Public charge guidance takes effect Sept. 18 for many adjustment applicants

USCIS says updated public charge guidance takes effect Sept. 18, 2026 for adjustment of status applications that are subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility and are postmarked or electronically submitted on or after that date. The guidance follows DHS final rule 2026-14539, published July 20, 2026 at 91 FR 45324. USCIS says officers must consider the statutory factors: age, health, family status, assets/resources/financial status, and education/skills. USCIS also says receipt of means-tested public benefits before Sept. 18, 2026 will be considered differently from receipt on or after Sept. 18, 2026. Some categories are exempt from public charge inadmissibility. This is general information, not legal advice.