Public charge: What changed and does it apply to me?
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Under US immigration laws, some people may have their application for Lawful Permanent Residency (a Green Card) denied because an immigration officer decides they are likely to depend on government benefits, also known as becoming a “public charge.” Learn more about whether public charge affects you and what recently changed in how immigration officers will apply the public charge test.
Federal regulations about the “public charge test” recently changed and immigration officers will begin applying the new rules to green card applications filed on or after September 18, 2026.
Learn more about:
- What Changed with Public Charge? — Protecting Immigrant Families
- Public Charge: Does this Apply to Me? — Protecting Immigrant Families
- Public Charge Inadmissibility Guidance — US Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Before you hire an immigration lawyer