Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government.
By signing it, the sponsor agrees to financially support the intending immigrant (the Green Card applicant) at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
If the immigrant uses means-tested public benefits, the sponsor can be sued for repayment.
This article explains exactly how to prove you meet the financial requirements.
1. Who Must File Form I-864?
Almost all family-based Green Card applicants require an I-864. This includes:
- Spouses, parents, children, and siblings of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Certain employment-based immigrants if a family member filed the petition.
- Fiancé(e) visa (K-1) holders adjusting status.
Exception: Immigrants who have earned 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years) of Social Security coverage may be exempt. Also, self-petitioning widows/widowers and VAWA applicants do not need an I-864.
2. Income Thresholds for 2026
The sponsor's household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
For active-duty military sponsors sponsoring a spouse or child, the threshold is 100%.
- Household of 2 (sponsor + immigrant): $24,650 (125% of $19,720).
- Household of 3: $31,075 (125% of $24,860).
- Household of 4: $37,500 (125% of $30,000).
- Household of 5: $43,925 (125% of $35,140).
- Each additional member: Add $6,425 to the income requirement.
Note: These figures are estimates for 2026 based on historical increases. Always check the official HHS Poverty Guidelines before filing.
3. Acceptable Sources of Income
USCIS counts income from many sources, but each must be documented and likely to continue.
- Wages and salary: Most common. Provide pay stubs (last 6 months), an employer letter, and W-2s/tax returns.
- Self-employment income: Schedule C (Form 1040), profit/loss statements, and bank deposit records.
- Rental income: Lease agreements and Schedule E. USCIS may discount rental income if properties are mortgaged.
- Dividends and interest: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, or brokerage statements.
- Retirement and pensions: Social Security award letter, pension distribution statements.
- Alimony or child support: Court order plus proof of consistent payments.
What does NOT count: Unemployment benefits, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), non-recurring gifts, or income from illegal activities.
4. Using Assets to Meet the Requirement
If the sponsor's income falls short, assets can fill the gap. The calculation is: (Total assets) × (0.20) = amount that counts.
For a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse, assets must exceed the income shortfall by a 3:1 ratio (5:1 for other cases).
- Examples of countable assets: Savings/checking accounts, stocks/bonds, real estate (minus mortgage), cars (only if 2 or more, minus loan), and retirement accounts (penalty-free withdrawal amount).
- Assets NOT allowed: Personal jewelry, household furniture, future earnings, or assets owned by the intending immigrant unless they are part of the household (e.g., joint bank account).
Pro tip: Include a spreadsheet showing all assets, their fair market value, outstanding debt, and net value. Attach bank statements, deeds, or appraisals.
5. Household Members and Their Income
Your 'household size' determines the poverty guideline. Who counts?
- You (the sponsor).
- The intending immigrant(s).
- Your spouse (even if filing separate taxes).
- All unmarried children under 21 living with you.
- Anyone listed as a dependent on your tax return for the last year.
- Any other immigrants you previously sponsored (Form I-864 still in effect).
If a household member works, their income can be added by filing Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member).
That person must sign the contract agreeing to be jointly liable.
6. Required Supporting Documents Checklist
Attach the following to every I-864 submission:
- Complete and signed Form I-864.
- Federal income tax return for the most recent year (full return, all schedules and attachments).
- W-2s or 1099s for the last 3 years (if you filed taxes for those years).
- Recent pay stubs (last 6 months).
- Employment verification letter (on company letterhead, stating position, length of employment, annual salary, and probability of continuation).
- If using assets: Proof of ownership, valuation, and liquidation ability.
- If using household member income: Form I-864A plus that member's tax returns and pay stubs.
Warning: Submitting incomplete or fake tax documents is immigration fraud. USCIS cross-checks with IRS records. A single discrepancy can lead to a permanent bar.
7. Joint Sponsors: When and How
If your income + assets still fall short, a joint sponsor (any U.S. citizen or permanent resident over 18) can file a separate I-864.
The joint sponsor does not need to live with you. They must meet the 125% threshold on their own (their household income, not combined with yours).
Joint sponsors are fully and severally liable – USCIS can sue them for repayment even if the original sponsor has money.
In summary, proving financial support is about documentation. Overprepare.
Include every tax return, every pay stub, and every asset statement. A complete I-864 package reduces RFEs and moves your case faster.