New visa and Green Card rules from September.
August 2026 has been a milestone month for US immigration, as several new rules were announced this month. Two major changes to US immigration and visa policy go into effect in September 2026, alongside standard end-of-fiscal-year shifts in green card availability. Some were proposals, some were just published and waiting for public comment, while some will be implemented from September.
18, 2026, USCIS will only consider the alien’s receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization at the government’s expense. 18, 2026, USCIS consider any and all benefits. Because September marks the final month of US Government Fiscal Year 2026, the Department of State has issued specific notices for immigrant visa processing:
USCIS will review all relevant evidence in an alien’s record and make case-by-case decisions in the totality of the alien’s circumstances,” the DHS said, explaining. This new rule is for Green Card applicants. If the immigration officer determines that the applicant does not have enough money and will largely depend on government aid, they will deny permanent residency, or they may ask the applicant to pay a public charge bond. The officer will check whether the applicant received public benefits, such as cash assistance for income maintenance, housing assistance, food stamps, financial aid for college or any other similar benefit from the government. “For means-tested public benefits received before Sept. For means-tested public benefits received on or after Sept.