Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors
Summary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated the green card sponsor form to allow checking the credit reports of people who financially support family members applying for a green card. This change started in August and means sponsors may need to provide access to their credit information as part of the application process.Key Facts
- USCIS updated Form I-864, the affidavit of support, allowing requests for sponsors' credit reports.
- The form now includes a privacy release letting USCIS access information from consumer credit agencies.
- Sponsors must meet income requirements, usually at least 125% of the federal poverty level, or 100% if they are active military sponsoring spouses or children.
- Financial ability has traditionally been proven by tax returns and other documents like birth certificates or green cards.
- USCIS warns that if there is a credit or security freeze on a sponsor's report, it might not access necessary credit info.
- USCIS has not explained how credit report data will be used or if sponsors need a minimum credit score.
- Immigration experts say more guidance is needed on how this credit information will impact decisions.
- Concerns exist that credit report issues like missed payments or errors could affect sponsorship unpredictably.
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