What to Know About the New Form I-864

Bringing a loved one to the United States is one of the most meaningful journeys a family can take. It can also feel stressful, especially when paperwork rules change along the way. If you plan to file a family-based immigration application, Form I-864 will likely be part of your case, and USCIS recently updated it.

Form I-864, officially called the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, shows that the immigrant being sponsored has enough financial support and won’t likely need to rely on the U.S. government. Most family-based immigrants must submit this form. When you sign it as a sponsor, you enter a legally binding contract with the U.S. government. Before you file, you should understand what the new version asks of you and what you agree to by signing it.

Which Version of Form I-864 Should I Submit?

Starting October 1, 2026, USCIS only accepts the edition of Form I-864 dated 08/24/26. You can find the edition date at the bottom of each page of the form.

USCIS will not process the previous edition, dated 10/17/24, if you mail it or file it electronically on or after October 1, 2026. USCIS gave applicants a 30-day grace period to use the older version, but that window has closed.

Using the wrong edition can cause real problems. If you file Form I-485 (the green card application) with an outdated Form I-864, USCIS won’t reject the I-485 itself. However, the agency will treat the case as missing required initial evidence. That can lead to a request for more documents, longer wait times, or even a denial. Before you file, download the current form directly from the USCIS website and confirm the edition date.

What the Newest Version of Form I-864 Includes

The 08/24/26 edition adds an important new piece: a privacy release. By signing the form, you authorize USCIS to request information about you from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which are the companies that maintain credit reports.

This change affects sponsors who have placed a credit freeze or security freeze on their files. Many people use freezes to protect themselves from identity theft, which makes good sense. But if USCIS can’t access your credit information, the agency may be unable to judge whether your affidavit meets the requirements.

If you have a freeze in place, lift it promptly with each reporting agency that holds one. Quick action on your part can help you avoid processing delays that hold up your family’s case.

How Sponsors May Be Impacted by Submitting Form I-864

Many sponsors sign Form I-864 without realizing how serious the commitment is. Because it’s a binding contract, it carries real financial and legal consequences.

If the immigrant you sponsor receives means-tested public benefits, the agency that provided those benefits can ask you to repay the cost. If you don’t pay, the agency can sue you. You could then owe the value of the benefits plus legal fees and related costs.

The immigrant also gains legal rights under the contract. If you fail to provide the promised financial support, the person you sponsored can take you to court.

Your obligation doesn’t expire after a year or two. It continues until the sponsored immigrant:

• Becomes a U.S. citizen
• Earns credit for 40 quarters of work under the Social Security Act
• Leaves the United States and loses lawful permanent resident status
• Receives a new grant of adjustment of status during removal proceedings, supported by a new affidavit of support
• Dies

For many families, this responsibility can last for years. Understanding it upfront helps you make an informed decision.

Get Trusted Guidance for Your Family’s Immigration Case

Form I-864 plays a central role in reuniting families, and small mistakes can slow the process at a time when you’re eager to be together. You don’t have to handle these rules alone.

At Sverdloff Law Group, we guide families through every step of the family-based immigration process, from preparing and reviewing Form I-864 to answering your questions about sponsor responsibilities. We take the time to understand your situation and give you honest, personal attention.

Contact Sverdloff Law Group today to schedule a consultation and get experienced support with your family immigration case.