New Public Charge Rule Takes Effect Tomorrow: Questions Immigrant Visa Applicants May Face

Washington: Applicants preparing for immigrant visa interviews in the United States will need to be ready to provide detailed information about their plans for housing, employment and health insurance after arriving in the country.

According to an immigrant visa interview preparation questionnaire issued by the U.S. Embassy, applicants may be asked how they plan to manage their living expenses in the United States and how they intend to avoid becoming dependent on public benefits.

The questionnaire states that all immigrant visa applicants should be prepared to discuss their plans for covering living expenses after arriving in the United States. The embassy said that, under U.S. immigration law, an applicant’s ability to support themselves without relying on public benefits may be discussed during the interview.

Where Will You Live in the United States ?

Applicants may be asked where they plan to live after arriving in the United States. The embassy advises applicants to be prepared, whenever possible, to provide the specific address where they intend to stay.

If an applicant has not arranged accommodation before arriving in the United States, they may need to explain how they plan to find housing. They may also be asked who else will be living with them after they arrive in the country.

What Work Do You Plan to Do?

Adult immigrant visa applicants may be asked what type of work they plan to pursue after arriving in the United States. Applicants should be prepared to provide information about their education, training and work experience relevant to the job they intend to seek.

If additional training, licensing or certification is required for the intended job, applicants may also be asked who will cover their living expenses until they complete those requirements, including expenses for family members accompanying them.

Applicants who have already begun looking for employment may be asked where and how they are searching for jobs and what efforts they have made. They may also be asked how much income they expect to earn during their first year of employment in the United States.

Questions About Health Insurance

Applicants may also face questions about health insurance coverage for themselves and family members accompanying them to the United States.

They may be asked whether they already have health insurance that covers themselves and their dependents in the United States. Applicants may also be asked whether they can be added to an existing health insurance plan held by a family member.

If the applicant does not already have a health insurance plan covering themselves or accompanying family members, they may need to provide details about potential insurance plans. This may include information about the plan’s monthly premium, according to the embassy.

How Should Applicants Prepare Before the Interview ?

According to the embassy’s questionnaire, immigrant visa applicants should have a clear plan for where they will live after arriving in the United States, how they will arrange housing and who will live with them.

They should also be prepared to explain the type of work they intend to pursue, the education or training required for that work, their previous work experience and how they plan to obtain any additional licenses or certifications that may be necessary.

Applicants who have already started looking for employment should be prepared to describe the steps they have taken. They should also have a clear idea of their expected income during their first year of employment.

Applicants should likewise be familiar with their health insurance situation and that of their accompanying family members. If they do not have health insurance, they should be prepared to provide information about potential insurance plans and their monthly costs.

The U.S. Embassy document identifies these as topics that may be discussed during immigrant visa interviews. It does not state that every applicant will necessarily be asked all of the listed questions.

The embassy has advised applicants to consult the U.S. Department of State’s website for additional information.