New I-864 Changes: Could USCIS Check a Sponsor’s Credit?
New I-864 Changes: Could USCIS Check a Sponsor’s Credit?
USCIS recently updated Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and there is an important change that sponsors could easily miss: USCIS added consent allowing it to request information from consumer reporting agencies.
And where did USCIS put this new consent? It is tucked into the Sponsor’s Certification and Declaration on page 10 of the form, the section sponsors sign when submitting the I-864. See below for yourself…
Does This Mean USCIS Will Check Your Credit?
Potentially. The new language authorizes USCIS to request information from one or more consumer reporting agencies when determining whether an Affidavit of Support is sufficient.
USCIS has even addressed credit or security freezes, advising sponsors that a freeze could prevent USCIS from accessing necessary information and could delay adjudication.
However, this does not mean USCIS has announced that every sponsor will undergo a credit check.
Is There a Minimum Credit Score?
No. USCIS has not announced a minimum credit score that a person must have to sponsor an immigrant. Having debt, collections, a prior bankruptcy, or poor credit therefore does not automatically mean that you cannot be a sponsor. What remains unclear is exactly how USCIS intends to use consumer-report information when reviewing an I-864.
USCIS Also Created a New Eligibility Tool
USCIS has also created a new online Affidavit of Support eligibility tool that allows prospective sponsors to check whether they may qualify before completing the I-864.
This can be a helpful starting point for determining whether you meet the basic sponsorship requirements, although complicated cases involving joint sponsors, household members, assets, self-employment, or prior sponsorship obligations may require additional analysis.
What Should Sponsors Do?
If you are preparing an I-864, make sure you:
- Use the current version of the form;
- Read the Sponsor’s Certification and Declaration carefully before signing;
- Confirm that your income and household size meet the requirements;
- Know whether your credit is currently frozen; and
- Do not assume that poor credit automatically disqualifies you from sponsoring someone.
The Bottom Line
The new I-864 gives USCIS potential access to financial information that goes beyond the tax returns, paystubs, and employment evidence traditionally submitted with an Affidavit of Support.
For now, there is no announced minimum credit score, and it remains to be seen how frequently USCIS will access consumer reports and how that information will affect I-864 decisions.
If you are sponsoring a family member for a green card and have questions about the new I-864 requirements, income requirements, or whether you need a joint sponsor, contact Wheeler Law to schedule a consultation.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, forms, and USCIS policies can change, and every case is different.
