Hello everyone. This is Naoko Matsumoto, CEO and Founder of Traditional Japanese Matchmaker (TJM).

For those of you who are engaged, currently preparing to welcome your beloved Japanese partner to the U.S., or looking forward to meeting your future wife—a major, highly impactful update regarding U.S. immigration surfaced on May 22, 2026.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new policy memorandum stating that “Adjustment of Status (AOS) within the U.S. will now be granted only in ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’.”

This means the shortcut previously used by some—having a partner enter the U.S. on a tourist status (ESTA) and then adjusting her status locally—is highly unlikely to work going forward.

Today, referencing the primary official data, I will explain what this means for you and how you, as her partner, can navigate this safely and confidently to secure your future life together in America.

The Latest Primary Information from USCIS

First, let’s look at the official announcement directly from the USCIS newsroom:

“U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Will Grant ‘Adjustment of Status’ Only in Extraordinary Circumstances”

According to this update, under the Trump administration, USCIS has redefined the process of adjusting to permanent residency while remaining inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status = AOS / Form I-485).

They state that AOS is not an “automatic right,” but rather a “matter of administrative discretion and a special dispensation.”

The policy heavily reinforces the principle that foreign nationals seeking a Green Card should undergo Consular Processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad (such as in Tokyo or Naha for Japanese citizens) and enter the country on a proper immigrant visa.

A Personal Note: Times are Changing

Allow me to share a bit of my own story.

When I married my husband, Roland, back in 2006, we hired an immigration attorney to process my Adjustment of Status from a student visa to a Green Card while inside the U.S. At that time, there was no need to return to Japan; we were able to complete the entire process smoothly without leaving the country.

However, looking at the current administration’s shift, the scrutiny and enforcement for similar cases will be incomparably stricter than what Roland and I experienced.

Closing the “Grey Area” Loopholes

In the past, many international couples relied on a common practice: the Japanese partner would enter the U.S. on ESTA (visa waiver), the couple would marry, and then they would apply for a Green Card via AOS. Because obtaining a proper immigrant visa from Japan takes considerable time, many couples chose this route simply because they wanted to start their lives together as soon as possible.

Legally, however, ESTA is strictly for “tourism or short-term business,” and entering the U.S. with a pre-existing intent to immigrate violates immigration laws. This new USCIS announcement represents a major crackdown on these convenient, in-country adjustments.

To protect your partner from lifelong risks like unlawful presence or future entry bans, it is critical that you, as the gentleman in the relationship, lead the way with accurate, lawful information.

What is the Concrete Impact? Which Routes are Safe?

If this policy is fully enforced, it will heavily disrupt the shortcuts often used in international marriages. Here is a breakdown of the high-risk routes versus the secure routes.

[ High-Risk Routes Prone to Denial (AOS inside the U.S.) ]

Unless “extraordinary circumstances” can be proven, the following in-country adjustments face an incredibly high risk of rejection or extreme scrutiny: Bringing her to the U.S. on ESTA, marrying, and applying for AOS (The impact here is massive).

Switching from a Student Visa (F-1) to marriage-based permanent residency.

Switching from Employment Visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) to marriage-based permanent residency.

[ Secure, Low-Impact Routes (Consular Processing Abroad) ]

Conversely, standard applications processed through the U.S. Embassy in Japan remain the safest, most reliable, and definitive pathway:
・CR-1 Spouse Visa (For couples married less than 2 years)
・IR-1 Spouse Visa (For couples married 2 years or more)
・K-1 Fiancé Visa (For entering the U.S. with the intent to marry within 90 days)

Going forward, choosing these official pathways—where she completes her interview safely in Japan and enters the U.S. with a valid immigrant visa in hand—is the absolute best approach.

Three Key Points and Mindsets for Men to Prepare

To ensure a successful transition for your Japanese partner in this strict environment, please focus on these three pillars:
(1) Be Prepared for a Waiting Period and Support Her Through the Long-Distance As applications shift back to embassies worldwide, wait times (backlogs) for interviews and document reviews at the U.S. Embassy in Japan are expected to increase. Please do not assume you will live together immediately after marriage. Anticipate a period of long-distance or waiting time in Japan, reassure her through any anxieties, and discuss your long-term life plans with patience and warmth.
(2) Demonstrate Financial Security and Steady Reassurance as a Sponsor Stricter vetting means your role as a sponsor will be heavily scrutinized. Your financial backing (Affidavit of Support), tax transcripts, attention to detail, and legal diligence must be flawless. Showing her that you are stable, dependable, and capable of supporting her legally, financially, and emotionally throughout this longer process will give her immense peace of mind.
(3) Ignore Outdated “Success Stories” on the Internet Advice like, “My friend’s wife came on ESTA and got her Green Card instantly, so you’ll be fine,” belongs to a bygone era. Do not rely on old blog posts or rumors. Stay informed with the latest updates, and proceed wisely and honorably.
Important Disclaimer: This announcement represents a broad policy directive from the current administration. The exact, granular execution will become clearer as detailed guidelines and actual case results emerge. For final decisions and your specific case, we strongly recommend consulting directly with a qualified immigration attorney.

Walking the Right Path Together

There is no need to feel discouraged or think that marrying a Japanese woman has become an impossible hurdle. This policy does not mean international marriage is stopping—it simply means the rules must be followed precisely.

Crossing borders for love has always come with legal and political challenges. What matters most is taking the official route, step by step, with integrity.

In fact, standing by her, supporting her through the paperwork, and weathering the wait together is one of the greatest expressions of love a man can offer. Think of this process not as a burden, but as your very first team-building exercise—a shared journey that will make your ultimate bond deeper and more resilient.

Be the steady leader she can trust, and together you will achieve a secure, beautiful move to the United States. TJM will continue to monitor these trends closely, cheering you on and walking right beside you toward your happily ever after.

※ For additional context on how this is being perceived in Japan, you may find this explanation video by Daisuke helpful (Note: Audio is in Japanese): https://youtu.be/AwXISwDRRqI?si=Tb7C2_G1-sCPqjE1

Official USCIS Source Link: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-will-grant-adjustment-of-status-only-in-extraordinary

Naoko Matsumoto (まつもとなおこ）
FOUNDER & CEO
Traditional Japanese Matchmaker

Traditional Japanese Matchmaker is the best dating and matchmaking service that is specialized for single international professionals and Japanese women established in 1999. Please click the link below to get started with TJM’s Free Registration if you are truly interested. We look forward to assisting you in finding your Japanese wife.

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