Form I-864W is used for certain classes of immigrants who are exempt from the I-864 requirement and therefore must file Form I-864W instead of Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ. Form I-864W may be used in the following circumstances:

1. The applicant has earned or can be credited with forty quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act. Pursuant to Form I-864W, if the applicant can be credited with forty quarters of coverage by working in the United States for forty quarters in which he or she received the minimum income established by the Social Security Administration; or by being credited under Section 213(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act with quarters worked by the applicant's spouse during the marriage or a parent during the time the applicant was under the age of eighteen. Form I-864W also indicates that a combination of the foregoing would create an exemption from the requirement of a Form I-864 filing.

2. Where an intended immigrant is a child, Form I-864W may be required. Under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, some children become United States citizens immediately upon admission to the United States or adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident. Form I-864W outline the circumstances where Form I-864W applies to a child who is the intended immigrant.

Form I-864W can also be used for an immigrant visa for a self-petitioning widow as well as a self-petitioning battered spouse or child.