Preparing for Public Charge Questions at the Immigrant Visa Interview
By Michael H. Markovitch, Esq. on October, 21, 2026
Under the Trump Administration, there has been increased scrutiny regarding the public charge issue. Now, 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 may include:
1. Housing Plans
- Where will the beneficiary live in the United States? Provide a specific address if available.
- If the beneficiary has not secured housing, explain their plan to find a home.
- Who else will live with the beneficiary?
2. Employment Plans for Adult Applicants
- What type of work does the beneficiary plan to do?
- What education, training, or work experience does the beneficiary have for this career?
- Does the beneficiary need additional training, licenses, or certifications to work in this field? If yes, who will support the beneficiary and any derivatives financially during this period?
- If applicable, has the beneficiary started looking for employment? Describe these job search efforts.
- What salary does the beneficiary expect to earn in their first year?
3. Health Insurance Plans for Each Family Member
- Does the beneficiary currently have health insurance that will cover them and any dependents in the United States?
- Can the beneficiary and any derivatives be added to a family member's existing health insurance plan? If a plan does not already cover the beneficiary and family, provide detailed information about potential health insurance plans, including the specific monthly premium.
4. Assets and Liabilities
- What are the beneficiary’s household’s assets and resources (for example: investments or home equity)?
- What are the beneficiary’s household’s liabilities, both secured and unsecured (for example: mortgages, personal loans, alimony, or child support payments.
Preventing Public Benefits Reliance At Your Interview
Be prepared to discuss the following topics:
1. Housing Plans
- Where will the beneficiary live in the United States? Provide a specific address if available.
- If the beneficiary has not secured housing, explain their plan to find a home.
- Who else will live with the beneficiary?
2. Employment Plans for Each Adult Applicant
- What type of work does the beneficiary plan to do?
- What education, training, or work experience does the beneficiary have for this career?
- Does the beneficiary need additional training, licenses, or certifications to work in this field? If yes, who will support the beneficiary and any derivatives financially during this period?
- If applicable, has the beneficiary started looking for employment? Describe these job search efforts.
- What salary does the beneficiary expect to earn in their first year?
For further information or questions you may have, please feel free to contact The Law Offices of Michael H. Markovitch.