What is I-944 form? What evidence do I have to submit with the I-944 form? When do I have to submit the I-944 form?

The I-944 form is used by a green card applicant to demonstrate that he/she is not inadmissible based on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. A green card applicant is inadmissible based on a public charge ground if he/she is more likely than not at any time in the future to become a public charge. USCIS evaluates factors such as age, health, family status, assets, resources and financial status, education and skills when deciding whether someone is likely to become a public charge.

Who must submit form I-944?

The general rule is that if you are filing an Adjustment of Status application, you are subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility and you have to submit form I-944.

What financial information will I have to provide?

You will have to list your and your household members’ annual gross income. Your household income should be at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, based on the size of your household. To prove your income, you will have to submit the federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year or the IRS transcript (your and the household member(s)’).

Additionally, you will have to list assets that can be converted into cash within 12 months. You can submit evidence such as checking and savings account statements, stock and bonds, retirement accounts, etc.

You will also have to disclose all your liabilities/debts. This would be for example mortgages, car loans, unpaid child support, credit card debt, etc.

Moreover, you should submit your credit card score and report (you should submit one report from either Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion).

Do I have to submit any evidence showing that I have a health insurance?

If you have a health insurance, you should submit a copy of each policy page showing the terms and the type of coverage and individuals(s) covered.

If you have enrolled soon or will enroll in health insurance but your coverage has not started yet, you can submit a letter from the insurance company showing that you enrolled and the enrollment start date.

If you do not have a health insurance, then you will have to submit evidence showing that you will be able to pay for reasonably anticipated medical costs.

What kind of evidence do I have to submit to show my education and skills?

On form I-485, you will have to list all educational programs that you ever attended (high school, college, university). If available, you will have to submit all your educational degrees, transcripts, etc. If you studied outside the U.S., then you should submit education equivalency evaluation. You can find a list  of organizations that can assist you with this when you click here. If you have any occupational skills, you should also list those.

You will also have to submit any language certifications (this includes high school diplomas and/or college degrees showing that you studied English for credit).

Am I exempt from filing the I-944 form?

Generally, every green card applicant is required to file this form, but there are few exceptions, for example if you are a VAWA self-petitioner, an asylee, a refugee, or a special immigrant juvenile.

Is there a filing fee for the form?

No, the form is free of charge.

Please click here to read our blog post on How to maintain your green card.

Please click here  to read our blog post on family based green card applications.