Two Key Green Card Forms Just Changed — Here's What's New Green card sponsors and applicants have two new form editions to watch this fall. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, already became mandatory on August 31, 2026, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence, becomes mandatory on September 18, 2026. Filing the wrong edition of either form after its cutoff date means an outright rejection — USCIS is not offering a grace period for either change. Form I-864:
Starting September 18, 2026, USCIS will weigh Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance more heavily when deciding certain green card applications. Here's what's changing, who's exempt, and how to prepare before you file.
