Important Updates
Important Updates
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
October 24, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
October 24, 2025 | PeruPeru: Technical Issues Affecting Online Visa Renewal Applications
October 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the New H-1B Fee
October 23, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
October 24, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
October 24, 2025 | PeruPeru: Technical Issues Affecting Online Visa Renewal Applications
October 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the New H-1B Fee
October 23, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

New Public Charge Rule Subjects Adjustment Applicants and Nonimmigrants to Higher Scrutiny

August 12, 2019

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a glance

  • Under a new regulation, applicants for adjustment of status will undergo a closer review of their personal circumstances to determine whether they have used or are likely to need certain federal public benefits in the future.
  • Nonimmigrants who have used certain federal public benefits after their admission to the United States may be denied an extension of stay or change of status.
  • The rule is set to take effect on October 15, but will not apply to applications for adjustment, changes of status or extensions of stay filed before that date.

The issue

Foreign nationals who have received certain federal public benefits or who are likely to become dependent on the government in the future may face additional immigration hurdles under a new regulation that is expected to be published imminently and take effect on October 15.

The rule will impose strict new standards for determining whether an applicant is a “public charge.” U.S. immigration law has long permitted the government to find a foreign national inadmissible and deny permanent residence if it determines that the foreign national is likely to become a public charge in the future.

The new regulation will broaden the class of foreign nationals subject to public charge review to include nonimmigrants, and will lengthen the list of public benefits considered in the review. The rule also gives immigration officers broader discretion when assessing whether an applicant for adjustment of status is likely to become a public charge in the future. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the rule is intended to ensure that applicants for admission to the United States are self-sufficient.

Public benefits covered by the rule

Under the rule, a foreign national may be deemed inadmissible as a public charge if he or she has received one or more covered public benefits for more than an aggregate of 12 months within any 36-month period. The benefits considered in a public charge analysis are:

  • Federal, state, local or tribal cash benefits for income maintenance (including Supplemental Security Income or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families);
  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps);
  • Certain federal housing benefits, including Section 8 Housing Assistance or Project-based Rental Assistance; and
  • Medicaid (with some exceptions listed below).


The following are among those not considered public benefits for purposes of the public charge rule:

  • Federal or state retirement benefits, including Social Security retirement benefits;
  • Social Security disability benefits;
  • Unemployment benefits, and other benefits that an individual earns through payroll tax and other tax deductions;
  • Health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (though possession of private health insurance without ACA credits can be used as a positive factor in assessing whether an adjustment applicant could become a public charge in the future);
  • Medicare benefits;
  • Medicaid received by persons under 21, pregnant women, women up to 60 days after the last day of pregnancy, and persons with emergency medical conditions;
  • The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP);
  • School-based services for primary and secondary students, including lunches; and
  • Disaster relief benefits.


Benefits received by a spouse, child or any other person would not be counted against the principal applicant, unless the principal is also listed as a recipient of the benefit. Also, in certain circumstances, the covered public benefits received by members of the armed forces and their families, and by children acquiring U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 will not be counted against them.

What the rule means for applicants for adjustment of status

In addition to establishing that they have not received a covered public benefit for more than 12 months within the last three years, applicants for adjustment of status will undergo a closer review to determine whether they are likely to become a public charge in the future. They will be required to submit a declaration of self-sufficiency with their application, along with supporting documentation. 

An immigration officer will have the authority to deny the application if the officer believes that the applicant is more likely than not to qualify as a public charge at any time in the future. In making this determination, adjudicators will review the totality of the applicant’s circumstances, both positive and negative, including the applicant’s age, health, family size, education level, skills and financial circumstances. Past use of covered public benefits, even if the applicant has not exceeded the 12-month maximum, can also be considered.  Many of these factors have long been a part of a public charge determination, but DHS has expanded their meaning to create tougher standards, considering items such as credit history and health in new ways. While no single factor is determinative, this test gives very broad discretion to the adjudicating officer. 

Adjustment applicants found likely to be a potential public charge could be permitted to post a bond of at least $8,100 in order to overcome the inadmissibility ground.

What the rule means for nonimmigrants seeking an extension or change of status

Foreign nationals who apply for an extension or change of nonimmigrant status – including H-1B and L-1 nonimmigrants and their dependents – could have their applications denied if they have received one or more of the covered public benefits for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period after they obtained the status they are seeking to extend or change. However, adjudicators will not assess whether they are likely to become a public charge in the future.  

Foreign nationals exempted from the rule

The public charge rule does not apply to:

  • U.S. citizens, including those related to a foreign national seeking benefits;
  • Most lawful permanent residents, including permanent residents who apply for naturalization to U.S. citizenship; 
  • Certain adoptees; and
  • Foreign nationals who are exempt from public charge grounds of inadmissibility, including asylees, refugees, victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and certain enumerated crimes, and Special Immigrant Juveniles.

Effective date of the rule and impact on pending applications

The rule is expected to take effect on October 15. It will only apply to public benefits received by foreign nationals after the rule takes effect. Applications filed and pending before the effective date of the rule are not subject to the new requirements. 

Fragomen is closely tracking the implementation of the public charge regulation and will provide updates as the Department of Homeland Security issues further information. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.