🇺🇸United States

I-864 Affidavit of Support

Financial Sponsorship for Immigration

Medium~30 minSponsorshipAffidavitFinancial SupportGreen Card

/ What is this form?

The I-864 is a legally binding contract where the sponsor guarantees financial support for the immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty level. Required for most family-based and some employment-based green card applications. This obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a US citizen, works 40 qualifying quarters, or dies.

/ Who needs this form?

Sponsors of family-based green card applicants
Some employment-based applicants whose family member filed the I-140

/ What you need before you start

Federal tax returns (most recent 3 years)

W-2s and 1099s

Employment verification letter

Proof of assets (if income is insufficient)

Filing fee: $0 (submitted with I-485 or NVC package)

/ Step-by-step guide

1Understand the Obligation

The I-864 is a legally enforceable contract. You agree to support the immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty level. This obligation lasts until they become a citizen, work 40 qualifying quarters, or die.

2Verify Income Requirements

Calculate 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size (sponsor + dependents + immigrants sponsored). Check the current year's poverty guidelines at HHS.

3Complete the Form

Enter your personal information, employment details, income, household size, and the immigrants you are sponsoring. Sign and date the form.

4Gather Tax Documents

Attach your most recent federal tax returns (all 3 years if available), W-2s, 1099s, and an employment verification letter.

5Submit with Immigrant Application

Submit I-864 as part of the I-485 package (adjustment of status) or send to the NVC for consular processing. No separate filing fee for I-864.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Household size	Sponsor + all dependents + all immigrants being sponsored in this petition	Include ALL people you are financially responsible for — underreporting inflates your apparent income ratio
Annual income vs poverty guidelines	Your current annual income compared to 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size	Using gross vs net income incorrectly — use gross income as shown on tax returns

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not meeting income requirements — can use a joint sponsor or assets to make up the shortfall

Not including all 3 years of tax returns

Not understanding it's a legally enforceable contract, even after divorce

/ Frequently asked questions

What if my income is too low?

Use a joint sponsor (separate I-864), add household member income (I-864A), or use assets worth 3–5x the income shortfall.

When does the obligation end?

When the immigrant becomes a US citizen, has worked 40 qualifying quarters of Social Security credit, leaves the US permanently, or dies.