India, May 23 -- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a sweeping new directive requiring foreign nationals seeking permanent residency to return to their home countries to complete their green card applications. This significant policy shift, announced late last week, marks a departure from the long-standing "adjustment of status" process, which previously allowed eligible visa holders to transition to permanent residency without leaving the United States.

Under the new guidance, the agency contends that because temporary visas are intended for non-permanent stays, there is an inherent contradiction in allowing individuals to remain in the US while seeking permanent residency status.

USCIS said it will grant "a...