Weekly Immigration News: USCIS Replaced the Affidavit of Support Overnight — and Old Forms Are Being Rejected was originally published on CitizenPath.
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A summary of the most important U.S. immigration news from the past few weeks, updated weekly. This roundup highlights policy changes, USCIS updates, court rulings, and other developments that may affect immigrants and their families.
IMMIGRATION NEWS FOR WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
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USCIS Replaced the Affidavit of Support Overnight — and Old Forms Are Being Rejected
USCIS published a new edition of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, on August 31, 2026. The new edition carries the date 08/24/26. The agency also issued revised editions of Form I-864A and Form I-864EZ on the same day.
USCIS did not announce a transition period during which both editions would be accepted. The agency stated it will not accept or process the prior 10/17/24 edition of Form I-864 if the filing is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after August 31, 2026. Filings that arrive on the old edition may be rejected and returned.
The principal substantive change is on the signature page. Under the new edition, a sponsor signing Form I-864 authorizes USCIS and the U.S. Department of State to obtain the sponsor’s credit report. Prior editions contained no such authorization.
The timing places the change directly ahead of the September 18 public charge policy shift, which applies to Forms I-485 postmarked or submitted on or after that date. Under that guidance, an insufficient Affidavit of Support, where one is required, can be dispositive on its own.
What it means for immigrants:
If your affidavit of support package is prepared but not yet submitted, stop and check the edition date in the bottom corner of every I-864, I-864A, and I-864EZ. A form printed even a few days ago may now be the wrong version.
Update 9/4/2026: USCIS changed their position today and will provide a 30-day grace period which they will accept the 10/17/24 edition of Form I-864. Under the revised guidelines, USCIS will only accept the 08/24/26 edition of Form I-864 beginning October 1, 2026.
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Other Key Immigration Updates
Internship Rules Tighten for Student Visas
Reuters reported the administration moved to restrict Curricular Practical Training for international students. An August 24 memo tells schools CPT must be an integral, required part of the curriculum. Several universities paused CPT approvals while reviewing the guidance.
Citizenship Officers May Now Ask Your Neighbors
USCIS issued policy guidance dated August 25 reinforcing neighborhood investigations under INA 335(a). Officers may contact neighbors, employers, or coworkers to verify a naturalization applicant’s residence, employment, and character. Waivers remain available case by case.
Body Cameras Ordered as Agents Deploy
Newsweek reported that USCIS purchased body-worn cameras ahead of deploying newly authorized special agents. USCIS has not said how many cameras were bought, which offices receive them, or which personnel will be assigned to wear them.
The Public Charge Deadline Is Two Weeks Out
The new public charge guidance applies to Forms I-485 postmarked or filed on or after September 18, 2026. Applications filed before that date are decided under the 2022 policy. USCIS says receiving a benefit does not automatically make someone inadmissible.
What It Means for Immigrants
- Students should confirm internships qualify: If you are on an F-1 visa, talk to your school’s international student office before accepting an internship this term.
- Naturalization applicants should expect broader review: Keep your address and employment history accurate and consistent, and let people close to you know a visit is possible.
- Recorded contact may become more common: Details are limited, but you can expect more interactions with USCIS personnel to be captured on camera going forward.
- The public charge clock is running: If you can file before September 18, the older standard applies. If you cannot, understand the factors officers weigh in making the public charge decision.
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NEWS FROM THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 28, 2026
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Family Green Card Lines Jump Years in the September Visa Bulletin
The September 2026 Visa Bulletin delivered major family-based advances, especially in F1, F2B, F3 and F4, while employment-based categories remained largely frozen and face possible retrogression.
Judge Voids 75-Country Visa Ban
A federal judge in Manhattan struck down the January policy suspending immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, ruling it exceeded the Secretary of State’s statutory authority and conflicted with the immigration law’s bar on nationality-based discrimination in immigrant visa issuance.
State Department Pauses Visa Interviews Worldwide
Days after that ruling, the State Department paused immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, saying consular officers need training on identifying applicants likely to become dependent on public benefits. Scheduled applicants were emailed that their interviews would be rescheduled.
DHS Proposes $103,265 H-1B Fee
DHS posted a proposed rule adding a $103,265 fee to cap-subject H-1B petitions, including workers already in the United States. Universities, hospitals, and research institutions would be exempt. Reuters reported the rule could be finalized by year’s end.
Citizenship Fee Increase Moves Closer
The comment period on the DHS proposal to raise Form N-400 fees closed August 24. The rule would move the paper fee from $760 to $1,330 and the online fee from $710 to $1,280, and would end the reduced fee and fee waiver options for most applicants.
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NEWS FROM THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 21, 2026
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New Work Permit Form Arrives September 15 — and There’s No Grace Period
USCIS will issue revised Forms I-765 and I-539 on September 15, 2026, rejecting older editions filed from that date. The updates reflect new nonimmigrant admission and extension rules.
New Public Charge Rule Hits September 18
USCIS will publish a revised Form I-485 on September 18 aligned with the new public charge final rule, and will reject the 01/20/25 edition on or after that date. Under the rule, officers may weigh a broader range of public benefits when deciding green card cases, according to the USCIS alert.
September Visa Bulletin Still Missing
As of August 21, the State Department had not posted the September 2026 Visa Bulletin. This is later than the mid-month timing of most recent years. The bulletin archive still lists August as the most recent edition. The fiscal year ends September 30, when annual visa limits reset.
$750 Buys a Faster Visitor Visa Interview
A State Department temporary final rule, effective July 1 through December 31, created an optional $750 fee letting B-1/B-2 applicants at participating posts secure an interview within 10 business days. The pilot initially launched in Mexico and has since expanded.
DHS Moves to End the 60-Day Grace Period
DHS sent a proposed rule to White House review on August 6 that would eliminate the 60-day grace period for nonimmigrant workers, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E-category holders, who lose their jobs. Bloomberg Law reported the text has not been published.
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NEWS FROM THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 14, 2026
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USCIS Clears the Way to Require Online Filing
Under a new rule, USCIS can now require electronic filing after advance notice, aiming to improve security and efficiency. Paper-filing waivers will remain available for qualifying hardships
USCIS Can Now Skip Asylum Interviews
An interim final rule effective July 28 lets USCIS send certain affirmative asylum applications straight to an immigration judge without an interview, mainly cases that appear to miss the one-year filing deadline. Applicants still receive a hearing in immigration court.
Court Restores Voter Registration at Ceremonies
A federal judge in Maryland stayed the August 2025 policy barring nonprofits from registering voters at administrative naturalization ceremonies, reinstating 2017 guidance. USCIS confirmed the change in League of Women Voters v. USCIS. Votebeat reported the government may appeal.
Big Employers Face Fee on H-1B and L-1 Extensions
A final rule published August 10 extends the $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 9-11 Response fee to all extension petitions filed by covered large employers, effective September 9. It applies even when the worker stays with the same employer.
Border Officer Sentenced in Emoji Bribe Case
A former Customs and Border Protection officer at the Tecate port of entry was sentenced August 7 to nine years in prison, the Justice Department said. He took at least $10,000 per vehicle to wave cartel drug loads through his lane, coordinating shifts by emoji code.
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The post Weekly Immigration News: USCIS Replaced the Affidavit of Support Overnight — and Old Forms Are Being Rejected appeared first on CitizenPath.
