USCIS Form I-864 Update: New Credit Check Rule for Green Card Sponsors
USCIS has introduced a new Form I-864 that allows credit report checks for Green Card sponsors. The new edition is mandatory from August 31, 2026.
USCIS May Check Sponsor Credit Reports: What You Need to Know
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new edition of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, with a significant change for people sponsoring family members for a United States Green Card. The updated form includes a privacy release that allows USCIS to request information from consumer reporting agencies when evaluating the sponsor's financial ability.
The change took effect on August 31, 2026, with no grace period for using the previous edition.
What Has Changed in Form I-864?
The new Form I-864 edition is dated 08/24/26 and includes authorization for USCIS to obtain information from one or more consumer reporting agencies.
This means USCIS may use consumer-report information as part of its assessment of whether a sponsor meets the financial requirements associated with the Affidavit of Support.
The update is particularly relevant to individuals sponsoring relatives as part of a US permanent residency application.
When Does the New Form I-864 Apply?
USCIS will only accept the 08/24/26 edition beginning August 31, 2026.
- Forms postmarked or electronically submitted on or after August 31, 2026 must use the new edition.
- The previous 10/17/24 edition will no longer be accepted for submissions made from August 31 onward.
- USCIS has provided a preview of the new form and instructions because there is no transition or grace period.
Applicants and sponsors should therefore verify the edition date before submitting the form to avoid rejection or processing delays.
What If the Sponsor Has a Credit Freeze?
USCIS specifically warns sponsors who have placed a credit or security freeze on their consumer or credit report.
If USCIS cannot access the information it needs to evaluate the Form I-864, the assessment could be delayed.
Sponsors with a freeze should:
- Watch for requests from USCIS to release the freeze.
- Respond promptly to any such request.
- Ensure USCIS can access the necessary consumer-report information during the review.
The new requirement does not mean every sponsor will automatically undergo a separate credit check, but it gives USCIS authorization to request information from consumer reporting agencies when assessing the Affidavit of Support.
For anyone preparing a Green Card sponsorship or navigating USCIS filing requirements, using the correct Form I-864 edition is now essential.
For the official form and latest USCIS instructions, refer to USCIS Form I-864.
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