On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum titled PM-602-0199. This memo provides guidance to USCIS officers about how they should review applications for adjustment of status — the process by which someone already in the United States applies for a green card without returning to their home country first.
As a J-1 exchange visitor, we want to make sure you understand what this policy change means and how it may be relevant to you.
What Is PM-602-0199?
This policy memo instructs USCIS officers to treat adjustment of status as a form of "extraordinary relief" and "administrative grace." In simple terms, this means that applying for a green card from inside the United States is now being treated by the government as a privilege — not as an automatic right, even if an applicant meets all the basic requirements.
The memo does not change the immigration law itself. The rules remain the same. However, it changes how USCIS officers are being instructed to apply those rules. Officers are now being told to look more carefully at each application and to use their discretion more actively when deciding whether to approve or deny a case.
How Does This Relate to J-1 Exchange Visitors?
If you entered the United States on a J-1 visa, your visa was granted for a temporary, specific purpose — such as an internship, training program, research assignment, or cultural exchange. The U.S. government expects that J-1 exchange visitors will return to their home countries when their program ends.
Under this new memo, USCIS officers are being instructed to view an applicant's decision to remain in the United States rather than departing as expected as a factor in their review. The memo specifically states that an applicant's "failure to depart as expected" is considered "highly relevant" to the discretionary review.
Additionally, the memo makes clear that simply having a clean record and meeting the eligibility requirements is no longer enough on its own for applicants seeking adjustment of status. Officers are being directed to look for what are called "unusual or outstanding equities" — strong, positive reasons to approve the case — before granting the benefit.
This is an important policy development for all nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States, including those on J-1 exchange visitor programs, to be aware of.
Staying Informed
We encourage all J-1 exchange visitors to stay informed about U.S. immigration policy changes that may affect nonimmigrant visa holders. You can find official information about USCIS policy memoranda at uscis.gov.
Please also remember to always maintain valid status during your J-1 program. Follow all the rules and conditions of your exchange program, keep your DS-2019 current, and communicate with your program sponsor if your circumstances change.
We understand that keeping up with U.S. immigration policy updates can feel overwhelming, especially when policies change. Please know that Gravity International Programs is here to support you throughout your exchange program and to help you stay informed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
