USCIS updates green card sponsor form to check credit information

USCIS updated Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, effective August 31, adding a privacy release allowing the agency to request sponsor credit information from consumer reporting agencies, with no grace period for older forms. The revised form gives USCIS an additional route to verify sponsor financial capability, though income requirements remain the primary assessment tool. Sponsors with credit freezes must respond quickly to USCIS requests to avoid processing delays. No minimum credit score has been announced, and USCIS has not stated that all sponsors will undergo credit checks. Low scores or past financial issues do not automatically disqualify sponsors, but attorneys advise ensuring documentation matches credit bureau records.