{
  "id": 1862015,
  "title": "Green card rule changes: New US public charge test to assess age, health, finances and more – all you need to know",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/green-card-rule-changes-new-us-public-charge-test-to-assess-age",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T04:06:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/green-card-rule-changes-new-us-public-charge-test-to-assess-age-health-finances-and-more-all-you-need-to-know-101787109898061.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new guidance on assessing whether green card applicants are likely to become a \"public charge.\" This change will take effect from September 18, 2026. The new framework will consider five factors specified by Congress: age, health, family status, assets, resources, and financial status, as well as education and skills. USCIS officers will also consider other relevant evidence in each case. The timing of means-tested public benefits received will now significantly impact the assessment. For benefits received before September 18, 2026, only cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization at government expense will be considered. However, benefits received on or after September 18 will be considered as part of the determination. The guidance applies to various immigration categories, including family-based and employment-based applicants, with several exemptions. If an applicant is deemed likely to become a public charge, USCIS may invite them to post a public charge bond, which can be submitted as a cash bond or a surety bond. The new guidance does not automatically deny green cards to those who have received government assistance; instead, it considers all statutory factors and other relevant evidence in each case.",
  "summary": "Effective September 18, 2026, USCIS will reconsider how green card applicants' public charge status is assessed.",
  "key_points": [
    "New US guidance on green card applicants' public charge assessment takes effect September 18, 2026.",
    "Five factors considered: age, health, family status, assets, resources, education, skills.",
    "Means-tested benefits received on/after September 18 impact assessment significantly."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The new public charge test gives USCIS officers more factors to weigh when deciding if green card applicants may rely on government assistance, potentially shifting who qualifies for a green card.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}