I-864 Update: Sponsors May Now Be Subject to Credit Report Checks

On August 31, 2026, USCIS suddenly updated Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. The currently valid edition is 08/24/26, and the previous edition became invalid immediately, with no grace period.

In the new I-864, Part 8, Sponsor’s Declaration and Certification, on Page 10, USCIS added a new credit information authorization requirement (see Figure 2). Other than this change, the information required is largely the same as in the previous edition.

This update gives USCIS and the Department of State (DOS) explicit authorization to obtain the sponsor’s credit report.

The authorization also specifies its duration and termination conditions. It generally remains in effect until the immigration application is approved, denied and the applicable period has passed, or the withdrawal of the I-864 officially takes effect. If the sponsor later agrees to sponsor another person, a new authorization may be required.

Why was the credit report authorization suddenly added?

1. To verify the sponsor’s actual financial situation

Some sponsors may submit fake or inaccurate financial documents, so USCIS may need to obtain credit information directly to verify whether the sponsor actually has the financial resources claimed.

2. To prevent the use of “professional sponsors”

The additional verification may also help prevent situations where individuals repeatedly act as sponsors for immigration applicants without having sufficient financial capacity.

3. To align with the updated Form I-485 and Public Charge review

The new I-864 update also appears to align with the broader policy direction of strengthening Public Charge review. Form I-864 is already an important part of the Public Charge assessment, and the I-485 and I-864 updates work together to evaluate both the applicant’s circumstances and the sponsor’s financial ability to provide sufficient support.

⚠️ If the sponsor has placed a credit freeze or security freeze on their credit report, pay close attention, as this could potentially affect USCIS’s ability to obtain the relevant information.

🤔 What does this new authorization mean?

It can mainly be understood from two perspectives:

1. Strengthening verification of the sponsor’s actual financial capacity

I-864 is not simply about whether the sponsor’s income meets the applicable poverty guideline. The new form explicitly authorizes USCIS and DOS to obtain information, potentially including credit reports and credit scores, allowing the government to further verify the sponsor’s actual financial situation and ability to provide financial support. This may also help prevent abuse involving “professional sponsors.”

2. Consistent with stronger Public Charge review

Form I-864 is an important document in the Public Charge determination. The addition of credit information authorization can also be viewed as part of a broader effort to strengthen the assessment of whether an immigrant applicant will have adequate financial support in the future.

📢 One more update: USCIS has already announced that a new Form I-765 is expected to be released on September 15, followed by a new Form I-485 on September 18.

Attorney Xiaozeng will continue to break down these updates. Stay tuned!

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