New U.S. Green Card Policy Complicates Path for Canadians Abroad

A new U.S. immigration policy announced Friday is raising concerns among Canadian lawyers about the path to permanent residency for Canadians living south of the border.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that foreigners living in the United States on temporary visas—including students, temporary workers, and visitors—must now apply for green cards through consular services in their home countries, with limited exceptions.

The shift reverses a longstanding practice that allowed many visa holders to adjust status while remaining in the U.S. Now they'll be required to go through their home country's consulate, a process that can take months or years and often requires leaving the United States.

Canadian immigration lawyer comments on the policy suggest it will create significant complications and delays for Canadians seeking permanent residency. Those currently on work visas or student visas may face unexpected timelines and bureaucratic hurdles.

For Toronto's business community, universities, and hospitals that rely on temporary workers and international students, the policy could affect recruitment and retention. Canadians abroad will need to reassess their immigration strategies, potentially looking to other countries or accelerating applications before the new rules take full effect.