What is “Public Charge”?

Being considered as “Public Charge” means that you are seen as someone who will primarily depend on Government subsistence which therefore makes you ineligible to receive a U.S. Immigrant Visa under the Under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Inadmissibility is determined through “totality of circumstances”, all the positive and negative factors that the adjudicating officer should look into including but not limited to:

• Age
• Health
• Family status
• Assets
• Resources
• Financial status
• Education and skills

For a more in-depth explanation of Public Charge and which benefits are considered for Public Charge, please visit the USCIS website.

Sources:

• USCIS.gov – Public Charge
• USCIS.gov – Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)