09/02/2026
🚨 USCIS Is Raising the Bar for Family-Based Green Cards
If you're sponsoring a family member for a green card, Form I-864 is more important than ever.
Starting September 18, 2026, USCIS will have broader discretion to evaluate whether an applicant is likely to become financially dependent on the government.
That means simply meeting the sponsor's minimum income requirement may not tell the whole story.
USCIS may consider the applicant's overall financial circumstances, including:
💼 Employment history and current employment
🎓 Education, skills, and professional qualifications
💰 Savings, assets, and investments
🏥 Health and access to health insurance
👨👩👧 Family circumstances
📈 Future earning potential
📄 Certain public benefits received
The takeaway? Don't just check the boxes. Build the strongest case possible.
A properly prepared Form I-864 is still essential, but depending on the circumstances, additional evidence may help provide USCIS with a clearer picture of the applicant's ability to be financially self-sufficient.
At Heitz Immigration Law, we believe in anticipating questions before USCIS asks them.
📞 Planning a family-based green card application? Schedule a free Case Evaluation with our office to discuss your case and how these changes may affect you.
https://calendly.com/paralegalgabe/case-eval-45-zoom-phone
