Public Charge and Your Immigration Status

“Public charge” is a term used in immigration law. It describes someone whom the government determines is likely to depend heavily on certain public benefits in the future. When you apply for admission, a visa or for a green card (lawful permanent residence) through a family-based petition or through a job, one reason your application may be denied is that the government thinks you are likely to become a public charge.

The federal government finalized a new rule beginning in September 2026 that changes how it determines whether someone is likely to become a public charge. Depending on your situation and immigration status, getting financial help for health insurance through Covered California may affect your green card application. Most consumers who are eligible for financial help in 2027 may not be subject to the public charge rule when they apply for admission or a green card.

The public-charge rule does not apply to green card applicants who are getting their green card based on:

• Asylum

• Refugee status

• U visa

• T visa

• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Everyone’s situation is different. If you have questions, talk with an attorney or a qualified immigration legal representative before making decisions about your immigration case or health insurance.

For questions about how your immigration status may affect your access to medical care, please visit the Health Consumer Alliance website or call them at (888) 804-3536.

They may be able to connect you with free legal services and help with access to care.

For immigration law-related questions, visit the California Department of Social Services website for a list of community organizations that can provide free, confidential legal help related to public charge.

This information may change based on future court decisions, and we will update this page if anything changes. Please check back for updates.