From Financialexpress · Aditi · · 2m
US Green Card Rules Update: 6 Key Changes for Applicants
US green card rules update: 6 key changes take effect from October.
In brief
US green card rules update: 6 key changes take effect from October. US immigration rules reset visa numbers, move priority dates, raise EB-5 fees, and implement broader public-charge standards effective October 2026. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
New fiscal year brings green card changes
The US federal government's 2027 fiscal year began on October 1, resetting visa numbers and moving some priority dates forward while others moved backward.
EB-2 India category reopened
The EB-2 India category reopened with a Final Action Date of November 1, 2013, after being listed as unavailable in September.
EB-5 unreserved category reopened
The EB-5 unreserved category for India reopened with a Final Action Date of December 1, 2023.
EB-1 India date moved forward
The EB-1 India date moved forward from October 15, 2022, to February 1, 2023.
EB-2 and EB-3 dates for most countries
The EB-2 Final Action Date for most countries, Mexico and the Philippines moved from the current to January 1, 2025, while EB-3 dates are May 15, 2024.
F2A category dates for family-sponsored applicants
The F2A category for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of US lawful permanent residents has a Final Action Date of September 22, 2026 for most countries.
USCIS uses Dates for Filing chart
USCIS has chosen the more generous Dates for Filing chart for all family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories for October 2026.
Broader public-charge rules effective September 18
DHS announced a new final rule on July 16, 2026, effective September 18, removing the 2022 public-charge regulation and bringing a broader approach to deciding immigration dependency.
EB-5 fees will almost double
EB-5 fees will rise from $3,675 to $7,615 for standalone investor filings and $3,675 to $7,850 for regional centre investors by November 30.
USCIS changes deadline rules
USCIS will reverse a March 2023 policy alert, returning to its pre-2023 interpretation for deadlines falling on weekends or federal holidays.
Religious worker category extended
The EB-4 category for religious workers is extended through December 11, 2026, but expires if Congress takes no further action.
USCIS discretion memo impacts I-485 cases
USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 states adjustment of status is a matter of discretion and administrative grace for individual cases.
What to remember
US immigration rules reset visa numbers, move priority dates, raise EB-5 fees, and implement broader public-charge standards effective October 2026.
