U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided a 30-day grace period for the transition to the new edition of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.
USCIS published the new edition of Form I-864 on August 31, 2026, with an edition date of 08/24/26. When the new edition was first released, USCIS indicated that it would be required immediately, with no transition period. USCIS has since updated its guidance. During the grace period, USCIS will continue accepting the prior 10/17/24 edition through September 30, 2026. Beginning October 1, 2026, USCIS will accept only the new 08/24/26 edition.
The same timeline applies to Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, and Form I-864EZ, both of which also have new 08/24/26 editions.
What Happens Beginning October 1?
Applicants, sponsors, and immigration practitioners should carefully check the edition date before submitting Form I-864 on or after October 1.
USCIS has indicated that when an adjustment-of-status application is filed with an outdated Form I-864 on or after October 1, it will address the issue under its rules concerning required initial evidence rather than automatically rejecting the underlying Form I-485. This distinction is important, but applicants should not rely on the correction process when the proper form can be submitted from the outset.
The New Form Includes an Important Privacy Release
The new 08/24/26 edition also includes a privacy release allowing USCIS to request information from one or more consumer reporting agencies, including credit reports and scores, to help determine whether the Affidavit of Support is sufficient.
USCIS advises that sponsors who have placed a credit or security freeze on their consumer or credit reports may need to take action so USCIS can obtain the information necessary to evaluate the sufficiency of the Form I-864. Sponsors should respond promptly to any request to release a freeze to avoid delays.
What Should Applicants and Sponsors Do?
Anyone preparing a family-based adjustment-of-status or other case requiring Form I-864 should verify the form edition immediately before filing. Cases being submitted on or after October 1, 2026 should use the 08/24/26 edition. The edition date appears at the bottom of each page of the form and its instructions.
Because USCIS periodically updates its forms and filing requirements, using an outdated edition can create unnecessary complications or delays.
NPZ Law Group continues to monitor USCIS form changes and other developments affecting family-based immigration and adjustment-of-status filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file the 10/17/24 edition of Form I-864?
Yes, but only if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or before September 30, 2026. Starting October 1, 2026, USCIS will accept only the 08/24/26 edition.
What if my Form I-485 was already filed with the old I-864 edition?
USCIS has stated that it does not reject a Form I-485 because it was filed with a previous edition of Form I-864. Filings submitted before October 1, 2026 with the 10/17/24 edition remain acceptable. If an outdated edition is submitted on or after October 1, USCIS will treat the missing current edition as an initial evidence issue rather than rejecting the application outright.
Do Form I-864A and Form I-864EZ have the same deadline?
Yes. USCIS published new 08/24/26 editions of both forms on August 31, 2026, with the same 30-day grace period. Only the 08/24/26 editions will be accepted on or after October 1, 2026.
What should sponsors with a credit freeze do?
The new edition authorizes USCIS to request information from consumer reporting agencies. If a sponsor has a credit or security freeze in place, USCIS may not be able to access that information. Sponsors should respond promptly to any request from USCIS to release the freeze so the case is not delayed.
If you or your family members have questions about how this or other immigration and nationality matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.