The US government tightened financial checks for immigrants through the Public Charge rule, effective September 18, but talent visas remain largely unaffected. The DV-2027 Green Card lottery still hasn’t launched, and those called for interviews across 75 countries are being retested—this time with new financial questions.

What happened in recent weeks

The scope of changes in US migration policy has been unprecedented. Restrictions on visas for citizens of 75 countries were lifted, but the US government appealed the court decision. Simultaneously, consulates suspended scheduling all new immigrant interviews across all countries. This created a simultaneous loosening and tightening effect—the system seemed to pause to reconfigure itself.

The new Public Charge rule, effective September 18, fundamentally changed how applications are evaluated. Previously, consuls had to prove that an immigrant couldn’t support themselves. Now, a consul assesses the totality of circumstances: education, work history, salary, and assets. The question is more precise: can the person support themselves without taxpayer assistance?

Green Card lottery: no official registration

The Diversity Visa lottery for 2027 never opened registration. There are no signs it will start soon, and the situation remains uncertain. Current forecasts are discouraging—even those who participated in previous lotteries see no indication of program restart.

Meanwhile, lottery odds have always been minimal—this shouldn’t be your primary immigration route. However, reconvening interviews already conducted at embassies in 75 countries is a positive change. The vast majority of such candidates will receive approval for immigration visas; the interview structure will simply be different.

Public Charge: new evaluation standard

The rule that immigrants shouldn’t become a burden on the state has always existed. Only the evaluation criteria changed. The old approach primarily required proving self-sufficiency. The new standard—“totality of circumstances”—examines full context: finances, work history, education, and assets.

On September 14, 22 states and Washington D.C. filed a lawsuit in Federal Court, challenging the new rule’s harshness and vagueness. This legal challenge has potential, and developments are worth monitoring. Meanwhile, all interviews scheduled after September 18 will include a financial component—the consul will carefully examine the applicant’s circumstances.

Talent visas: no changes to criteria

For O-1 visas (individuals with extraordinary ability), EB-1A (first preference immigrant visa), and EB-2 NIVB (EB-2 for individuals of national interest), the new Public Charge rule had virtually no impact.

These three visas already contain built-in proof that the applicant won’t burden the state. A portfolio of achievements, a critical project role, income, evaluations from peers, professional association membership, education, and future plans—all together demonstrate financial independence. Consuls don’t need additional proof if the person already demonstrates high competency and financial security.

Talent visas remain the priority. O-1 enjoys special popularity: it’s fast, relatively straightforward, and has an approval rate around 97%. Successfully obtaining it opens the path to a green card for the applicant and their family.

Очередь людей в холле консульства, ожидающих прохождения интервью

Which professions are in demand

Virtually any profession works if it has industry recognition and proven achievements. In practice, most approved cases involve IT specialists, cybersecurity experts, engineers, architects, business professionals, cloud services specialists, scientists, artists in various fields, athletes, marketers, and logistics professionals.

However, job title shouldn’t discourage you. What matters is demonstrating expertise in your field: publications, awards, colleague recommendations, leadership projects. If such materials exist, they open the door to a talent visa regardless of sector.

How to assess your chances

Analyzing criteria for your chosen visa category helps evaluate prospects. For O-1, this includes critical role in the field, publications, awards, and association membership. For EB-1A—roughly the same, plus labor market demand for your skills. For EB-2 NIVB—proof that this specialist’s absence would cause significant harm.

If your resume shows evidence of potential, growth, leadership, or industry influence, your approval chances within 6–12 months are higher. Precise evaluation requires analyzing your specific portfolio and work history.