Archive · 12 Aug 2025
USCIS Policy Change May Affect Green Card Eligibility for Children
The US government is changing how it decides if a child can get a green card.
It's about when a child is considered 'too old' to qualify.
Before, they used a date that was better for the kids.
Now, they will use a different date, which could mean some kids won't get a green card.
This change affects kids whose parents are trying to get green cards, particularly those from India, because there's a long wait.
Experts suggest families apply before the new rules start or look into other types of visas to stay in the US.
USCIS is changing how it calculates a child's age for green card eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
The new policy aligns with the State Department, using the Final Action Dates chart from the Visa Bulletin.
The change addresses inconsistencies between applicants in the U.S. and abroad.
Many children, especially Indians, may age out before their green cards are approved.
Experts recommend filing before August 15th and exploring alternative visas.
- Who
- Children of immigrants seeking green cards, especially those from India.
- What
- USCIS is changing how it calculates a child's age for green card eligibility.
- When
- Applies to requests filed on or after August 15th.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- To align with the State Department and address inconsistent treatment of applicants.
Potential Negative Consequences
N/A
Impact on Children
Potential Negative Consequences
Children may 'age out' and lose eligibility before their green cards are approved.
N/A
N/A
- Policy Change Date
- August 15th (for requests filed on or after)
- Affected Group
- Children of immigrants
- Primary Impact
- Eligibility for green cards
- CSPA
- Child Status Protection Act
- Affected Nationality
- Indians
- Visa Bulletin Used
- Final Action Dates chart
