Step 1 - LPR or Citizen

Check to see if the person being screened is subject to a public charge determination based on current immigration status.

Background: Not everyone undergoes a public charge screening by immigration officials. For example, persons who are already green card holders, naturalized citizens, or in an “exempt” status do not have to worry about public charge. This means that they can use any type of benefit without worrying about it affecting their immigration status.