U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed the age calculation parameters under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) to solely use the “Final Action Dates” chart in the monthly visa bulletin. Previously, CSPA age calculations used the “Dates for Filing” chart. The change is effective August 15, 2025.

If an individual applied for a green card using the Dates for Filing chart, the same date could be used for calculating their CSPA age. This often kept an applicant’s age as a child for immigration purposes. This prevents applicants from aging out before getting a green card, causing longer wait times.

Final Action Dates are usually later than Dates for Filing. This means fewer applicants will qualify for CSPA protection under the new parameters. Applications submitted before August 15 will be reviewed under the old parameters. If CSPA calculations determine a visa is available, applicants will have one year to claim it. Applicants that don’t seek lawful permanent status within that time frame will satisfy USCIS’ “sought to acquire” requirement. If this happens, applicants could lose their green card eligibility and no longer qualify for CSPA protection.

These new parameters mean children that age out of CSPA protections will move into visa categories with much longer processing times. Families with children affected by this policy change should take active steps to properly plan their filing timelines, especially if they have a child approaching the age of twenty-one planning to apply for a green card. They also explore alternate immigration pathways such as a student or work authorization visa.

As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.