Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) — sponsor guide
Form I-864 is the sworn declaration the family petitioner must sign promising to financially support the immigrant. Income requirements (125% poverty level), responsibilities, and how it's used in green card process.
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) — family sponsor guide
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA) is one of the most serious documents in family immigration. It’s a legally binding contract the petitioner of a family petition signs promising to financially support the immigrant so they don’t become a “public charge.”
Why does I-864 exist?
If you (citizen or permanent resident) are petitioning for an immigrant family member, the US government wants to ensure that immigrant won’t depend on public welfare programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI) once in the US.
I-864 obligates the sponsor to:
- Support the immigrant financially if necessary
- Pay reimbursement to government if immigrant uses means-tested programs
- These commitments last 10 years or until immigrant naturalizes or works 40 quarters
Who must sign I-864?
Main petitioner (always)
The family petition (Form I-130) petitioner must sign I-864 when case reaches visa stage.
Joint sponsor (if petitioner doesn’t financially qualify)
If petitioner does NOT meet income requirements, can use:
- Joint Sponsor: another adult (citizen or permanent resident) with sufficient income signs THEIR OWN I-864
- Household Income combination: sum of petitioner + spouse + adult children + other household members
Income requirements (2024-2025)
Must show annual income of 125% of federal poverty level for your household size:
| Household size | Minimum annual income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $25,550 |
| 3 | $32,150 |
| 4 | $38,750 |
| 5 | $45,350 |
| 6 | $51,950 |
| 7 | $58,550 |
| Per additional person | +$6,600 |
“Household” includes: you + spouse + dependent children + dependents on your tax returns + the immigrant you’re sponsoring + any other immigrants you previously sponsored under I-864.
Documents accompanying I-864
- Form I-864 completed
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) — complete with W-2 and schedules
- IRS transcript of last 3 years — stronger than copies of returns
- Proof of sponsor citizenship/residency (passport, naturalization cert, green card)
- Current employment proof: employer letter with salary, recent pay stubs
- If self-employed: Schedule C, K-1, complete tax returns
- If using assets: bank statements, property evidence, investments
How assets work
If your income is low but you have significant assets, you can combine:
- For spouses of citizens: assets must be 3 times the difference between income and 125% threshold
- For other family: assets must be 5 times the difference
Sponsor obligations
It is legally binding. Take it seriously.
- Support immigrant financially if necessary (immigrant can sue you for support)
- Pay government reimbursement if immigrant uses means-tested programs
- Notify USCIS within 30 days if address changes
- Notify USCIS if your financial situation significantly changes
When obligation ends
- Immigrant naturalizes as US citizen
- Immigrant works 40 Social Security quarters (~10 years)
- Immigrant dies
- Immigrant permanently leaves US and abandons permanent residency
Divorce does NOT end obligation
If you sponsor your spouse then divorce, you remain obligated financially. Divorce does NOT release from I-864.
Common errors causing I-864 rejection
- Not including IRS transcripts
- Not including ALL pages of tax return (including schedules)
- Insufficient income without joint sponsor
- Recent employment changes without adequate documentation
- Self-employed with volatile income without proper averaging
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-24. Form I-864 is a 10+ year legal contract — consult immigration attorney before signing if you don’t understand all implications.
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
What is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)?
How much income do I need to be a sponsor?
How long does the sponsor's obligation last?
Can I use a joint sponsor if my income is too low?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.