Fill out I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA) online
Form I-864 is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government, in which the sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant and maintain their income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. It is required for most family-based and some employment-based green card applications.
How to fill out I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA)
Enter sponsor information
Provide the sponsor's full legal name, date of birth, SSN, address, citizenship or immigration status, and relationship to the immigrant.
Determine household size
Count yourself, the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring, all dependents, any other people you previously sponsored who have not met their requirements, and anyone else you claim as a dependent on your tax return.
Demonstrate financial ability
Report your current individual annual income. If it is below the required level for your household size, you can include income from household members, use assets (generally worth 3-5 times the shortfall), or use a joint sponsor.
Attach supporting documentation
Include your most recent federal tax return (or transcripts for the last 3 years), proof of current employment or self-employment, and evidence of any assets claimed. A joint sponsor must file a separate I-864 with their own documentation.
About I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA)
Who needs this form
The petitioner (U.S. citizen or permanent resident) who filed a family-based immigration petition. Also required from the employer or a joint sponsor in certain employment-based cases. The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income or assets.
Where to submit
Submit with the immigrant's adjustment of status application (I-485) to USCIS, or bring to the consular interview if the immigrant is processing abroad through the National Visa Center.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not meeting the 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines income requirement
- Using outdated poverty guidelines (they change annually)
- Not including all household members in the household size calculation
- Forgetting that the obligation continues until the immigrant becomes a citizen or works 40 qualifying quarters
Frequently asked questions
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Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
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How long does the I-864 obligation last?
The sponsor's financial obligation is legally binding and lasts until: the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, the immigrant is credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work, the immigrant permanently departs the U.S., or the immigrant dies. Divorce does not end the sponsor's obligation.
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