Category: Green Card

A Green Card officially known as a Permanent Resident Card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States.

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USCIS Public Charge Rule Update 2026: Form I-485

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a significant update affecting future Green Card applicants. USCIS has issued a final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulation and restoring broader authority for immigration officers to evaluate an applicant’s overall circumstances when determining whether they may become a public charge.

The new rule will become effective on September 18, 2026. USCIS has also announced that a revised version of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, will be required after the effective date. Older versions submitted after the effective date may not be accepted.

What Is the Public Charge Rule?

The public charge rule is a provision under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that allows the U.S. government to determine whether an individual applying for admission, a visa, or adjustment of status to permanent resident is likely to become dependent on government assistance.

In simple terms, USCIS evaluates whether an applicant is likely to be financially self-sufficient after receiving immigration benefits.

What Changed in the 2026 USCIS Public Charge Update?

Under the previous 2022 regulation, USCIS officers had more limited guidance regarding which factors and benefits could be considered during a public charge determination.

The new DHS rule restores broader discretion, allowing USCIS officers to review:

  • Financial circumstances
  • Employment history
  • Education and skills
  • Assets and resources
  • Family circumstances
  • Other relevant factors on a case-by-case basis

According to DHS, the purpose of this change is to ensure that individuals seeking permanent residence demonstrate self-reliance and do not become dependent on taxpayer-funded government benefits.

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Form I-485 Changes by USCIS for Green Card Applicants

The USCIS Form I-485 update introduces new requirements for Green Card applicants. As of February 10, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485. Any older editions postmarked on or after that date will be rejected. This update includes changes to medical submissions, affidavit of support exemptions, and public charge assessment.. 

Starting Feb 10, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 and will reject any older editions of Form I-485 postmarked on or after Feb 10, 2025 .

I-485 (Adjustment of Status-Filing for Green Card) is a step after I-140 Filing (Being Eligible for Green Card) process.

Changes to Form I-485

New Medical Exam Submission Requirements

  • Applicants must submit Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) together with their I-485 application
  • This requirement applies to both complete medical examinations and partial Form I-693 submissions (such as vaccination records)
  • Applications submitted without the required medical documentation may be rejected

Simplified Affidavit of Support Exemption Process

  • Form I-864W has been discontinued and removed from USCIS.gov
  • Exemption requests are now integrated directly into Form I-485
  • This change eliminates the need to submit a separate form

Enhanced Public Charge Assessment

  • Applicants must now specify their immigrant category
  • This addition helps USCIS determine public charge exemptions more efficiently
  • The revised format aims to reduce confusion and streamline the adjudication process

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Green Card Validity Extension to 24 Months for GC Renewals

USCIS has introduced a GC renewal extension, automatically extending Green Card validity to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired card. This extension provides proof of continued status while applicants await their replacement Green Card

As per USCIS, Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 12-month extension of the validity of a Green Card. The language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 24 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90 has been updated by USCIS. On Sept. 26, USCIS started printing amended receipt notices for applicants with a pending Form I-90.

Individual applicants can present the receipt notice with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.

If you need evidence of your lawful permanent (if you don’t have a GC card) resident status while waiting to receive your replacement Green Card, you may request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office by contacting the USCIS Contact Center, and we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after you file Form I-90.