What changed on 18 September?
USCIS announced updated public charge guidance on 18 August 2026 for applicants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence. The guidance explains how the agency assesses whether an applicant is likely at any time to become a public charge.
The announcement followed a DHS final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulations. USCIS says that rule was published in the Federal Register on 20 July and took effect on 18 September 2026.
Later September reporting describes the revised arrangements as having entered into force. The supplied material does not show a court order suspending this particular rule, although reporting notes that legal challenges were underway.
Not every applicant is treated identically
USCIS says its updated guidance explains which categories are subject to the public charge ground and which Congress has exempted. It also describes the relevant concepts, assessment factors and evidence.
The supplied official extract does not reproduce the complete list of exemptions or evidence requirements. Applicants should therefore avoid assuming either that everyone is covered or that one financial circumstance automatically decides a case.
This is a change concerning adjustment-of-status assessments. It should not be presented as a universal new charge payable by everyone applying for a US visa.
The form change has no grace period
A separate USCIS announcement specifies a revised Form I-485 with edition date 09/18/26, replacing the 01/20/25 edition.
USCIS says the older edition is accepted if postmarked or electronically submitted before 18 September. For submissions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after that date, the agency accepts only the 09/18/26 edition and rejects the older version.
The relevant distinction is the submission or postmark date, not when an applicant began preparing the paperwork.
What this means for you
Indian applicants preparing a green card adjustment application should check both the current public charge guidance and the form edition. A saved form or an older checklist may no longer be suitable.
Confirm your category, required evidence and current instructions directly with USCIS before filing. Do not stop using needed assistance solely because of a headline; obtain qualified advice about how the actual rules apply to your circumstances.
Source: uscis.gov — always confirm details on the official website.
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