What is Public Charge?

Updated: Feb. 24, 2020

Public Charge Final Rule goes into effect Feb. 24, 2020.
USCIS will reject any affected application or petition that does not include Form I-944 received on or after Feb. 24, 2020.

Important: SimpleCitizen application packages will include Form I-944 after Feb. 24, 2020. If you have questions about Public Charge or your application, please contact SimpleCitizen support.

What is the Public Charge rule?

“Public charge” is described as someone who is likely to become dependent on government assistance. USCIS has always considered “public charge” when determining your status in the U.S. However, under the current Trump administration the public charge rules will be looked at in a different light.

What does this mean?

USCIS wants to know how much government assistance you have received in the past and how much assistance you will likely receive. They’ll use the information you provide to determine whether you will be considered a “public charge” to the government in the future. USCIS gathers this information with the Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency.

Form I-944 & What You Need to Know

If you are filing an application to register permanent residence or you are submitting an adjustment of status within the United States and you are completing Form I-485 you’ll need to fill out and include the new Public Charge Form I-944. They’ll look at factors such as the applicant’s age, health, family information, assets, financial status, education and skills, etc. The Form I-944 is automatically included with every SimpleCitizen application package.

In the end they will look at the overall factors you provide to determine if an applicant would become a public charge to the USCIS.

Have questions?

Need help or have questions about public charge? Feel free to reach out to our support team and we'll be happy to help with your application.