Public Benefits

Generally, non-immigrant international students are not eligible for public benefits from federal or other state/local government agencies. While U.S. born children may qualify for these benefits, their non-immigrant parents may not. Before accepting any public benefits, consult an appropriate attorney.

In the spring of 2018 a draft proposal to change the rules about accepting public benefits was in the press. It is not clear whether these policy proposals will become official in the future. However, accepting public benefits when one does not qualify may adversely impact your non-immigrant status and possibly subject you to a bar from re-entering the U.S.