes that these restrictions come at a time when the US immigration system is facing a growing backlog of applications and high demand. The current restrictions will remain in effect until September 30, 2026, and applicants will face longer waiting times, fewer visa slots, and stricter procedural enforcement during this period.
