Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
A legally binding contract where a U.S. sponsor agrees to provide financial support to an immigrant so they do not rely on public benefits.
Table of Contents
Who Needs Form I-864?
Form I-864 is required for almost all family-based green card applicants and some employment-based applicants. The sponsor (usually the family member who filed your I-130 petition) must complete this form to prove they can support you financially.
If the primary sponsor does not make enough money, you can also have a "joint sponsor" (another U.S. citizen or green card holder) sign their own separate Form I-864 to meet the income requirements.
When Do You File Form I-864?
You file Form I-864 during the final stage of the green card process, after your priority date becomes current.
If you are adjusting status inside the United States, your sponsor submits the form as part of your physical I-485 application package. If you are applying from outside the U.S., you will upload it to the NVC electronic portal along with your sponsor's tax transcripts.
Where Do You File Form I-864?
Where you file depends on your processing pathway.
For adjustment of status, you mail the physical form along with your I-485 package to USCIS. For consular processing, your sponsor uploads a digital copy of the signed form to the CEAC online portal.
Filing Fees & Processing Times
Filing Fee: USCIS does not charge a filing fee for Form I-864 when submitted with an I-485. However, if processing through the NVC, you must pay an NVC Affidavit of Support fee. Check official sites for current fees.
Processing Time: The form is reviewed along with the main green card application, so the processing timeline matches that of your I-485 or DS-260 application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing IRS Tax Transcripts: You must include your sponsor's federal tax return or official IRS tax transcript for the most recent tax year. Failure to include this leads to an automatic Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Not Meeting Income Guidelines: Sponsoring incomes must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. If they fall short, you must use a joint sponsor.
- Unsigned Form: The sponsor must hand-sign the form. Digital or typed signatures on paper forms are rejected immediately.
What Happens After You File?
USCIS or the NVC reviews the sponsor's income, household size, and tax details. If everything meets the requirements, they will approve the sponsorship.
The sponsor's legal obligation begins the moment the applicant gets their green card, and remains active until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or works in the U.S. for 10 years (40 quarters).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income requirement for Form I-864?
The sponsor's household income must be at least 125% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a household size of 2 in 2026, this is around $25,000, but check the official USCIS Form I-864P table for current annual amounts.
Does divorce end the sponsor's financial obligation?
No. Divorce does not end the sponsor's financial obligation under Form I-864. The obligation only ends if the immigrant becomes a citizen, leaves the U.S. permanently, works 10 years, or passes away.
Can assets be used instead of income?
Yes. If your sponsor's income is short, you can use the value of assets (like savings accounts, stocks, or U.S. home equity) to make up the difference. The assets must be worth 3 to 5 times the income shortfall amount.
Official Resources
OFFICIAL PAGE →Check Your Priority Date
Preparing your financial sponsorship papers? Make sure your priority date is current before filing.
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