US tightens public charge rules for U.S. Green Card applicants from September 2026
Foreign nationals seeking U.S. permanent residency through adjustment of status will face stricter financial scrutiny from September 18, 2026, as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implements updated public charge rules. The post US tightens public charge rules for U.S. Green Card applicants from September 2026 appeared first on Nairametrics .
From September 18, 2026, U.S. government officials will scrutinize immigrants' financial situations more strictly when evaluating their eligibility for a Green Card, as part of updated immigration rules announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). When reviewing applications for permanent residency, USCIS officers will consider five factors: the applicant's age, health, family status, assets and financial resources, and education and skills.
They may also examine the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support and other relevant details in the applicant's immigration history. One significant change is the broader consideration of means-tested public benefits, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This means receiving a specific benefit does not automatically disqualify an applicant from obtaining a Green Card.
The updated rules aim to ensure that only those who are unlikely to become a public charge in the future are granted permanent residency. This policy amendment follows the suspension of the Diversity Visa Program by President Donald Trump in December 2025, in response to tragic shootings at universities. Humanitarian groups have raised concerns that the new rules could negatively impact vulnerable migrants, such as trafficking survivors, abused children, and others who may need to return to their home countries due to visa backlogs.
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