US Tightens Visa and Green Card Application Rules
The United States has imposed stricter rules on the application process for various immigration benefits, including visas and green cards. Under the new policy, US immigration officials may reject applications without requesting additional information if the required documents or supporting evidence are missing. According to a news release from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants must demonstrate their eligibility for the relevant immigration benefit at the time of filing.
Failure to submit the required initial documentation or proof of eligibility may result in an application being denied without issuing a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) or a Request for Evidence (RFE). USCIS stated that the forms and instructions for each immigration benefit clearly identify the required documentation, enabling applicants to submit complete applications. USCIS said the new policy aligns with the long-standing regulatory authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The agency said the change is intended to discourage meritless petitions and further strengthen the integrity of the US immigration system. The revised policy marks a departure from one introduced during the Biden administration. Under that approach, officers were encouraged to issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) even when an application was incomplete or lacked sufficient documentation to support approval.
According to USCIS, the previous policy delayed the processing of other pending applications because officers had to spend additional time reviewing incomplete or substantially deficient filings. The agency also noted that some applicants used “placeholder” applications to obtain related immigration benefits, such as employment authorisation. Under the updated policy, immigration officers have the discretion to deny applications without issuing an RFE or NOID when the initial filing fails to establish eligibility.
USCIS said this approach will ensure more efficient use of agency resources, speed up decision-making, and help reduce the number of applications filed without merit. The new policy takes effect immediately. It applies to all applications and petitions for immigration benefits filed on or after August 5, 2026, as well as those pending on that date, unless otherwise specified by existing law or USCIS regulations.
