Unsure about two questions on I-944

[Jenerii 1]

 

1. Part 3 #18 Public Benefits

What does it mean to be “certified” in receiving public benefits? We are not getting any public benefits at all but I don’t know the difference between “receiving public benefits” and “certified to receive public benefits” Any thoughts?

2. Part 4 #4

It asked for occupational skills. My wife studied architecture for a very long time, so she didn’t have time to train and/or develop various occupational skills. So we are going to fill this area out with “N/A” but we are wondering if it will affect her chances of getting her AOS approved?

 

Many thanks!

[Pmta1 39]

For # 1. "Certification" is when applicants for public benefits get approved/certified for a certain time period to get public benefits. If you don't receive any, aren't approved, or haven't received it, then you are certainly not certified to receive it.

For # 2. "occupational skills" are mostly for blue-collared trades. If your partner was a professional (architecture major), then it's better "totality of circumstances". You could write "architect" for skills, education, etc. as it pertains. The USCIS adjudicator will use these in a combined decision to determine the public charge inadmissibility. It's not a heavily weighted negative or positive factor.

[Jenerii 1]

4 hours ago, Pmta1 said:

For # 1. "Certification" is when applicants for public benefits get approved/certified for a certain time period to get public benefits. If you don't receive any, aren't approved, or haven't received it, then you are certainly not certified to receive it.

For # 2. "occupational skills" are mostly for blue-collared trades. If your partner was a professional (architecture major), then it's better "totality of circumstances". You could write "architect" for skills, education, etc. as it pertains. The USCIS adjudicator will use these in a combined decision to determine the public charge inadmissibility. It's not a heavily weighted negative or positive factor.

Thanks! You helped a lot!