Old immigration checklists can create real confusion, especially when they include forms that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has since discontinued. This guide explains why the Form I-944 public charge affidavit is no longer used and what financial information still matters in a family-based green card filing today.
An experienced immigration attorney can review your current filing requirements and flag instructions that no longer apply. Solano Law Firm focuses on the rules USCIS applies now, not procedures that ended years ago.
Why Did USCIS Stop Accepting Form I-944?
Form I-944, officially called the Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, was used under the 2019 public charge rule. The form asked applicants for extensive information, including:
- Household finances
- Credit history
- Health insurance
- Education
- Public benefits received
USCIS stopped applying that rule on March 9, 2021, after courts vacated it. The agency discontinued Form I-944 and instructed applicants not to submit it. USCIS briefly returned to the 1999 Interim Field Guidance, but that guidance is not the complete framework today. A new public charge final rule has controlled USCIS decisions since it took effect on December 23, 2022.
In July 2026, DHS announced it is rescinding this 2022 rule and moving to a broader discretionary public charge review, effective September 18, 2026. Starting on that date, USCIS will also require a revised version of Form I-485 and will reject older versions. Because this change is still being implemented, anyone filing a green card application close to that date should confirm the current requirements with an attorney before submitting.
What Does Public Charge Mean Today?
The current rule lets USCIS consider whether someone is likely to become primarily dependent on the government. Officers weigh the totality of your circumstances, from your health and age to your finances and skills.
USCIS may consider certain cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutional care paid for by the government. It generally does not count benefits such as Medicaid or nutrition assistance, though long-term institutional care can be treated differently.
Form I-864 Still Matters in Family Filings
Many family-based adjustment applicants must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The petitioning sponsor completes this form to show that financial support is available.
Form I-864 does not replace the entire public charge review, but it remains an important required document when the law calls for it. Your filing may also include public charge questions on Form I-485. Using current form editions is essential because USCIS can reject filings prepared with outdated materials.
Get Guidance from Solano Law Firm on Current Public Charge Filing Rules
The bottom line: do not submit Form I-944 with a current green card application. Focus instead on the forms and financial sponsorship rules that apply to your filing now.
Solano Law Firm can review your submission and explain the current public charge standard in simple, easy-to-understand language, so you avoid outdated paperwork. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your visa, green card, or citizenship matter.
