2025 Poverty Guidelines for Form I-864: Thresholds and Obligations

(UNITED STATES) Sponsors filing a financial pledge for family-based green cards will work off new numbers this year, as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services adopted the 2025 Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines for the Affidavit of Support USCIS Affidavit of Support Form I-864. The change matters right now for couples at the interview stage, parents filing through the National Visa Center, and anyone submitting an adjustment of status package inside the United States. The bottom line: most sponsors must show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, and the dollar amounts have risen in 2025 to reflect inflation.

Official thresholds and where to look

The official thresholds appear in Form I-864P, the government’s annual chart used by officers and consular posts to confirm if a sponsor meets the rule.

For the 48 contiguous states, D.C., and U.S. territories, the 2025 levels are:
– $26,437 for a household of 2
– $33,312 for 3
– $40,187 for 4
– $47,062 for 5
– $53,937 for 6
– $60,812 for 7
– $67,687 for 8
– + $6,875 for each additional person

For active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces sponsoring a spouse or child, the lower 100% standard applies; 2025 figures are:
– $21,150 for a household of 2
– $26,650 for 3
– $32,150 for 4
– $37,650 for 5
– $43,150 for 6
– $48,650 for 7
– $54,150 for 8
– + $5,500 per additional person

Note: Alaska and Hawaii have higher cutoffs due to living costs; sponsors in those states should check the posted figures on the official chart before filing.

Which cases use the 2025 guidelines

USCIS stresses that the new Poverty Guidelines govern:
– Cases filed now, and
– Cases already in the pipeline that have not yet reached a final decision.

That means families who filed last year but are now submitting updated financials to the National Visa Center or bringing fresh evidence to a consular interview must use the 2025 levels. Officers rely on the current Form I-864P when deciding whether a sponsor’s income meets the rule, and even small shortfalls can cause:
– Delays
– Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
– Denials if no joint sponsor or qualifying assets cover the gap

Legal nature and duration of the affidavit

At the core of this process is Form I-864, a contract under Sections 212(a)(4) and 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. When a sponsor signs the affidavit, they accept a legal duty to support the immigrant so the person does not become a “public charge.” Key facts:
– The duty ends when the immigrant:
– Becomes a U.S. citizen,
– Is credited with 40 quarters of work (~10 years),
– Loses permanent resident status, or
– Leaves the U.S. permanently.
– Courts have enforced this contract; immigrants have obtained judgments when sponsors failed to meet promises.
– Sponsors should plan for job changes, family growth, and economic swings during that period.

Important: Signing Form I-864 is a legally enforceable commitment. Treat it seriously and plan financially.

Household size — what counts

Household size determines the Poverty Guidelines test. For Form I-864, the household includes:
– The sponsor
– The immigrant(s) being sponsored
– The sponsor’s spouse and any dependents claimed on the sponsor’s most recent tax return
– Any other people the sponsor supports who will sign Form I-864A or who were claimed as dependents

Examples and common errors:
– Filing for a spouse and a stepchild = count both (household size increases).
– Supporting a parent claimed on taxes = parent counts, even if not immigrating.
– Common mistake: forgetting a child who splits time between homes but appears on the sponsor’s tax return — this omission can drop the household size and falsely indicate compliance.

Who uses 125% vs. 100%

• Most sponsors must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on current household size at adjudication.
• Active-duty military exception: only service members sponsoring a spouse or unmarried child under 21 may use 100%.
• Veterans, reservists not on active duty, or sponsors of other relatives do not qualify for the 100% exception.

VisaVerge.com analysis: the most frequent triggers for Form I-864 delays are miscounted household size and income claims that look adequate on gross pay but fail after officers remove non-qualifying sources.

Processing times and document quality

• USCIS processing times for green card packages that include Form I-864 currently average about 8.2 months, varying by field office, number of applicants per sponsor, and whether officers issue RFEs.
• Families who submit clean, consistent tax transcripts, W‑2s, and recent pay stubs often move faster.
• Those relying on assets or commissions may see more back-and-forth, especially if evidence does not show reliable access to funds.

Counting and using assets

Sponsors may count assets if income falls short, but assets must:
– Be convertible to cash within one year without major loss
– Be documented clearly (bank statements, brokerage statements, property records minus liens)

Multipliers applied by officers:
– Assets alone: must generally total 5 times the difference between sponsor income and the required guideline
– U.S. citizen sponsor of a spouse or child: asset rule can be 3 times the difference

Notes:
– Assets abroad are harder to prove and may draw scrutiny on access/transferability.
– When assets are complicated, many families choose a joint sponsor, which often stabilizes a shaky case.

Joint sponsor rules

• A joint sponsor files a separate Form I-864 and must meet 125% of the Poverty Guidelines for their own household size.
• Income is not pooled with the main sponsor unless a household member signs Form I-864A.
• The joint sponsor need not live with the main sponsor.
• Up to two joint sponsors are allowed for large families.
• Once the affidavit is in effect, the joint sponsor’s obligation remains until the standard end events occur; withdrawal is not a practical option.

What to include — best practice checklist

A clear packet usually includes:
1. A completed Form I-864 signed in black ink or electronically if filed online
2. The sponsor’s most recent federal tax return or IRS transcript
3. W‑2s or 1099s that match the return
4. The last six months of pay stubs and a current employment letter
5. Proof of status (copy of U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
6. Evidence of assets, if used, with ownership and valuation proof
7. For joint sponsors: a complete, separate Form I-864 with their own proof
8. For household members combining income: a signed Form I-864A and proof of residence

USCIS warnings:
– Many denials stem from missing pages, unsigned forms, or tax returns that do not match the income claimed.
– Names on bank accounts should match the sponsor; if assets are co-owned, show the sponsor’s share.
– If the sponsor did not file taxes because income was below the filing threshold, include a written note and, if available, an IRS verification of non‑filing.
– If owing taxes, proof of a payment plan helps.

Document timing and responding to RFEs

• Pay stubs should be recent; employment letters should reflect current salary and status.
• If the sponsor changed jobs, bring updated proof to the interview.
• If an RFE arrives, respond by the deadline with everything requested.
• Clean, current records speed decision-making and reduce extra visits or resubmissions.

Case-stage guidance (NVC vs. Adjustment of Status)

• Consular cases via the National Visa Center (NVC): sponsor submits Form I-864 and documents through the NVC portal, then brings updated pay proof to the interview.
• Adjustment of status (inside the U.S.): sponsor attaches the affidavit to the Form I-485 package and should bring fresh pay proof to the interview if months have passed.
• In both paths, use the 2025 Poverty Guidelines listed in Form I-864P. Officers apply the most current numbers on the date of decision.

Practical examples

1. Spouse + stepchild (Ohio): household size = 4; 125% level = $40,187.
   • Sponsor base salary $38,000 + overtime last year $3,200 = $41,200.
   • Officer will review whether overtime is regular and expected; otherwise require joint sponsor or assets.
2. Parent case, LPR sponsoring spouse (two small children at home): household size = 5; 125% = $47,062.
   • W‑2 shows $45,000; $10,000 in savings could help if ownership/availability is clear.
   • Joint sponsor often safer if savings are ambiguous or co-owned.

Military-specific notes

• Exception to 125% applies only to active-duty members sponsoring a spouse or child.
• Does not apply to parents, siblings, veterans, or non-active reservists.
• Service members should attach proof of active duty and confirm the relationship type on the affidavit.
• Officers will still examine pay and allowances and may request additional records if needed.

Employment-based and employer-owner situations

• Form I-864 can apply in employment-based cases when a relative filed the petition or when a petitioner has large ownership interest in the petitioning company.
• Company owners who take draws (not wages) should prepare detailed statements showing regular income.
• Separate business and personal funds when claiming assets.

Strategy: assets vs. joint sponsor

Simple guidance:
– If income is close and pay is stable: fill gaps with recent proof and employer letters.
– If income is well below the bar or varies widely: a joint sponsor with reliable W‑2 wages is recommended.
– If relying on assets only: gather clear, verifiable records and explain any large transfers or recent deposits.

Human impact and planning

While the Poverty Guidelines are numbers, they affect real families:
– A mother in Ciudad Juárez waiting on a spouse’s promotion.
– A Marine using the 100% standard to sponsor his daughter.
– A small business owner adding a joint sponsor to steady a seasonal income case.

Advocates and attorneys recommend early planning:
– Check Form I-864P before filing.
– Map household size correctly.
– Gather proof tailored to the sponsor’s income type (hourly, commission, self‑employment, assets).
– Consider a joint sponsor early to avoid months lost to RFEs.

Where to find official forms and instructions

Applicants and sponsors can find agency guidance and forms at:
– USCIS Affidavit of Support: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/affidavit-of-support
– Form I-864: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864
– Form I-864P: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p

These links provide current instructions, the 2025 Poverty Guidelines chart, and filing tips that align with officer training.

Final practical recommendations

• If your case is at the NVC or an interview is near: bring updated financial proof even if you uploaded documents months ago.
• If just starting: build your packet around 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size and double-check the count.
• If income is borderline: consider a joint sponsor early to avoid avoidable RFEs.
• If military with a qualifying relationship: mark the 100% standard and include proof of active duty.

For employers and community groups:
– Employers tied to family ownership cases should align payroll records and ownership documents with the immigration file.
– Community clinics should refresh checklists and handouts with the 2025 dollar amounts.

Closing note

No formal policy shifts have been announced for the rest of 2025. HHS typically publishes the next year’s Poverty Guidelines early in the calendar year, and USCIS updates Form I-864P afterward. For now, the focus is on the 2025 numbers and on submitting complete evidence. Preparation—starting with the correct Poverty Guidelines, the right household size, and clean proof—gives cases the best chance to move without delay.