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What is Form I-944?

Author

David Richardson

Updated on February 21, 2026

What is Form I-944?

DHS required a new form called the “Declaration of Self-Sufficiency†(Form I-944) to accompany most applications for green cards. This form collected information intended to help immigration officers determine whether the applicant was a “public charge†under the new, more expansive criteria outlined above.

Furthermore, who needs to fill out form I-944?

Form I-944 requires applicants who do not have a credit report or score to submit a statement from one of the three credit agencies verifying that they do not have one. You will also be required to indicate if you ever filed for bankruptcy.

Secondly, do I need to file I-944? Practically all green card applicants will now have their likelihood of becoming a public charge assessed by USCIS. However, only those applying for an Adjustment of Status – or those seeking a green card while currently in the United States – need to file Form I-944.

Similarly one may ask, what is form I-944 used for?

Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, is used by an individual to demonstrate that he or she is not inadmissible based on the public charge ground (Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(4)).

What is the 944 rule?

Form 944 is designed so the smallest employers (those whose annual liability for social security, Medicare, and withheld federal income taxes is $1,000 or less) will file and pay these taxes only once a year instead of every quarter.

Can USCIS check my bank account?

Yes USCIS may verify information about your bank account with bank.

Does bad credit affect citizenship application?

In the past, debt and bankruptcy wouldn't impact your ability to become a permanent resident or citizen. Immigrants applying for a visa, green card, or citizenship should aim for a credit score “near or slightly above” the national average, according to the new rule. The average credit score is 706, according to FICO.

Does immigration check your credit?

USCIS will consider an applicant's credit report, credit score, debts and other liabilities as a factor in determining whether the individual is likely to become a public charge. Many intending immigrants will not have any credit history, and USCIS does not consider the lack of credit history a negative factor.

Will Medicaid affect my immigration status?

Use of Medicaid does not automatically disqualify someone from obtaining a green card. The public charge test will not consider use of Medicaid by other family members. Some groups of immigrants are not subject to the public charge test, including refugees, asylees, and other humanitarian immigrants.

Who is certified to receive public benefits?

What is certification in context of public Benefit ? In general, for someone to receive a public benefit, you need to get certification from the respective agency. Usually the agency certifies an individual or household for certain period for 6 to 12 months or 24 months to receive public benefits.

Can permanent residents get Medicaid?

In general, permanent resident immigrants (green card holders) are eligible for Medicaid and CHIP after five years of residence on the same basis as U.S. citizens and must meet all other program requirements.

How do I know if I file a 941 or 944?

Most employers use Form 941 for reporting. Again, this is the form employers use to report wage and tax information quarterly. File Form 941 if you have employees and the IRS does not tell you to file Form 944. Send Form 941 to the IRS even if you don't have taxes to report (simply enter 0 on the lines).

Do I have to file form 944 if I have no employees?

Form 944 lets small business owners who have a few (or no) full-time employees file and pay their employment taxes yearly, instead of every quarter. Even if you have no employees, you will need to file a return for your business.

What is the difference between form 940 and 944?

IRS Form 940 is filed annually and it reports an employer's Federal Unemployment (FUTA) tax liability, which is an employer-only tax. However, Form 944 is used only by employers whose annual FICA and withholding tax liability is less than $1,000.

Are your primary caregiver I-944?

If you've taken an English classes, include them when filling out Form I-944. A primary caregiver is a person at least 18 years of age who has significant responsibility for actively caring for and managing the well-being of a child or an elderly, ill, or disabled person in the household.

Where do I get form 944?

You must file annual Form 944 instead of filing quarterly Forms 941 only if the IRS notified you in writing. Go to for instructions and the latest information. Read the separate instructions before you complete Form 944. Type or print within the boxes.

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What is Form I-944?