Archive · 28 Sep 2026
USCIS Green Card Rules Change for Applicants Starting September 18
USCIS changed some rules for people applying for a Green Card from inside the United States.
Most applicants must now show that they can support themselves financially.
These checks are called public charge reviews.
The changes affect many family-based and employment-based applicants.
Children in these application categories are also still covered by the review.
Some groups, including refugees, asylees and victims of trafficking, are exempt.
The updated Form I-485 is used for many applications to become permanent residents.
Applications filed on or after September 18, 2026, follow the newer guidance.
Applications filed before that date follow the earlier 2022 rules.
USCIS revised Form I-485 and public charge guidance effective September 18, 2026.
Most Green Card applicants must show they are financially self-sufficient.
The rules affect many family-based and employment-based applicants, including children.
Refugees, asylees, trafficking victims and several other humanitarian groups remain exempt.
The filing date determines which public charge rules apply, not the review date.
- Who
- Most people applying to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence, including many family-based and employment-based applicants.
- What
- USCIS implemented revised Green Card application and public charge rules, including an updated Form I-485.
- When
- The revised guidance applies to applications filed on or after September 18, 2026.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The revised Form I-485 was introduced to align the adjustment-of-status process with the final public charge rule.
- Effective date
- September 18, 2026
- Updated form
- Form I-485, with an edition date of September 18, 2026
- Previous form edition
- January 20, 2025
- Main change
- Most applicants remain subject to a public charge review and must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
- Applicants covered
- Many family-based applicants, employment-based applicants, fiancé(e)s of United States citizens and diversity visa applicants.
- Exempt groups
- Refugees, asylees, special immigrant juveniles, certain Afghan and Iraqi workers, trafficking victims, qualifying crime victims and several other humanitarian categories.
- Filing-date rule
- The applicable guidance is determined by the date an application is postmarked or electronically submitted.