US tightens green card application rules

One of the latest changes involves the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form applied by eligible immigrants already in the United States to apply for permanent residency.

Key points

• USCIS has confirmed a new version of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
• 18, 2026, version of Form I-485 will replace the current Jan.
• The new form will be introduced alongside a Department of Homeland Security rule on public-charge inadmissibility.
• Form I-485 is applied by eligible immigrants already in the U.S.
• Officers will review an applicant's overall circumstances, including relevant factors and evidence, before making a decision.

USCIS has confirmed a new version of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It will be required starting Sept. 18, 2026.

For context, the new form will be introduced alongside a Department of Homeland Security rule on public-charge inadmissibility. USCIS remarked there will be no grace period for using the updated form.

Under the revised public-charge guidance, immigration officers will have a broader set of factors to consider when deciding whether an applicant is projected to depend on administration assistance.

Officers will review an applicant's overall circumstances, including relevant factors and evidence, before making a decision. Some immigrant categories will remain exempt from the public-charge rule.

For individuals planning to apply for adjustment of status, the most immediate change is the paperwork they must submit.

USCIS remarked the Sept. 18, 2026, version of Form I-485 will replace the current Jan. 20, 2025, version. The older form will only be accepted if it is postmarked or submitted electronically before Sept. 18.

Applications using the old form on or after Sept. 18 will be rejected. USCIS has additionally advised applicants not to apply the new form before it becomes effective.

Form I-485 is applied by eligible immigrants already in the U.S. To apply to become lawful permanent residents. It is not applied by residents applying for green cards from outside the country through U.S. Consulates.

Notably, the administration is additionally changing immigration rules for foreign students, exchange visitors and foreign media representatives.

Meanwhile, a separate Department of Homeland Security rule will replace the current duration-of-status system for F, J and I nonimmigrants with fixed admission periods and new procedures for extensions. The rule will take effect September 15, 2026.

Under the new system, foreign students and exchange visitors will no longer be allowed to remain in the U.S. For the full length of their programs under the previous D/S designation. Instead, they will receive a fixed admission period and may have to apply for an extension when necessary.

Foreign media representatives will additionally face fixed admission periods and further requirements under the new rules.

USCIS has additionally moved to provide immigration officers more discretion when reviewing applications for immigration benefits.

Earlier this month, the agency reminded applicants and petitioners that they are responsible for providing enough evidence to prove their eligibility. Officers may deny certain applications without first issuing a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny when required initial evidence is missing or the law does not backing approval.

USCIS clarified that this does not mean every incomplete application will automatically be denied. Officers may still matter Requests for Evidence when appropriate.

In practice, the latest changes reflect a broader move toward stricter oversight of legal immigration. They include closer review of financial circumstances for some green-card applicants, greater monitoring of temporary immigration status and a stronger focus on complete applications.

For Pakistani applicants and others seeking U.S. Immigration benefits, the changes could mean stricter documentation requirements and less room for mistakes when submitting applications.

Taken together, the developments around US tightens green card application rules point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.