USCIS recently published a rule modifying and expanding the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This new rule was to go into effect on Oct. 15, 2019. Because they will require information relating to the new rules on the public charge ground of inadmissibility, USCIS had updated the following forms:

• I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status - used by individuals to apply for permanent resident status (i.e. a green card).

• I-864, Affidavit of Support - required primarily for family-based green card applications

• I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker - used by individuals, e.g. to apply for TN visa status by mail

• I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status - used, e.g. by spouses/children of TN visa workers to obtain or extend their TD visa status by mail

• Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency - this is a new form that all Adjustment of Status applicants subject to the new public charge rules will be required to complete

However, following the issuance of several court orders prohibiting USCIS from implementing its new public charge rule for the time being, USCIS has announced that it will continue to accept the current versions of the above forms now found at its website.