The United States is set to tighten its assessment of the public charge requirement for certain green card applicants from September 18, 2026, following updated guidance issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The updated guidance published on USCIS’ website on Wednesday explains how USCIS officers will determine whether an immigrant applying to adjust status to lawful permanent residence is likely at any time to become a public charge.
A public charge generally refers to an immigrant who is considered likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for support.
Under the new policy, officers will consider five statutory factors: the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, resources and financial status, as well as education and skills.
“USCIS will review all relevant evidence in an alien’s record and make case-by-case decisions in the totality of the alien’s circumstances,” the agency said.
USCIS said officers may also consider other relevant factors, including an applicant’s receipt of means-tested public benefits.
For benefits received before September 18, 2026, USCIS said it will consider public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalisation at government expense.
For benefits received on or after September 18, the agency said it will consider a broader range of means-tested benefits.
The changes follow a Department of Homeland Security final rule that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulation. The rule was published in the Federal Register on July 20 and is scheduled to take effect on September 18.
USCIS said the updated approach is intended to reflect congressional intent that immigrants in the United States remain self-sufficient and do not depend on taxpayer-funded government benefits.
