Public Charge Form Now Required

In my last blog post, I talked about implementation of the new public charge rule prior to the effective date in February, 2020. The new version of the rule is now in full effect. It requires Form I-944 to be filed concurrently with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This means that if you are applying for a green card in the U.S., you most likely need to submit Form I-944 in addition to the other necessary forms.

Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, asks questions about the intending immigrant’s household finances, health insurance coverage, and history of usage of public benefits. Age, employment history and education level can now be taken into account when USCIS decides whether to award lawful permanent residency. Certain individuals, like U and T nonimmigrants, are not required to submit Form I-944 when they apply for lawful permanent residence.

If you would like to discuss how the new public charge rule impacts your case or whether you are exempt from the requirement to file Form I-944, please feel free to reach out to Elizabeth Cuenca, P.A., immigration attorney in Tampa, Florida.