USCIS Changes Form I-864 Requirements: New Affidavit of Support Forms Effective August 31, 2026 — No Grace Period

Last Updated: September 1, 2026

If you are sponsoring a family member for a U.S. green card, an important change to the Affidavit of Support requirements took effect on August 31, 2026.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new editions of Form I-864, Form I-864A, and Form I-864EZ. Unlike many USCIS form updates, there is no grace period for using the previous editions.

This means that applicants and sponsors should make sure they are using the correct version of the Affidavit of Support forms before submitting an adjustment of status application or another immigration filing that requires Form I-864.

What Changed?

USCIS published new editions of the following forms, all bearing the 08/24/26 edition date:

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
Form I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

USCIS announced the new editions on August 31, 2026, and the new forms became effective immediately. Beginning August 31, 2026, USCIS requires the new edition of the applicable form.

The previous 10/17/24 editions should not be used for filings submitted on or after August 31, 2026.

For the most current versions of the forms, applicants should always consult the official USCIS website:

There Is No Grace Period

The most important thing for applicants and sponsors to understand is that USCIS is not providing a transition period for the new forms.

USCIS specifically announced that there would be no grace period and provided information concerning the new editions in advance of their effective date.

If you have an adjustment of status package or other immigration filing that requires an Affidavit of Support and the forms were prepared before August 31, 2026, the forms should be reviewed before filing to confirm that they are the correct editions.

Simply having completed an older version of the I-864 does not mean that it can still be submitted with a new filing.

Why Did USCIS Change the Forms?

One of the most significant changes is the addition of a privacy release authorization relating to consumer reporting information.

The new forms contain authorization allowing USCIS and the Department of State (DOS) to obtain certain information from one or more consumer reporting agencies when evaluating the Affidavit of Support.

This is an important development for sponsors because consumer reporting information may now be relevant to the government’s evaluation of the sponsor’s financial information.

The precise practical application of this new authorization—and how frequently USCIS or DOS will obtain information from consumer reporting agencies—may become clearer as the agencies begin implementing the new forms.

What Does This Mean for Sponsors?

Sponsors should pay particular attention to the new privacy authorization and USCIS’s warning regarding credit freezes and security freezes.

USCIS has cautioned that if a sponsor has placed a credit or security freeze on their consumer report, USCIS may be unable to obtain information needed to evaluate the sufficiency of the Form I-864.

If you have a credit or security freeze, you should therefore be prepared to respond promptly if USCIS or DOS requests that the freeze be released.

At this time, it is not entirely clear how these requests will be made in individual cases or how the consumer-reporting process will operate in practice.

Disclosure of Information to the Sponsored Immigrant

Another important feature of the new forms concerns the disclosure of information obtained through the consumer reporting process.

The sponsor authorizes disclosure of relevant information to the sponsored immigrant for purposes of responding to potentially derogatory information pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(16).

The new authorization appears to contemplate disclosure of information obtained by USCIS or DOS through a consumer reporting agency, rather than merely information already contained in the Form I-864 and its supporting documentation.

This could become particularly important if USCIS or DOS obtains information that may affect its evaluation of the sponsor’s financial eligibility.

As USCIS provides additional guidance concerning implementation of this new process, applicants and sponsors should carefully review any correspondence they receive regarding the Affidavit of Support.

What Should Sponsors and Applicants Do?

If you are preparing an immigration filing that requires an Affidavit of Support, we recommend the following:

1. Use the new editions.
Make sure you are using the 08/24/26 edition of Form I-864, I-864A, or I-864EZ, as applicable.

2. Do not submit the old editions.
The previous 10/17/24 editions should not be used for filings submitted on or after August 31, 2026.

3. Review your credit-freeze status.
If you have placed a security or credit freeze on your consumer report, be prepared to respond promptly if USCIS or DOS requests that the freeze be released.

4. Carefully review the new privacy authorization.
Sponsors should understand that the new form authorizes USCIS and DOS to obtain certain consumer reporting information and provides for disclosure of relevant information to the sponsored immigrant.

5. Review previously prepared forms before filing.
If you have an Affidavit of Support that was prepared before August 31, 2026 but has not yet been filed, review it carefully and, if necessary, complete a new version using the current edition.

6. Check the USCIS website before filing.
USCIS can change form editions and filing requirements with little notice. Always verify the current edition date immediately before submitting an immigration application.

Does This Affect Pending Cases?

The immediate concern is for new submissions on or after August 31, 2026.

If you already submitted an older edition before the new effective date, that is different from preparing a new filing today. If USCIS subsequently issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) or otherwise requests a new Affidavit of Support, the applicable form edition should be carefully reviewed at that time.

Applicants should not assume that a previously prepared Affidavit of Support can simply be reused for a future filing or response without checking the current USCIS requirements.

Because there is no grace period for the new editions, using the correct form from the beginning can help avoid unnecessary delays or problems with an immigration filing.

How Does This Affect Family-Based Green Card Cases?

Form I-864 is an important component of many family-based green card applications. In an adjustment of status case, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner will generally need to submit an Affidavit of Support when required by the immigration category.

Depending on the circumstances, a sponsor may use Form I-864, while certain sponsors may qualify to use the shorter Form I-864EZ. A household member whose income or assets are being used to meet the financial requirements may also need to execute Form I-864A.

Because the Affidavit of Support creates important legal obligations for the sponsor, it is important to carefully evaluate the sponsor’s household size, income, assets, and other relevant circumstances before filing.

Need Help With Your Family-Based Immigration Case?

The Affidavit of Support is an important part of many family-based immigration cases, and mistakes with the form can create unnecessary delays.

If you are preparing a family-based green card application, adjustment of status case, or immigrant visa case, an immigration attorney can review the sponsor’s financial information and determine which Affidavit of Support form and supporting documentation are appropriate.

At Higuera Immigration Law, we assist families with family-based immigration matters, including adjustment of status, consular processing, and Affidavits of Support.

Higuera Immigration Law serves clients in Weston, Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, throughout South Florida, and across the United States and abroad.

If you have questions about the new Form I-864 requirements or whether your previously prepared Affidavit of Support needs to be updated, contact Higuera Immigration Law to schedule a consultation.

Important Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, regulations, forms, and USCIS procedures can change. Your individual circumstances may affect the requirements applicable to your case. For advice regarding your specific immigration situation, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.