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Permanent residence

Current policies in this category for United States. Each policy page holds the rules in force today plus every recorded version and before/after comparison.

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Policies in this category

Permanent residence

United States Permanent Residence

Updated guidance explaining how USCIS determines if an alien applying for adjustment of status is likely to become a public charge, aligning with congressional intent for self-sufficiency. This guidance defines who is subject to public charge inadmissibility, identifies exempt categories, outlines the five statutory factors (age, health, family status, assets/resources/financial status, education/skills) plus other relevant factors (including receipt of means-tested public benefits) for determination, and explains the public charge bond process. For means-tested public benefits received before 18 September 2026, only public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalisation at government expense will be considered. For benefits received on or after 18 September 2026, any and all means-tested public benefits will be considered.

🇺🇸 United States2 versionsUpdated 18 Aug 2026

Recent changes in this category

United StatesPermanent ResidenceEffective 18 Sept 2026

USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Public Charge Inadmissibility Determinations

What changed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its rules for public charge inadmissibility decisions. These new rules start on 18 September 2026. This new guidance cancels the public charge rules from 2022. It explains how USCIS officers will decide if people applying for lawful permanent resident status, which is legally called adjustment of status, are likely to need public support. For means-tested public benefits received before 18 September 2026, USCIS will only consider public cash aid for living costs and long-term care in a government institution. But for benefits received on or after 18 September 2026, USCIS will consider all means-tested public benefits. This is part of looking at the five legal factors for public charge inadmissibility.

Published 18 Aug 2026Effective 18 Sept 2026USCIS Newsroom

United StatesPermanent ResidenceIssued 29 Jul 2026

30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Petition To Classify Special Immigrant Under INA 203(b)(4) as an Employee or Former Employee of the U.S. Government Abroad, or the Surviving Spouse or Child of an Employee of the U.S. Govern

What changed

The Department of State has given a 30-day notice. This notice is about collecting information for petitions. These petitions are for special immigrant classifications under section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This particularly affects people who work or used to work for the U.S. Government in other countries. It also affects their spouses or children if the U.S. Government employee has died. They are all seeking special immigrant status.

Published 29 Jul 2026Effective 29 Jul 2026Federal Register — Immigration rules & notices

goborda provides monitoring and explanation of publicly available policy information. It is not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration professional before acting.