USCIS Policy Change: Credit Reports Now Required from Green Card Sponsors

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new policy allowing the agency to request credit reports from individuals sponsoring family members for green cards. This development, effective as of September 2026, marks a significant shift in the financial scrutiny applied to green card sponsors, impacting many across the African diaspora, including Kenyans residing in the United States.

USCIS, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. The agency's latest policy adjustment aims to enhance the assessment of a sponsor's financial stability, crucial for ensuring that the immigrant does not become a public charge. The need for sponsors to submit credit reports adds a new layer of financial evaluation, complementing existing requirements such as the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which already mandates sponsors to demonstrate an income of at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Under this new directive, USCIS officers can directly request credit reports to verify the sponsor’s financial status. This move is expected to impact sponsors who may have previously relied solely on income declarations. The policy is particularly relevant for African immigrants who frequently sponsor family members for permanent residency in the U.S., necessitating a reevaluation of their financial documentation processes.

Credit reports are a comprehensive record of an individual's credit history, including details about credit accounts, loans, payment history, and outstanding debts. By incorporating credit reports into the green card sponsorship process, USCIS aims to obtain a more nuanced view of a sponsor’s financial health, beyond mere income statements. This change may affect sponsors who have maintained high levels of debt or have had past credit issues, potentially complicating the sponsorship process.

The policy has drawn attention from immigration experts and advocacy groups, who are assessing the potential implications for sponsors and their families. Sponsors from the Kenyan and broader African communities, known for their active role in family reunification through the immigration system, will need to ensure their credit history aligns with the new requirements to avoid complications in the application process.

USCIS has not specified how this change will affect processing times for green card applications, but the additional documentation requirement could potentially lead to delays. The agency continues to prioritize the integrity and security of the immigration system, balancing it with the need for efficient processing of applications.

This development adds to the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policies under the administration of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. As sponsors navigate these changes, it is crucial for them to stay informed and consult with immigration attorneys or accredited representatives to ensure compliance with the updated requirements.