Public Charge

On December 23, 2022, the Biden Administration published a final rule regarding public charge. The rule currently applies to all applications for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status (i.e., permanent residence) postmarked on or after this effective date.

What is Public Charge?

Congress allows visa, admission, or adjustment of status (permanent residence) applications from people to be denied if they may become a public charge, defined as primarily relying on government assistance in the future. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assesses this risk based on the receipt of public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense. Certain applicants may be exempt from this public charge inadmissibility, including refugees, asylees, survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, and others.

Public Charge Fact Sheets:

 Available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese (simplified), Dari, Karen, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili and Vietnamese.

Key Resource Websites:

USCIS Public Charge rule information

Protecting Immigrant Families