USCIS has started requiring a new version of Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support. Starting October 1, 2026, only the 08/24/26 edition is accepted — and anyone who submits the old edition from that date on needs to know how USCIS handles the document. (USCIS — I-864)
What happened?
USCIS published the 08/24/26 edition of Form I-864 and opened a 30-day transition period, from September 1 to September 30, 2026, during which both the old edition (10/17/24) and the new one (08/24/26) were accepted. (USCIS — Forms Updates) This transition period ends on September 30. Starting October 1, 2026, the 08/24/26 edition becomes the only valid version of the form, and it's the edition date printed in the footer that USCIS checks. (USCIS — I-864)
What is Form I-864?
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is the document in which the sponsor shows that they have sufficient financial means to support the immigrant, so that the immigrant does not depend on assistance from the U.S. government. (USCIS — I-864) It is used by most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants. There is no fee to submit Form I-864 to USCIS or the Department of State. (USCIS — I-864) When a household member adds their income to the sponsor's, Form I-864A also comes into play, and it has likewise moved to the 08/24/26 edition. (USCIS — I-864A (PDF))
What changes in practice?
The main change is the edition date. Starting October 1, you need to use the 08/24/26 edition — the date appears in the footer of every page of the form. (USCIS — I-864 (PDF)) The old 10/17/24 edition, postmarked or submitted electronically on or after October 1, is not processed. Instead of rejecting it on the spot, USCIS treats the old version as missing initial evidence and may issue a request for evidence (RFE) for you to resubmit using the correct version. (USCIS — Forms Updates) This gives a second chance to correct it, but it delays the process, since the clock waits for your response. The new edition also includes an authorization for USCIS to check the sponsor's financial information with consumer reporting agencies — in other words, by signing, the sponsor agrees to this verification. (USCIS — I-864 (PDF))
Who is affected?
Form I-864 comes up in most family-based green card cases — for example, when the family green card goes through its phases and reaches the affidavit of support step. It also applies to those putting together the family I-130 checklist and to couples going through marriage-based green card. If your submission (or your sponsor's) goes out on or after October 1, it's the 08/24/26 edition that needs to be included, whether in a USCIS filing or in consular processing through the Department of State. (USCIS — I-864)
What if you've already submitted the old edition?
The cutoff looks at the submission date. If your I-864 in the 10/17/24 edition was mailed or submitted electronically by September 30, 2026, it fell within the transition period. (USCIS — Forms Updates) The requirement for the 08/24/26 edition applies to submissions made on or after October 1. If you still need to submit, use the new version now to avoid depending on a request for evidence later. (USCIS — I-864)
What's the next date?
October 1, 2026 is the date when the 08/24/26 edition becomes mandatory. (USCIS — I-864) Before submitting:
- Download the 08/24/26 edition directly from the official Form I-864 page.
- Check the edition date in the footer of every page before signing.
- Gather the sponsor's proof of income (tax return, W-2, pay stubs) that the form requires.
- Check whether Form I-864A is needed when a household member contributes to the income — and use the 08/24/26 edition for that as well.
More content on immigration processes is available on the Prime blog.
Sources
- USCIS — Form I-864
- USCIS — Forms Updates
- USCIS — Form I-864 (PDF, 08/24/26 edition)
- USCIS — Form I-864A (PDF, 08/24/26 edition)
Educational information, not legal advice. Prime Immigration Office is a paralegal service — document preparation only. For legal advice, consult a licensed Texas attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.