Key Takeaways
• Sponsors must be US citizens or green card holders, 18+, living in the US, meeting income rules.
• Income must be at least 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines; joint sponsors and assets can help.
• Financial obligation lasts until immigrant becomes citizen, works 10 years, leaves US permanently, or dies.
If you’re thinking about sponsoring a family member or certain employees for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸, you’ll likely need to complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is a legal promise that you’ll support the immigrant financially so they won’t need to rely on certain government benefits. The requirements for the I-864 are strict, and not everyone qualifies. Here, you’ll find a clear breakdown of who can be a sponsor, what’s needed to qualify, what can disqualify you, and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you’re eligible and what steps you can take next.
What is the I-864 Affidavit of Support?
The I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. By signing it, the sponsor promises to support the immigrant financially. This is to make sure the immigrant does not become a “public charge,” which means someone who depends on government help for basic needs. The form is required in most family-based green card cases and in some job-based cases where a family member owns a big part of the business.
Let’s look at the six main requirements you must meet to qualify as a sponsor for the I-864.
1. Sponsor Eligibility: Who Can Be a Sponsor?
To be a sponsor, you must meet all of these requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live in the United States 🇺🇸 or its territories.
- Have enough income (or assets) to meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Let’s break these down:
- U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder: You must have proof of your status, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card.
- Age: You must be 18 or older on the day you sign the form.
- Domicile: You must live in the United States 🇺🇸, a U.S. territory, or plan to return before the immigrant comes. If you live abroad, you must show you plan to move back.
- Income: You must show you earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. If you’re on active duty in the U.S. military and sponsoring your spouse or child, the requirement is 100%.
Example:
If you’re a U.S. citizen, age 25, living in Texas, and you want to sponsor your wife, you must show you live in the United States 🇺🇸 and earn enough to meet the income rule for a two-person household.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Not a U.S. citizen or green card holder
- Under 18 years old
- Living outside the United States 🇺🇸 with no plan to return
- Not meeting the income or asset requirement
2. Income and Financial Requirements: How Much Money Do You Need?
The sponsor must show they have enough money to support the immigrant and everyone else in their household. The main rule is:
- You must earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
The Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated every year. The amount you need depends on how many people are in your household (including yourself, your spouse, any children, any dependents on your tax return, and the immigrant you’re sponsoring).
Example:
If the guideline for a family of four is $39,000, you must show you make at least $48,750 (125% of $39,000).
What Counts as Income?
- Wages from your job
- Self-employment income
- Retirement benefits
- Alimony or child support you receive
- Certain investment income
You must provide proof, such as:
- Recent tax returns (usually the last year)
- W-2 forms
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
What if Your Income Isn’t Enough?
- Use Assets: If your income is too low, you can count assets like savings, stocks, or property. The assets must be easy to turn into cash within a year and must be worth at least five times the difference between your income and the required amount (three times for spouses and children of U.S. citizens).
- Get a Joint Sponsor: Another person who meets all the sponsor requirements can also file a separate I-864. Their income and assets can help meet the total needed.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Not enough income or assets
- Not providing enough proof of income
- Using assets that are hard to sell or prove
Alternative Options:
- Ask a joint sponsor to help
- Add a household member’s income (using Form I-864A, if they live with you and agree to help)
Where to Find the Guidelines:
You can find the latest Federal Poverty Guidelines on the USCIS I-864P page.
3. Legally Binding Financial Commitment: How Long Does It Last?
When you sign the I-864, you’re making a promise that’s enforceable by law. This means you can be taken to court if you don’t support the immigrant as promised.
How Long Does the Obligation Last?
Your responsibility continues until one of these things happens:
- The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen
- The immigrant works 40 quarters (about 10 years) in the United States 🇺🇸 and pays Social Security taxes
- The immigrant leaves the United States 🇺🇸 for good
- The immigrant dies
- The sponsor dies
Important:
Divorce or separation does not end your obligation. Even if you and the immigrant are no longer together, you’re still responsible.
Example:
If you sponsor your brother and he gets a green card, you’re responsible for him until he becomes a citizen, works 10 years, leaves the country, or dies—even if you have a falling out.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Not willing to accept this long-term responsibility
- Not understanding the legal risks (such as being sued for support)
4. Supporting Documentation: What Paperwork Do You Need?
To prove you qualify, you must submit:
- A fully completed and signed Form I-864 (official form here)
- Proof of income: Tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or other evidence
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or green card: Passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card
- Proof of assets: If using assets, provide bank statements, property deeds, or other documents showing value and ownership
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays:
- Missing signatures
- Incomplete forms
- Not enough proof of income or assets
- Outdated tax returns
How to Improve Your Chances:
- Double-check every form for missing information
- Include all required documents
- Use the most recent tax return
- If you’re unsure, ask an immigration attorney or check the USCIS instructions
5. Scope of Financial Responsibility: What Are You Really Promising?
By signing the I-864, you agree to:
- Repay the government for any “means-tested public benefits” the immigrant or their dependents receive. These are benefits based on income, like:
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food stamps)
- TANF (cash assistance)
If the immigrant gets these benefits, the government can ask you to pay them back.
What You’re Not Responsible For:
- Emergency medical care
- Unemployment benefits
- Other non-means-tested programs
Example:
If your sponsored relative gets food stamps, the agency can send you a bill for the amount they received.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Not willing or able to repay these benefits if needed
6. Who Must Submit Form I-864?
You must file the I-864 if you’re sponsoring:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: Spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21
- Family preference immigrants: Adult children, married children, brothers and sisters
- Certain employment-based immigrants: If a family member owns at least 5% of the sponsoring business
Who Does NOT Need to File?
- Refugees
- Asylees
- VAWA self-petitioners (victims of abuse)
- Immigrants with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States 🇺🇸
Example:
If you’re sponsoring your spouse, you must file the I-864. If your spouse is coming as a refugee, you do not.
What Happens If You Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t meet the requirements, you have a few options:
- Find a Joint Sponsor: Someone else who meets all the requirements can help. They must file their own I-864 and provide proof of income and status.
- Add Household Members’ Income: If someone in your household is willing to help, and their income can be counted, use Form I-864A.
- Use More Assets: If you have savings, property, or investments, you may be able to use these to meet the requirement.
- Wait and Reapply: If your income is temporarily low, you might wait until you earn more or have a better tax year.
How to Improve Your Chances:
- Plan ahead and gather all documents early
- Check the latest Federal Poverty Guidelines each year
- Consider joint sponsorship if you’re close but not quite meeting the income rule
- Keep your tax filings up to date
Recent Policy Updates and What They Mean for You
As of July 2025, there have been no big changes to the I-864 rules. The U.S. government is still strict about making sure sponsors can support immigrants. The rules about which benefits count and how long you’re responsible have been made clearer, but the main requirements are the same.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, immigration attorneys stress the importance of meeting the income rules exactly and recommend joint sponsorship when needed to avoid delays. They also warn that sponsors should understand the long-term legal and financial risks, including the chance of being sued if they don’t provide support.
Where to Get Help and More Information
- Official Form I-864 and Instructions: USCIS I-864 page
- Federal Poverty Guidelines: USCIS I-864P page
- National Visa Center: For help with immigrant visa applications and submitting the I-864
- USCIS Customer Service: For questions about your case or the form
- U.S. Embassy or Consulate: If you’re applying from outside the United States 🇺🇸
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Check if you meet all sponsor requirements: U.S. citizen or green card holder, age 18+, living in the United States 🇺🇸, and meeting the income rule.
- Gather all documents: Tax returns, proof of income, proof of status, and asset records if needed.
- Consider a joint sponsor or household member’s income if you don’t qualify alone.
- Understand your long-term responsibility: You’re promising to support the immigrant for years, even if your relationship changes.
- Double-check your forms: Mistakes or missing documents are a top reason for delays.
If you’re unsure about any step, check the official USCIS I-864 page or talk to an immigration attorney. Careful planning and understanding the rules will help you avoid delays and give your loved one the best chance at a smooth immigration process.
Learn Today
Affidavit of Support → Form I-864, a legal contract requiring sponsors to financially support immigrants to avoid public charge.
Federal Poverty Guidelines → Annual income standards set by the government to determine minimum sponsor financial eligibility.
Sponsor → A US citizen or lawful permanent resident pledging financial support for an immigrant’s green card application.
Joint Sponsor → An additional sponsor who meets requirements and helps meet income or asset thresholds for sponsorship.
Public Charge → An immigrant who relies on government means-tested benefits, which sponsors seek to prevent.
This Article in a Nutshell
The I-864 Affidavit of Support legally binds sponsors to financially support immigrants, ensuring they won’t rely on government benefits while meeting strict eligibility requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
