Archive · 17 Sep 2026
New US Green Card Rules Expand Public-Charge Scrutiny
The United States is changing how it reviews some green card applications.
The new guidance starts on September 18.
It gives immigration officers more instructions about an applicant’s finances.
Officers will consider whether someone might become a public charge.
This means they will assess whether the person could depend on certain public support.
The change applies to some family-based and employment-based applicants.
Indian nationals applying for permanent residency may face this additional scrutiny.
The guidance is part of the USCIS Policy Manual.
Updated USCIS guidance takes effect on September 18.
The guidance expands financial scrutiny for certain green card applicants.
Family-based and employment-based applicants may be affected.
Immigration officers will assess whether applicants could become a public charge.
Indian nationals applying for permanent residency are among those affected.
- Who
- Indian nationals and other applicants seeking permanent residency through family-based or employment-based categories subject to the public-charge assessment.
- What
- The United States is expanding financial scrutiny in certain green card applications through updated USCIS guidance.
- When
- The updated guidance takes effect on September 18.
- Where
- The change applies within the United States immigration system.
- Why
- To guide immigration officers in determining whether an applicant is likely at any time to become a public charge.
- Effective date
- September 18
- Issuing agency
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Policy document
- USCIS Policy Manual
- Affected process
- Adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident
- Application categories
- Certain family-based and employment-based green card applications
- Main change
- Expanded financial scrutiny and public-charge assessment
- Highlighted applicants
- Indian nationals applying for U.S. permanent residency