The U.S. administration this week finalized a rule that will require most foreign nationals to apply for lawful permanent resident status (green cards) through consular processing abroad rather than by adjusting status from inside the United States, according to reporting by PBS and NPR. The policy change is part of broader immigration actions affecting higher education and employment‑based pathways, and it takes immediate practical significance for international students on F‑1 visas or those finishing Optional Practical Training (OPT).
For students from Jordan and the wider Middle East, the change matters in several ways. Many international graduates currently rely on the ability to file for adjustment of status while remaining in the U.S. during employer‑sponsored processes; requiring travel overseas introduces the risk of visa denials, re‑entry bars tied to prior periods of unlawful presence, and long wait times at U.S. consulates — including the U.S. Embassy in Amman. Those planning to transition from F‑1 to H‑1B or to an employer‑sponsored green card should expect longer timelines and added uncertainty.
What students should do now: first, verify the rule's effective date and guidance posted by DHS/USCIS, and seek legal advice before travelling or abandoning a pending status. Keep your F‑1 status active — maintain a valid I‑20, timely enrollments, and OPT/STEM extension filings as applicable. If you have an employer willing to sponsor you, coordinate closely so filings occur with awareness of the new requirement; in some cases, employers may pursue alternative nonimmigrant classifications (such as H‑1B) while consular processing is arranged.
Other practical steps include preparing for possible consular interviews (updated passports, civil documents, translations), checking wait times at the nearest U.S. consulate, and avoiding travel that could trigger accrual of unlawful presence. Because rule implementation can be subject to legal challenges and agency guidance updates, students should monitor official DHS/USCIS statements and university international student offices. Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations can help Jordanian students review timing, documentation, and next steps for consular processing or alternative plans.
The broader context: the rule comes as part of a package of measures affecting higher education and employment visas. Universities and immigration advocacy groups are likely to challenge components of the policy, which could change how and when the rule is enforced. Meanwhile, students should assume added delays and plan contingencies — consider backup postgraduate options (work permits where applicable, graduate programs in other countries with clearer residency routes) and keep employers informed. For individual case review or document preparation, Shatnawi can provide tailored guidance and referrals to immigration attorneys.
For immediate assistance or to review your specific situation, contact Shatnawi for College Admissions and Academic Consultations via WhatsApp at +962791888699 or visit shatnawiedu.com for guidance and appointments.