Do Public Benefits Affect my Citizenship Application?

Some people are worried that public benefits will hurt their application for U.S. citizenship. They have heard about changes to the "public charge rule." But the public charge rule focuses on a person applying for a Green card through a family petition.

• U.S. Citizens or Applicants for Citizenship
• Permanent Residents (Green card holders). Note: if a Green card holder leaves the U.S. for more than six months, the Public Charge rule can apply when they try to return.
• People who have or are applying for certain humanitarian-based immigration statuses (asylum, TPS, T or U Visa, VAWA, and more).
  

If you have a Green card, it is generally safe to get the public benefits you qualify for. But if you receive public benefits, do not take a trip outside the U.S. for longer than six months. (Trips outside the U.S. for more than six months can make you lose your permanent residency too).

For more information about public benefits, public charge, and immigrants, go to: https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/know-your-rights/.

Become a U.S. Citizen
Free, Safe, and Simple.

To fill out a citizenship application online, you have three options: the U.S. government website; for-profit companies, or; nonprofit organizations.

Most people have to know some English to qualify for citizenship. The citizenship interview has a test to see if you can read, write, and speak basic English.

To qualify for citizenship, you must: Be at least 18 years old. Be a permanent resident (have a green card) for at least.

Information on where to send your application for citizenship.

This article has information about the costs, timelines, and more to help you decide whether to renew your Green Card or apply for citizenship.