USCIS released a new edition of Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) dated 08/24/26 on August 31, 2026, and made it mandatory the same day, with no grace period. The one substantive change lets USCIS pull a sponsor’s credit report. The prior 10/17/24 edition will not be processed or accepted if it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after August 31.
What changed
Sponsors now authorize USCIS and the Department of State to pull their credit report. The new language appears in Part 8, Sponsor’s Declaration and Certification, on Page 10. A sponsor allows USCIS to request information from one or more consumer reporting agencies.
This change does not create a minimum credit score. USCIS did not name a specific credit bureau. It also did not publish a minimum credit score, debt amount, or automatic denial threshold. High debt or a prior bankruptcy does not automatically prevent sponsorship under the published guidance.
The authorization 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.
Why it matters
You must use the new 08/24/26 form immediately for all new sponsorship filings. There is no grace period for the prior 10/17/24 edition. USCIS will not accept that version when it is postmarked or electronically submitted on or after August 31.
USCIS may obtain credit information directly to verify whether the sponsor actually has the financial resources claimed, because some sponsors may submit fake or inaccurate financial documents. This represents a shift toward independent verification of sponsor finances beyond the income-based poverty-line analysis that has historically governed Form I-864 adjudication.
If your client or sponsor has placed a credit freeze or security freeze on their credit report, flag this issue now. 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.
Way forward
- Obtain and print the 08/24/26 edition: Visit uscis.gov and download only the current form dated 08/24/26. Do not use saved drafts or older editions.
- Brief your sponsors on the credit authorization: Explain that by signing, they are authorizing USCIS and the Department of State to pull credit reports. This is not optional—it’s a condition of filing Form I-864.
- Check for credit freezes: Ask sponsors whether they have placed a credit freeze or security freeze on their credit files. If yes, advise them to contact the credit bureau and lift the freeze before USCIS submits the authorization.
- Verify edition dates: When a petitioner submits a completed I-864, confirm that the form is dated 08/24/26. Any older edition will be rejected.
Disclaimer
This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Fola Form is a software platform operated by a technology company, not a law firm. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney to verify the current form edition, confirm how this change affects your specific case, and advise your clients accordingly. USCIS policies and forms can change without notice; cross-reference the source link above and uscis.gov for the most current information.