The direct answer
Key takeaway
Beginning August 31, 2026, USCIS accepts only the 08/24/26 editions of Forms I-864, I-864A, and I-864EZ. A sponsor, joint sponsor, or household member using an older edition should complete the current form before the immigration filing is submitted.
What changed?
USCIS published new editions of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA; Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member; and Form I-864EZ. Each new form carries an edition date of 08/24/26.
USCIS states that beginning August 31, 2026, it will accept only the 08/24/26 edition of each form. USCIS initially announced no grace period, then allowed the 10/17/24 edition through September 30, 2026 (see the update above).
What should sponsors and applicants do?
A case prepared before August 31 but not yet filed should be checked again. Do not assume that a previously downloaded or partially completed affidavit remains acceptable.
- Download the current form directly from the applicable USCIS form page.
- Confirm that 08/24/26 appears as the edition date on every form page.
- Do not combine pages from different editions.
- Recheck signatures, household size, current income, tax evidence, and any joint-sponsor or household-member documents.
- Confirm the correct filing address and fee requirements for the underlying immigration application.
Why the edition date matters
USCIS may reject a filing that uses an unacceptable form edition. A rejection can create serious problems when an applicant is facing a status expiration, age-out concern, filing deadline, or changing visa availability.
The revised edition requirement does not change the basic need to prove that the sponsor qualifies. The affidavit must still be complete, properly signed, and supported by sufficient financial evidence. Whether a joint sponsor or household member is needed depends on the case-specific income, household, domicile, and sponsorship facts.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Can I file an older I-864 edition after August 31, 2026?
Not any more. USCIS accepted the prior 10/17/24 edition through September 30, 2026 as a grace period. From October 1, 2026, only the 08/24/26 edition is accepted.
Were Forms I-864A and I-864EZ also updated?
Yes. USCIS also requires the 08/24/26 editions of Forms I-864A and I-864EZ beginning August 31, 2026.
Does using the new form guarantee that the affidavit is sufficient?
No. The correct edition prevents one form-version problem, but USCIS must still determine whether the sponsor, income, household size, domicile, signatures, and supporting evidence satisfy the applicable requirements.
Should a case already assembled with an older edition be updated?
If it has not yet been filed, the affidavit package should be reviewed and the current edition completed before submission. Applicants should obtain case-specific advice when a deadline is close.
Sources and further reading
Use these links to review the reporting, official guidance or underlying rule.
USCIS: Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INAUSCIS: Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household MemberUSCIS: Form I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA