When a family member sponsors a relative for a green card, the U.S. government wants to ensure the immigrant will have financial support and will not become a public charge. That’s where Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, comes in.
What is Form I-864?
Form I-864 is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. By signing this form, the sponsor agrees to financially support the intending immigrant until they become a U.S. citizen or have earned 40 quarters of work (about 10 years).
It is required in most family-based immigration cases and some employment-based cases where a relative has a significant ownership interest in the petitioning business.
Who Must File Form I-864?
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The petitioner who filed the immigrant petition (Form I-130 or I-140) must submit Form I-864.
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If the petitioner’s income is not enough, a joint sponsor can also file.
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In some cases, a household member can contribute income using Form I-864A.
Income Requirements
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Sponsors must show income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child).
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Income can include:
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Salary or wages
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Self-employment income
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Certain benefits
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Assets (bank savings, property, investments)
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Documents You Need
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Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence (passport, birth certificate, green card)
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Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
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W-2s or 1099s
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Recent pay stubs
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Proof of assets if using them to qualify
How to File
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Download the latest Form I-864 from USCIS.gov.
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Complete the form carefully — make sure income numbers match your tax returns.
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Attach all required supporting evidence.
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Submit the I-864 with the immigrant’s green card application (Form I-485) or to the National Visa Center (NVC) if doing consular processing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Leaving blanks — use “N/A” or “None” when something doesn’t apply.
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Using outdated forms — always download the newest version.
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Not signing the form — USCIS will reject unsigned affidavits.
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Miscalculating household size — count yourself, dependents, the immigrant, and anyone else you support.
When Does the I-864 Obligation End?
The sponsor’s responsibility continues until the immigrant:
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Becomes a U.S. citizen
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Works 40 quarters (about 10 years)
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Leaves the U.S. permanently
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Dies
Note: Divorce does not end the sponsor’s obligation.
💡 Tip for Faster Approval: Include all income and asset proof in one organized package with clear labels. This reduces the risk of USCIS or NVC issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE).