US Green Card Rules: The Donald Trump administration in the United States plans to tighten rules for employment-based green cards, which allow foreign workers to permanently live and work anywhere in the country. It also provides a path to eventual U.S. citizenship. The move may affect many foreign workers, including professionals from India.

According to a report by Forbes, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing new regulations that could change eligibility standards for highly skilled foreign professionals seeking employment-based green cards. These proposed rules are expected to be published by January 2026. They are intended to update requirements for individuals of exceptional ability and highly qualified professors and researchers.

Proposed changes

The DHS summary notes that the new rules will update provisions for workers with exceptional abilities and highly qualified academics and researchers. The regulations will outline the requirements for first preference classifications, National Interest Waiver (NIW) categories, and the necessary evidence for physicians with national and international recognition.

In simple terms, the administration plans to redefine the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for employment-based permanent residency. Certain categories of workers who previously obtained green cards with relative ease may now need to provide more documents and evidence to qualify under the new regulations.

Who will be affected?

USCIS guidelines clarify that individuals with exceptional abilities in science, education, business, or athletics can obtain an O-1A visa. This visa does not require employer sponsorship. O-1A visa holders currently have a smoother path to obtaining employment-based green cards without long delays.

Likewise, foreign workers coming to the United States under a National Interest Waiver (NIW) can obtain permanent residency if their work benefits the country. The proposed changes would redefine what constitutes sufficient evidence for these applicants. These regulations primarily affect professors, teachers, researchers, business professionals, athletes, and scientists who are considered highly skilled or who work in the national interest of the United States.

The Trump administration’s proposals are intended to ensure that the employment-based green card process is consistent with modern standards and the country’s strategic needs.

Experts note that although these changes may result in additional paperwork and documentation requirements, they are intended to make the process more transparent and streamlined for exceptional professionals seeking permanent residency in the United States.

Publication of the proposed rules in early 2026 will pave the way for public comment and eventual implementation. Foreign workers, especially those in specialized fields, are monitoring these developments closely to understand how their eligibility for employment-based green cards will be affected.