Public Charge Questions for Immigrant Visa Interview

October 13, 2026: The new public charge rule took effect on September 18, 2026 and requires officers to perform a forward-looking, case-by-case review weighing age, health, family status, skills, education, financial resources, and the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. Officers may evaluate means-tested benefits received by certain family members or household members, even if the applicant did not receive them directly.

In preparation for your upcoming immigrant visa interview, all immigrant visa applicants must be prepared to discuss how they will cover living expenses and avoid relying on public benefits in the United States as per U.S. immigration laws. Topics and questions may include:

GENERAL

What is the beneficiary’s current age?
What is the petitioner’s current age?
In which city and state will the petitioner and beneficiary be living?
If the beneficiary is school-aged, what is their status? (what grade are they in, when do they intend to graduate, will they enroll in post-secondary education, etc.)

HEALTH

Does the beneficiary have any past or current medical conditions which will require medical treatment in the United States?
If the beneficiary has current medical conditions, what is the plan to pay for treatment of those conditions?
Will the beneficiary be covered by the petitioner’s health insurance plan? If not, will the beneficiary have health care coverage from another source?

FAMILY STATUS

How many dependent family members does the petitioner have? Note: this includes ALL dependents such as minor children, spouse, parents, or extended family/friends you are financially supporting.
Do any of the petitioner’s dependents have medical conditions currently being treated, or which will need treatment?
Do any of the petitioner’s dependents have disabilities or special needs requiring long-term care?
What is the petitioner’s current job and annual salary after taxes?

Are there any other working adult members in the petitioner’s household? If so, what are their current jobs and annual salaries?
Does the petitioner own their own home or any other real estate?
What assets does the petitioner hold (value of investments, savings accounts, shares, stocks, bonds, etc.)?
What debts or liabilities do the petitioner owe (mortgage, credit card debt, auto loan, etc.)?

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

Do either the petitioner or beneficiary currently receive public benefits at government expense (social welfare, food banks, WIC, SNAP, etc.)? If so, what kind of assistance and for how long have they been receiving it?
Have either the petitioner or beneficiary ever previously relied on public benefits at government expense (social welfare, food banks, WIC, SNAP, etc.)? If so, what kind of assistance and how long did they receive it for? If their circumstances have changed since then, how?
Have either the petitioner or beneficiary ever been institutionalized at government expense (long-terms stay in a mental health facility, nursing facility, etc.)?

JOINT SPONSOR: Answer the following ONLY if you are utilizing the income of a Joint Sponsor

If you have a joint sponsor, please describe your relationship with them.
How long have they known the petitioner and the beneficiary? Do they live in the same state as the petitioner? Have they sponsored anyone else for an immigrant visa? Has the joint sponsor ever used public assistance?

For more information on Public Charge Questions,

We would be happy to set a phone consultation with you using our self-service system where you choose your date and time for your phone consultation and upload your documents for the attorney to review.

Click link to set phone consultation – https://gaillaw.as.me

text/call 407-292-7730 | whatsapp 407-353-1363 |email gail@gaillaw.com