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Legal Information: Federal

Immigration

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Updated: 
August 15, 2022

If I receive public benefits for myself or for my child, can I still get a U visa?

Receiving public benefits for yourself or on behalf of your children will not affect your U visa application.1 U visa applicants are not required to show that they can financially support themselves, so it does not matter if you or your family members receive public benefits. However, you should only apply for public benefits that you or your family members are actually eligible for. If you lie in order to get public benefits, it could affect your U visa application and you could be criminally charged.

1 INA § 212(a)(4)(E)(ii)