What changed, and when
Immigration rules move without notice, and most of what is written about them is never dated. Each change here records when it took effect, when it lapses if it does, and the official page it was read from.
Public charge now counts any and all benefits
From 18 September 2026 every I-485 is assessed against a much broader view of benefits received, replacing the narrower 2022 rules.
Thailand halved the visa-free stay, and almost nobody has noticed
From 15 September 2026 US passport holders get 30 days, not 60. Most guidance still says 60 — including, when we checked, the State Department's.
USCIS can now deny without asking for the missing evidence first
Since 5 August 2026 an incomplete filing can be denied outright, with no Request for Evidence and no second chance.
ETIAS is still not live, whatever you have been sold
The Q4 2026 target was dropped in July. Nobody can sell you an ETIAS today, because there is nothing yet to apply for.
Adjustment of status is now discretionary relief
Since 21 May 2026 meeting the technical requirements for a green card from inside the US is no longer sufficient on its own.
- Lapses 31 December 2026
China's fingerprint waiver, and the date it runs out
Fingerprints are waived for short-term Chinese visa applicants until 31 December 2026. After that, applying in person comes back.
Find out what you are missing before it costs you
The check is free, runs in your browser, and will tell you when you need no visa at all — or when applying directly yourself is cheaper than paying us.
Check your routeIt runs in your browser. VisaClerk never sees your inputs.