Topics We're MonitoringSeptember 2, 20260

New Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) – What You Need to Know

Effective Date: Edition 08/24/2026 | OMB Expiration: 10/31/2027

USCIS has released an updated Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA. If you are sponsoring a family member for a green card, here is what has changed and what it means for you.

What's New

1. USCIS Can Now Check Your Credit

The biggest change: the new form includes a credit report authorization. By signing the I-864, sponsors now authorize USCIS and the Department of State to pull their credit reports and credit scores from consumer reporting agencies as part of evaluating whether the sponsor can financially support the immigrant.

What this means for you: If you have negative items on your credit report — collections, judgments, or high debt — be prepared to address them. If you have a credit freeze in place, the form warns that USCIS may be unable to access your information, which could delay your case or trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE). Consider lifting any freeze before filing.

2. Form I-864W Is Gone

USCIS has discontinued Form I-864W (Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support). If an applicant is exempt from the I-864 requirement, they no longer file a separate form. Instead, they simply check the appropriate box on Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

What this means for you: Update your filing checklists. Do not include an I-864W in your adjustment of status packages.

3. New Edition Date — Use the Right Form

The current edition is dated 08/24/2026. USCIS may reject filings that use outdated editions, so make sure every page of your I-864 matches the current version.

What Has NOT Changed

Despite some sweeping proposals from a 2020 rulemaking, several key requirements remain the same:

Income threshold: Sponsors must still demonstrate income at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (or 100% for qualifying active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child).
Tax returns: Only the most recent year's federal tax return or IRS transcript is required. Three years of returns are optional and may be submitted if helpful, but they are not mandatory.
Household member income: Sponsors may still use a household member's income by filing Form I-864A.
Asset calculations: The familiar multipliers still apply — generally 5x the income shortfall, 3x for U.S. citizen sponsors of spouses/children, and 1x for certain adoption cases.

What to Watch

Two pending federal rulemakings could bring further changes:

Affidavit of Support NPRM (2020): Originally proposed requiring three years of tax returns, credit reports, and stricter household-member and joint-sponsor rules. These have not been fully implemented, but the new credit authorization suggests movement in this direction.
Public Charge NPRM (2025): Proposes rescinding the 2022 public charge regulations, which could change how officers weigh a sufficient I-864 in public charge determinations. The I-864 requirement itself is not being eliminated.

Action Items

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Switch to the 08/24/2026 edition of Form I-864 immediately for all new filings.
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Screen sponsors for credit issues — pull a credit report early and address any problems before filing.
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Advise sponsors to lift credit freezes before submitting the I-864.
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Remove Form I-864W from your I-485 filing packages — use the checkbox on the I-485 instead.
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Continue requiring only one year of tax returns unless a consular officer or USCIS specifically requests more.
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Stay alert for final rules on the pending Affidavit of Support and Public Charge NPRMs.