Do public benefits hurt my immigration case?

Get the Facts About Public Charge & Immigration

Benefits programs can help your family stay healthy and thrive, but rules about public benefits and immigration can be confusing.

What is "public charge"?

In some immigration cases, the government decides if an immigrant is "likely to become a public charge" — meaning whether they might depend on public benefits.

Important things to know:

• Not all immigrants face a public charge test
• Only a few public benefit programs are considered in this public charge test
• Most immigrants who face a public charge test aren't eligible for the benefits considered in this test

Want to learn more? Use a private online interview to see if public benefits could affect your immigration options.