Foreigner’s credit history checked for visa renewal or green card

[lniles]

I just found out that one of the things the U.S. Dept. of State checks when they review applications for visas or green cards is any credit history that foreigner has in the U.S.. Many of these people have bought and are still buying homes here. If the market goes down, they cannot simply walk away like an American can. An American risks bad credit. A non-resident risks deportation, never to return (future visas may be denied). It is in their best interest to hold on to their properties in a downturn, or eat the loss. I think it perpetuates the bubble. What do you think about this?

[startingout]

I’m curious about where you found this information. My husband is an Irish national with a Green Card, and neither his or my credit was checked by the government.

[lniles]

Startingout,

Are you a U.S. citizen?
How long has your husband been here?
How long has he had his green card?

I found this out from a foreign friend who had this happen. The also checked her and her husband’s driving records, interestingly.

[Anonymous]

It actually the Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) and not the State Deparment that issues a green card (Resident Alien Card). I work with a section that used to be the part of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and no we do not check credit histories. We do checks for criminal history, DMV record and proof of non-public charge. But, no credit history.

[lniles]

This website handles visas and has the seal of the state department (I linked to it from the DHS website):

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov

I couldn’t find any info on the state dept. website re. credit history checks but I found a law-FAQ for foreigners and someone asked that question. The immigration lawyer’s response was that the only time this would come into play is when the creditor files a legal action against the borrower which may eventually turn into a criminal history.

[bubble_contagion]

For the green card, they check you don’t owe taxes or have a crimilar record. I assume a credit check wouldn’t be out of the question because any documentation considered relevant to a particular immigration case can be requested. There is mandatory check for diseases like TB and HIV. Green card applicants must go to a doctor and have HIV test, X-rays and vaccinations if they cannot prove they had them when they were children. Full 10 digit finger prints are also required.

[startingout]

I am a USC, and my husband has had his Green Card for two years. Luis is right, they check your DMV records, taxes, criminal record, but not your credit history. But if a creditor has filed legal action against a permanent resident, maybe they check it at that time. Otherwise, credit history has asbsolutely nothing to do with getting a green card.

[Author]

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