New Form I-864 Alert: USCIS Can Now Pull Credit Reports From Green Card Sponsors 2026

Starting August 31, 2026, USCIS introduced a revised Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) that grants the agency authority to request and review credit reports from financial sponsors of green card applicants. This marks a significant shift in how USCIS evaluates a sponsor's ability to financially support an immigrant, going beyond income verification to include creditworthiness. Previously, sponsors demonstrated financial capacity primarily through tax returns and employment records. The updated form expands this framework by incorporating credit history, which may include outstanding debts, payment history, and overall financial reliability. USCIS has not yet publicly clarified exactly how credit report data will be weighted in adjudication decisions. For EB-3 applicants whose petitions involve a joint sponsor or household member as co-sponsor, this change is particularly relevant. Any individual signing the new I-864 should be prepared for potential credit scrutiny as part of the green card process going forward. Immigration attorneys are advising sponsors to review their credit reports in advance, resolve any outstanding derogatory marks if possible, and be transparent in the application process. While the new requirement introduces additional complexity, it does not automatically disqualify sponsors with imperfect credit. Applicants and sponsors should ensure they are using only the updated version of Form I-864 dated August 31, 2026 or later, as USCIS will reject older versions. Consulting with an immigration attorney before filing is strongly recommended given the evolving standards.