On August 7, 2015, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) just announced several updates to form I- I-864, I-864A, I-864EZ and I-864W. The newest editions have been published with a date of 07/02/2015. USCIS will accept the 03/22/2013 edition until 10/06/2015.
Understanding the Latest Revisions
The new forms, issued on 07/02/2015, offer several advantages, including the ability to expedite processing of your application. You can view which edition you are using at the bottom of the Forms and Instructions page. Below, you can read more about each form.
Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Undersection 213A of the Act
I-864 is for those filing either for family-based or employment-based immigration, and have the financial means to support themselves without federal assistance. The newest update will have 2D barcode technology so that the USCIS will be able to scan and process your information much more quickly. There are no filing fees for form. You will also be required to turn in Form OF-230 or Form I-485 for the person you are sponsoring.
Form I-864A: Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
This form is for the sponsored person and a government-run agency, who has the duty from an affidavit of support to provide reimbursement to that sponsored person. The agreement is usually decided upon in court proceedings. Entering into this contract allows the immigrant to receive financial assistance from the sponsor who filed for his or her affidavit. There are no fees for filing this form, however, you will need to submit a copy of this form to the IRs.
Form I-864EZ: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
Immigrants who will not need financial assistance from the U.S. government in the form of welfare will need to apply for this form. This a simpler version of I-864, however, sponsors and immigrants must meet the eligibility requirements. For example, the immigrant being sponsored must be the only one being sponsored and he or she does not have any additional dependents or family members filing under the same visa petition.
Form I-864W: Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support Exemption
This form is used to show that applicants are exempt from the requirements needed for Form I-864. This form will need to be filed either through a Consular Officer, along with Form OF-230 or with an Immigration Officer and Form I-485.
You can view more in-depth information and download a copy of the forms from the USCIS website at the following links:
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