Form I-944

Declaration of Self-Sufficiency

A form that was required under the public charge rule to demonstrate an applicant's ability to support themselves financially without relying on public benefits.

Filing Fee

No filing fee

Processing Time

Currently suspended; not required for any pending or new applications

Who Files

Currently not required. Was previously required for adjustment of status applicants under the expanded public charge rule.

What is Form I-944?

Form I-944 was introduced under the Trump administration's expanded public charge rule in February 2020, requiring adjustment of status applicants to provide detailed information about their income, assets, health insurance, education, and skills to demonstrate they would not become a public charge. The form and associated rule were vacated by court orders and formally withdrawn by USCIS in March 2021. The form is currently not required for any immigration applications.

Key Points

Currently suspended and not required for any immigration applications

Was part of the expanded public charge rule (effective February 2020 to March 2021)

Required detailed financial, health insurance, education, and skills information

The associated public charge rule was formally vacated and USCIS returned to prior guidance

Applicants should not submit this form with current applications

Frequently Asked Questions

QDo I need to file Form I-944 now?

No. Form I-944 is currently suspended and should not be filed with any immigration applications. USCIS returned to the prior public charge guidance from 1999, which uses a totality of circumstances test and does not require Form I-944.

QWhat replaced the I-944 public charge assessment?

USCIS returned to the 1999 Interim Field Guidance for determining public charge. Under this standard, USCIS considers the totality of circumstances, including age, health, family status, assets, resources, financial status, and education/skills. No specific form replaced I-944; the assessment is made based on the information in the I-485 and supporting documents.

QCould the I-944 be reinstated in the future?

It is possible that future administrations could propose new public charge rules that might include similar requirements. Immigration policy changes with administrations, so applicants should always check the current USCIS requirements at the time of filing. As of now, I-944 is not required.

Practical Tips

Do not submit Form I-944 with current applications; USCIS will not process it

Focus on providing strong evidence of financial support through Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) instead

Monitor USCIS announcements for any future changes to public charge rules that may affect your application

Related Forms

Form I-485

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Filed by individuals already in the U.S. to adjust their status to permanent resident (Green Card).

Form I-864

Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

Legally binding contract where a sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant.

Form I-864A

Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member

A binding contract where a household member agrees to make their income and assets available to support the sponsored immigrant alongside the primary sponsor.

Related Visa Types

Green Card

U.S. Permanent Resident Card

Permanent residency in the United States, granting the right to live and work permanently.

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