The new I-864 is in effect. Credit reports are now in the picture. That is not the same as a credit-score cutoff.

4 min read · October 20, 2026

U.S. immigration officials look at a sponsor's financial health when reviewing an Affidavit of Support. While a low credit score alone does not automatically lead to a denial, the government evaluates income, assets, and liabilities to ensure you can support the immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge.

Does a low credit score stop you from bringing your family to the United States? Many people worry that a past bankruptcy or a missed credit card payment will ruin their petition. In the world of family immigration, your financial health is a major factor, but your credit score is rarely the only thing that matters. Understanding how the government reviews your financial history can help you prepare a stronger application and avoid unnecessary delays.

What is the Affidavit of Support?

The Affidavit of Support is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. When you sign this, you are promising that you have enough income and assets to support the person you are sponsoring. This ensures the immigrant does not need to rely on government benefits, often called becoming a public charge. The law requires this document to prove that the family member you are bringing to the country will have financial help if they need it.

Most people applying through family immigration will need a sponsor to file this form. The government checks to see if your income is at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you do not meet this income level, your assets or a joint sponsor may be needed. The primary goal is to show the person moving to the U.S. will be taken care of financially.

Does the Government Check Your Credit Report?

A common question is whether a specific credit score number will lead to a denial. Under current rules, a low score is not an automatic reason for a rejection. However, the government has the power to look at your broader financial history. Specific policies regarding i-864 credit reports explain how officials might use these reports to see if you have significant debts or unpaid bills.

The focus of the review is usually on whether you can meet your financial obligations. If you have a low credit score because of medical debt or a past business failure, but you now have a stable job, the government may still approve you as a sponsor. They look at the whole picture rather than just one number on a report.

The Difference Between Income and Credit

It is important to understand that income and credit are two different things to immigration officials. Your income is the money you earn every year from your job or business. Your credit history reflects how you have managed debt in the past. These factors tell two different stories about your ability to support someone else.

When you ask does a sponsor credit score decide the I-864, the answer is generally no. The most important requirement is your current annual income. If your tax returns show that you earn enough money to support your household and the immigrant, a low credit score is less likely to be a problem. The government cares more about your ability to provide support now than about a late payment from several years ago.

When a Joint Sponsor May Be Necessary

If your income is too low or your financial history shows you cannot meet the support requirements, you do not have to give up. You can often use a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is another person who agrees to be financially responsible for the immigrant. This person must meet the income requirements on their own and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Using a joint sponsor can help overcome issues related to the original petitioner's low income or poor credit history. It provides an extra layer of financial security for the government. If the primary sponsor cannot meet the guidelines, the joint sponsor’s income is used to ensure the immigrant will not need public assistance.

Using Assets to Meet the Requirements

If your income does not reach the required level, you can use the value of your assets to make up the difference. Assets can include money in savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and even the value of your home. You must be able to prove the value of these assets and show that they can be turned into cash within one year.

Using assets is a common way for retirees or people with incomes that change often to qualify as sponsors. By showing you have significant savings or property, you demonstrate that you have the means to support your family member regardless of your weekly paycheck or your credit history. This can be a very effective way to strengthen an application.

How to Prepare Your Financial Evidence

To give your case the best chance of success, you should be organized. Collect your federal tax returns for the most recent year, although providing the last three years is often helpful. You should also gather recent pay stubs and a letter from your employer. These documents provide the proof the government needs to verify your financial status.

If you are worried about your credit history, you can provide context. For example, if your credit was damaged by a specific event like a natural disaster or a temporary illness, documenting that can show it was a one-time issue rather than a permanent problem. The current filing fee (check uscis.gov for the current amount) must also be paid for the underlying green card application that the affidavit supports.

This page is general legal information for the U.S., not legal advice. Speak with a licensed attorney about your case.