USCIS updates residency sponsorship form to include credit checks

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a new version of Form I-864, the affidavit of support required for permanent residency applicants. This update is effective immediately.

The new form includes an express authorization clause allowing the U.S. government to request credit reports from credit bureaus. This measure aims to evaluate the economic capacity of both the petitioner and the guarantor, ensuring that declared income and assets match the financial reality recorded in U.S. systems.

While the update focuses on financial verification, economic sufficiency continues to be measured by annual income. Sponsors must meet a threshold of at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, a requirement that increases based on the number of dependents involved.