Major changes are underway in how the U.S. government evaluates whether certain immigrants are likely to become a “public charge.”

The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the 2022 public charge regulation, and the new framework is scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026. At the same time, the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide while consular officers receive training on public-charge screening.

Together, these developments signal increased scrutiny of an applicant’s financial circumstances and ability to support themselves in the United States.