Community Services

We provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services and education to support the well-being of Asian American communities. Our programs include Immigration Legal Services (citizenship applications and DACA renewals), Health Access & Education (health insurance applications, health referrals, vaccine equity), and Financial Empowerment (small business counseling and public benefits assistance). We accept in-person, phone, and virtual (Zoom) appointments.

faqresourcese-services request form

Community Services

We provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services and education to support the well-being of Asian American communities. Our programs include Immigration Legal Services (citizenship applications and DACA renewals), Health Access & Education (health insurance applications, health referrals, vaccine equity), and Financial Empowerment (small business counseling and public benefits assistance). We accept in-person, phone, and virtual (Zoom) appointments.

Immigration Legal Services

Our team of legal volunteers and partially-DOJ-accredited professionals can assist with:

  • Qualification screenings for citizenship
  • Completing and reviewing your N-400 (citizenship) application and fee waivers
  • Citizenship interview preparation and practice
  • DACA renewal applications
  • Referrals to pro-bono immigration attorneys

Services provided in: Korean, English

To make an appointment or to ask questions about the naturalization process or DACA renewals, contact our Immigration Legal Services Coordinator (services@hamkaecenter.org / 571-519-6939 TTY 711) or fill out the request form.

FAQs

Health Access Services

All services are free and limited to Virginia residents. We have trained staff who can help with:

Services provided in: English, Korean, Urdu

The next Open Enrollment Period begins November 1 and ends January 15. Medicaid/FAMIS applications are available year-round.

DON’T FORGET: Medicaid recipients must renew their insurance annually or risk losing their health coverage. Check our FAQ for more information.

To make an appointment with us, contact our Health Services Coordinators (services@hamkaecenter.org / 703-256-2208 TTY 711), or fill out the request form.

FAQs

Financial Empowerment

Trained staff can help you create and grow a thriving small business in Maryland or Virginia through 1-on-1 or group coaching. This includes:

  • Guidance through all aspects of business creation such as tax filing, government regulations, and business promotion;
  • Brainstorm ways to sustainably expand into your market and draw in new customers.
  • Identify methods of building funds (capital) through grants and loans.

We can also help you find and apply to resources to meet your everyday needs, such as financial assistance for energy, rent, mortgage, hospital bills, and food (SNAP).

Services provided in: Korean, English

To make an appointment, contact our Financial Services Coordinator (services@hamkaecenter.org / 571-325-9336 TTY 711 / Kakaotalk: Smallbiz-Hamkae) or fill out the request form.

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Community Outreach

We love connecting with community partners to help educate and promote local resources. We can answer your community’s questions about any of the services we provide, which includes:

  • Small business creation and sustainable entrepreneurship
  • Eligibility requirements and important deadlines for Medicaid and ACA
  • What to do when ineligible for health insurance programs
  • Naturalization eligibility and related processes

Services provided in: English, Korean

If you’d like us to table at your event/organization or have ideas for collaboration, contact our Services & Outreach Manager (services@hamkaecenter.org, 703-256-2208 ext 108).

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) - Citizenship

How do I become a US citizen?

1. Find out if you are eligible for naturalization.

2. Fill out the application, prepare all supporting documents, and send them to USCIS with payment for the fee.

3. Wait for the USCIS Notice for a biometrics appointment. The appointment will be at a USCIS “Application Support Center” near you.

4. Go to the Naturalization Interview and take the Civic and English exams.

5. Take the Oath.

Do I qualify for citizenship?

To qualify for citizenship, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a permanent resident (have a green card) for at least:
    • 5 years, or
    • 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.
  • Read, write and speak basic English; and
  • Understand basic US civics.

Do I have to know English?

You have to be able to read, speak, listen and write English. However, the purpose of the English test is not to prove that you are perfectly fluent in English.

You are exempt from the English test (but must still take the civic test) if you are:

  • 50+ years old and have lived as a Permanent Resident (aka green card holder) in the US for 20+ years, or
  • 55+ years old and have lived as a Permanent Resident in the US for 15+ years.

You may take the civic test in your native language, but you must bring an interpreter fluent in both English and your native language with you to your interview. Permanent Residents who are 65+ years old and have lived in the US for 20+ years will get special consideration regarding the civics test. See this webpage for more information about exemptions.

Unfortunately, we do not have staff or volunteers available and trained to provide interpretation services during naturalization interviews.

If you would like to take English classes, see question in the Other section below: “Where can I take English classes?”

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

US citizenship application fee: $760 (biometric fee included)

See question below to see how you can qualify for reduced fees and fee waivers for the application fee.

Can I get a fee waiver or request a reduced fee?

The full fee of $760 is waived if your household income level is less than 150% of the federal poverty line.

If your household income is between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty level, you may be eligible to get $380 off your application fee.

For more information on the reduced fee request and fee waiver, visit the USCIS site.

You must submit an application to request a fee waiver. Check your eligibility for a full or partial fee waiver on this webpage.

How long is this process?

Check this webpage to find out the processing time for your case.

We cannot provide you with an exact timeline of when you will be notified; we only assist with the application and do not directly have control over approvals/rejections. If your application is rejected, we can discuss next steps.

What is included in Hamkae Center's citizenship services?

We check for eligibility for citizenship. Our services include:

  • Application Assistance– We can help guide you to retrieve missing information or documents, but you must provide all required information and materials so that we can help you complete your application.
  • Legal review of citizenship applications – Immigration lawyers or DOJ-accredited professionals will review your application.

We will guide you to register your application with the Immigration Bureau after having completed all the above.

Services can be provided in person, over the phone or virtually. If you would like to request our virtual services, you must have an active email account.

What do I need to provide for naturalization services?

Before we can assist you in filling out your application, you must complete with us an intake form and an eligibility screening, and sign a “Limited retainer for naturalization application legal assistance via the New Americans Campaign”.

Once we receive that information, we will request scanned copies of your green card, passport, and ID. If you are eligible for a fee waiver, we may also ask you to send a copy your tax refund from the previous year.

Who submits the application to USCIS?

All applications must be submitted directly by the applicant.

Does Hamkae Center's citizenship services have a fee?

Yes, we charge $25 for each individual we assist with the application.

Does Hamkae Center offer legal services?

Our services include a legal review of your applications, but we don’t provide direct legal assistance.

Our Immigration Legal Services Coordinator  is our DOJ/BIA-accredited legal representative.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) - Health Insurance & Dental Referrals

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

What does Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers in-patient and out-patient hospital services, physician services, laboratory and x-ray services, home health services, dental services, and more.

Optional benefits include services such as prescription drugs, case management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

Will my immigration status or application be impacted by Public Charge if I get Medicaid/FAMIS/ACA?

Most likely not –enrollment in Medicaid will not impact future immigration statuses or application, unless the person is receiving institutional long-term care (ex. nursing home). Benefits received by other family members cannot affect your public charge test. And public charge is only one part of the immigration review.

Also, public charge only impacts people applying for green card/LPR status or a visa to enter the U.S.

Public Charge does NOT apply when an immigrant applies for:

-Citizenship

-Green card renewal

-Asylum, DACA, DED, or any other statuses not listed above.

What are the eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Virginia?

You must be ALL of the below:

  • a resident of the Virginia
  • a U.S. citizen, legal  permanent resident, or have a lawful residing status
    • Legal Permanent Residents and Parolees must have their status for 5 years
    • Most other lawful residing statuses will lose eligibility after 7 years or when they become an LPR
  • be low income (have a household income less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level)

You must also be AT LEAST ONE of the following:

  • Pregnant
  • Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger
  • Blind
  • Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability
  • 65 years of age or older

When I am enrolled in Medicaid, how long am I on it?

You are enrolled in Medicaid for as long as you are eligible, but you must renew continuously (see next question).

Do I have to renew my Medicaid? What is the process?

Medicaid must be reviewed at least once every 12 months to determine your eligibility for coverage. If this annual review is not completed, coverage may be canceled.

Sometimes, your eligibility may be reviewed for without the worker contacting you. If the local DSS is able to renew  with information known to the agency or available from electronic sources, you will receive a notice telling you the coverage has been reviewed and the date of your next annual renewal.

You can renew your coverage online by visiting the CommonHelp website or over the phone by calling Cover VA at 1-855-242-8282.

How do I know when to renew my Medicaid ahead of time?

Medicaid will send you a letter notifying you to renew your coverage for the 12 months period.

Make sure to keep your contact information up to date so you get this notice.

If you changed your contact information or moved since your last renewal, you can update your information by contacting Cover Virginia (1-855-242-8282 ) or your local department of social services(DSS).

Can I go to a doctor of my choice with Medicaid?

Not every doctor accepts Medicaid; contact them to ask before making an appointment.

Does Hamkae Center's health insurance and referral services have a fee?

Assistance with health insurance applications and referrals to most health resources are free.

The exception is referrals to the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic (NVDC). This referral fee is $50, which allows us to hold and pay for your first appointment at NVDC.

What is FAMIS?

FAMIS, a.k.a. “child Medicaid”, is Virginia’s health insurance program that makes health care affordable for children from eligible families. It covers all the medical care that growing children need to avoid getting sick, plus the medical care that will help them if they do get sick or get hurt.

What is FAMIS Plus?

FAMIS Plus provides medical coverage for low-income children who may have other health care coverage.

What is FAMIS Moms?

FAMIS Moms provides health care coverage for pregnant people and newborns. FAMIS Moms provides full health care benefits during your pregnancy and for one year after birth, even if your income changes during that time.

Your baby will qualify for coverage for the first year after birth.

You can enroll your baby by phone with CoverVA (1-8555-242-8282), contact local DSS or ask the hospital.

What is Famis Prenatal?

FAMIS Prenatal is health care coverage for pregnant individuals who can’t get other coverage due to their immigration status.  

You will get full medicaid benefits for pregnant people until 60 days after birth.

To be eligible, you need to:

– live in Virginia

– meet income rules

– be uninsured.

– be prepared to share your estimated due date and how many children you are expecting.

What do I get under Medicaid if I am pregnant?

When you are enrolled in Medicaid for pregnancy, you get full health care benefits during your pregnancy and postpartum coverage for 12 months after childbirth.

Coverage after the birth(postpartum) will be extended to those who have given birth more than 60 days ago but not more than 12 months ago; if you are eligible for postpartum coverage, you may enroll in Medicaid or CHIP to receive the extended postpartum coverage from the time you enroll to 12 months after you had given birth.

You also receive dental benefits during your pregnancy coverage. Dental services are administered through the CardinalCare Smiles program

What are the dental benefits?

Dental services focus on prevention and restoration. They include the following:

  • Diagnostic: x-rays, exams
  • Preventive: cleanings
  • Restorative: fillings
  • Endodontics: root canals
  • Periodontics: gum related treatment
  • Prosthodontics: crowns, partials, dentures
  • Oral surgery: extractions and other oral surgeries
  • Adjunctive general services: all covered services that do not fall into specific dental categories

Bridges are not covered. Orthodontic services, such as braces, are not included.

Who is eligible for dental benefits?

Adults age 21 and older who are enrolled in Medicaid or FAMIS qualify for these dental benefits.

When do the dental benefits start?

The new comprehensive dental benefits begin on July 1, 2021.

How will I know if my application has been accepted? How long will it take?

Wait for the letter – Medicaid will send out a letter and give you the date you can expect coverage to start.

Look online – When submitting your application online, the website will create an account for you. Log into your account and check your status.

Call the Medicaid Office – The paperwork that you receive from your state’s Medicaid office will have a phone number that you can call to check the status of your application. You may ask for interpretation service during the call, free of charge.

Go to the Medicaid Office – One big advantage of visiting your local office is that you can make any corrections to your application there, if needed. Note that they may be busy.

Since we only assist with applications, we do not have direct influence over approval/denial; thus, we do not know when you may be approved. If you are denied a service, let us know and we can discuss next steps and information on how to connect with the Medicaid office directly, especially if you have concerns about language barriers or the information on your application.

Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) - Other

Are Hamkae Center's offices open?

Due to COVID-19, our Centreville and Annandale offices remain closed. Services are conducted virtually.

Those with special circumstances can request an in-person appointment by calling 703-256-2208. We will follow all COVID-19 guidelines (masks, 6 feet apart, sanitizing, etc).

Where can I take English classes?

You can sign up for Columbia College’s VESL (Vocational English as a Second Language) online class. If you need financial aid, you may apply to FAFSA or VASA; see question below.

For more information, contact Joey Moon (joeym@ccdc.edu / 703-206-0508 ext. 311) or Ashley Park (ashleyp@ccdc.edu / 703-206-0508 ext. 339). Both can speak English and Korean. They can also help you with processing your financial aid.

Columbia College Online VESL Class

How can I get financial aid for my college courses?

You can apply to FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid); check to see if you are eligible. If you are ineligible for FAFSA, you can apply instead to VASA (Virginia Alternate Student Aid) for state financial aid; check to see if you are eligible. You should apply to only one of these programs, not both.

Check FAFSA’s site for the final deadline to apply for each academic year; VASA follows the same deadline. Contact your college’s financial aid office for more information, including priority deadlines and scholarships.

For more scholarships, check NAKASEC’s site and this guide for scholarships for Asian American and Pacific Islander students.

banh mi and civics flash cards
Deokhee Ryu
Noell Evans

Get Involved

We’re always looking for Korean-speaking pro-bono immigration attorneys who can provide legal review for N-400 and DACA renewal applications, as well as general Korean interpreters. If interested, fill out our volunteer form.