Starting October 1, 2026, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) officially uses the new edition 08/24/26. One of the most significant changes is that USCIS and the Department of State (NVC/consulates) are now authorized to request a sponsor’s credit report and credit score.

Many people are worried: “If I have bad credit, will my Affidavit of Support be denied?”

Does Bad Credit Automatically Lead to Denial?

No.

USCIS has not published any minimum credit score requirement. The primary and mandatory requirement remains:

• Household income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (or 100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child).
• Ability to maintain the sponsored immigrant at that level.

The credit report is only an additional tool officers may use to evaluate the sponsor’s overall financial situation, especially under the stricter public charge framework that has been in effect since late 2025–2026.

When Does Bad Credit Become a Problem?

Bad credit can become a negative factor when combined with other weaknesses, such as:

• Income that is only barely above the 125% threshold
• Unstable or recently changed employment
• Multiple collections, charge-offs, or high debt
• Recent bankruptcy or judgments
• Limited or no significant assets

On the other hand, if the sponsor has strong income well above the requirement and stable long-term employment, bad credit usually has limited impact.

What Should Sponsors with Bad Credit Prepare?

To reduce risk, sponsors with credit issues should prepare more thoroughly than usual:

Most important documents:

• IRS Tax Return Transcript or complete tax return for the most recent year + W-2s/1099s
• Detailed employment verification letter (salary, start date, position)
• Pay stubs for the most recent 6 months

Recommended additional evidence:

• A short, honest explanation of the credit situation (if there is a reasonable reason such as medical issues, temporary unemployment, or divorce)
• Proof of assets (savings, real estate, investments) if income is close to the threshold
• Evidence of actual ability to pay (bank statements, on-time bill payment history)
• Consider using a Joint Sponsor if your own income is only marginal

Note on Credit Freeze:
If you have voluntarily placed a security freeze on your credit file, be ready to temporarily lift it when USCIS or NVC requests the report. A credit freeze is not related to bad credit and can be lifted easily by the account holder.

Advice from Truong Legal

Form I-864 is no longer just about “meeting the income number.” With the new credit-report authorization and tighter public charge scrutiny, a comprehensive financial package is more important than ever.

If you or a family member has credit issues, do not ignore them and do not panic. Have an attorney evaluate the specific risk level and recommend the best strategy (additional evidence, explanation letter, or joint sponsor).

Truong Legal can help with:

• Credit + income risk assessment
• Drafting financial explanation letters
• Preparing a strong I-864 package
• Advising when a joint sponsor is recommended

Contact us today for a consultation before filing.

FAQ

1. 1. Will bad credit cause an I-864 denial?
      No automatic denial. Meeting the income requirement remains the primary condition.
   2. Does USCIS check every sponsor’s credit report?
      No. They have the authority to request it when they need a deeper financial assessment.
   3. Is there a minimum credit score required?
      No minimum credit score has been published by USCIS.
   4. What if I have a credit freeze?
      You must be prepared to temporarily lift it if requested. This is fully under your control.
   5. What should I do if my income is only marginal and my credit is poor?
      Prepare a clear explanation, strengthen asset evidence, or consider adding a joint sponsor with stronger finances.

Truong Legal – Helping you build a solid Affidavit of Support in a more rigorous regulatory environment.

Contact us today for personalized guidance.