Nigeria US to Implement Stricter Green Card Eligibility Rules for Children from August 15

The Digest:

Starting August 15, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will change how it determines children’s eligibility for green cards under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). This move will align USCIS with the U.S. Department of State's stricter visa “Final Action Dates” chart, replacing the more flexible “Dates for Filing” chart.

Key Points:

• CSPA: Prevents children from aging out of eligibility due to delays.
• Changes: Stricter rules make uniform eligibility across the U.S. and abroad.
• Previous System: Disparities in eligibility for children applying from the U.S. vs. abroad.
• Impact: Children may lose eligibility sooner under new rules.
• Exception: Cases before February 14, 2023, still use old standards.
• Critical Timing: Parents sponsoring children close to age 21 need to act quickly.

The change aims for fairness, but experts warn it increases urgency for parents with children nearing 21.


Sources: Daily Post