New Green Card rules from September: Categories affected and those exempt

Starting this month (September, 2026) the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented new guidance on the public change inadmissibility determination. The rules expanded the requirement for most Green Card applicants to demonstrate financial independence, while exempting humanitarian categories such as refugees and victims of trafficking. The new rules apply to a wide range of applicants, particularly those seeking permanent residency through family or employment pathways.New Green Card rules: Categories subject to the new changeMost people applying to adjust their status to lawful permanent residence remain subject to public charge review under the new guidance. This includes spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as other qualifying relatives; fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens; priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, and individuals of exceptional ability; skilled workers, other professionals, and general workers under employment-based categories; investors; religious workers; and diversity visa immigrants.