After finalizing the new Public Charge of Inadmissibility rule, United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) has announced that new green card applicants will be required to file a “declaration of self-sufficiency”.  The not-yet-released Form I-944 is an additional requirement for all Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status submissions starting October 15, 2019.  In this article, we will examine the September 26, 2019 draft copy of the Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency and its accompanying I-944 instructions.

Note: USCIS has not released the final version of the Form I-944 and Instructions to Form I-944 and the contents of this article is based on just one of many draft copies of the two documents. 

Who has to file a Declaration of Self-Sufficiency?

What do I need to prepare for the Form I-944?

The following information will be asked for on the form:

Now let’s break down each section to see what you’ll need to prepare for in terms of both information and supporting documents.

Documents you may need: SSN card, passport, birth certificate, local ID, marriage certificate

Documents you may need: prior year tax returns

Documents you may need: pay stubs, W2s, prior year tax returns, court documents, W2-Gs, 1099s

Documents you may need: credit report, deeds, bank statements, stock/bond certificates, notes, bankruptcy documents, property appraisals, mortgage statements, lien releases

Documents you may need: high school diploma, bachelor’s/master’s/PHD degrees, transcripts, certificates, licenses, foreign degree evaluation

Documents you may need: Form I-140 Approval Notice, licenses, certifications, resume, W2s, recommendation letters, pension income statements

Health information includes your medical history and your medical insurance coverage.

Documents you may need: doctor’s reports, medical test results, vaccination records, health insurance verification letter, Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance
Offer and Coverage Form 1693

Documents you may need: documentation of any public benefit received, explanations/declarations explaining your situation

 

The Form I-944 is a free form with no additional fees that does not replace the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, but is almost as lengthy. USCIS estimates the amount of time it takes to fill out a Form I-944 is 4.5 hours, but that’s assuming you already have all of your supporting documentation.  Submitting a form without sufficient documentation can lead to a denial based on insufficient evidence. Ensure you’re prepared for your application by gathering information now, rather than later!

Still have questions? Ask us what we, at Lum Law Group, can do for you!

 

 

 

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