USCIS has announced a significant policy change regarding the adjustment of status process, effective by May 21, 2026. The new Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, titled “Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process,” directs immigration officers to treat adjustment of status as a less favored option compared to consular processing.
Key Details:
- Effective date: May 21, 2026
- New policy memo: PM-602-0199
- Adjustment of status now viewed as discretionary relief
- Consular processing is prioritized as the standard procedure
This change may impact many immigrants seeking to adjust their status in the U.S., making consular processing the more common route for visa applications. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Gail Seeram