The biggest and most recent change to U.S. immigration is the federal court’s overturning of the immigration visa ban for Albania, Kosovo , and 73 other countries , a decision that was officially lifted in August 2026. This means that Albanian applications are now once again being reviewed on a case-by-case basis and not based on nationality.
However, during 2026, other very strict rules came into effect, which every Albanian aiming for America must be extremely careful about.
1. Big Change for Green Card (Change of Status)
If you are in the US on a temporary visa (such as a B1/B2 tourist visa or F-1 student visa), new USCIS rules block your ability to change your status to a Green Card from within America .
- Obligation to return: If you get married or apply for family reunification, you are legally obligated to return to your country of origin (Albania, Kosovo, etc.) to follow procedures through the Department of State.
- Exceptions: Adjustment of Status from within the US is now only permitted in extremely rare cases.
- Purpose: This rule aims to prohibit the use of temporary visas as a “shortcut” to immigration.
2. New “Public Charge” Rules
The US administration has tightened financial rules to ensure that new immigrants do not become a burden on the state budget.
- Financial Deposit: For persons considered at risk of becoming dependent on government assistance, a high financial deposit or guarantee may be required before a visa or Green Card is approved.
- Who is most affected: Albanian families with modest incomes who apply for family-based visas. []
- Cancellation of the Guarantee: This financial guarantee is only removed after 5 years without receiving any public assistance, after obtaining US citizenship, or if the person permanently leaves the US.
3. Breaking News: What Happened to the “Visa Blockade”?
In January 2026, there was a procedural decision that temporarily froze the issuance of immigration visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, on the grounds that they could abuse the social system.
- Court Decisin: On August 22, 2026, a federal court completely overturned this collective lockout.
- What this means: The court stated that each applicant should be assessed individually according to legal criteria and not rejected simply because of their passport or country of origin. Therefore, the immigration visa process for Albanians is continuing as normal.
To follow the progress of your case and the latest rules, be sure to consult only the official USCIS website or a licensed US immigration attorney.
If you want to know more, tell me:
- What type of visa or status do you currently have in the US?
- Are you planning a family reunion or Green Card application soon?