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OfficialPOLICY ALERT - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility · Last verified

POLICY ALERT - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility

USCIS is updating its policy on the public charge ground of inadmissibility.

What this is

USCIS is updating its policy on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The update follows the cancellation of the 2022 Final Rule. The new guidance takes effect September 18, 2026.

Source: POLICY ALERT - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility · in effect from 18 August 2026

What you need to know

  • USCIS is issuing new policy guidance on the public charge ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  • The guidance was triggered by the rescission of the 2022 Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility Final Rule.
  • The updated guidance becomes effective September 18, 2026.
  • USCIS is issuing new policy guidance on the public charge ground of inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(4)
  • The guidance replaces the 2022 Final Rule, which has been rescinded
  • The updated guidance is added to the USCIS Policy Manual
  • The effective date is September 18, 2026

Source: POLICY ALERT - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility · in effect from 18 August 2026

Frequently asked questions

When does this new public charge guidance actually kick in — does it affect applications I file today? The guidance becomes effective September 18, 2026. Applications filed before that date are not covered by this guidance.

The 2022 public charge rule I planned around — is it still in effect? No. This USCIS guidance was issued specifically because the 2022 Final Rule on public charge was rescinded. The 2022 rule is no longer the governing standard.

Where exactly is this policy written down so I can read the full rules? The guidance is published in the USCIS Policy Manual, which is the official policy document USCIS officers use when deciding cases.

When does this take effect? It takes effect on 2026-08-18. Dates named in the document: 2026-09-18.

Who does this apply to? This relates to Green Card, H-1B, H-4, F-1.

Where does this information come from? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, published at https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20260818-PublicChargeFinalRule.pdf.

Source: POLICY ALERT - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility · in effect from 18 August 2026

Related topics

Green Card, H-1B, H-4, F-1

Source: POLICY ALERT - Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility · in effect from 18 August 2026

Official

Frequently asked questions

When does this new public charge guidance actually kick in — does it affect applications I file today?
The guidance becomes effective September 18, 2026. Applications filed before that date are not covered by this guidance.
The 2022 public charge rule I planned around — is it still in effect?
No. This USCIS guidance was issued specifically because the 2022 Final Rule on public charge was rescinded. The 2022 rule is no longer the governing standard.
Where exactly is this policy written down so I can read the full rules?
The guidance is published in the USCIS Policy Manual, which is the official policy document USCIS officers use when deciding cases.
When does this take effect?
It takes effect on 2026-08-18. Dates named in the document: 2026-09-18.
Who does this apply to?
This relates to Green Card, H-1B, H-4, F-1.
Where does this information come from?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, published at https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20260818-PublicChargeFinalRule.pdf.