The USCIS I-864, or Affidavit of Support, is a legally-binding document ensuring an immigrant has sufficient financial support to live in the United States. This form is typically required when an individual applies for permanent residency through a family member. It underscores the sponsor's commitment to support the immigrant to prevent them from becoming a public charge.
When individuals apply for a green card to become lawful permanent residents of the United States through a family member, one crucial step in the process involves the USCIS Form I-864, also known as the Affidavit of Support. This legally enforceable contract is a testament to the financial responsibility the sponsor commits to the immigrant, ensuring the government that the individual will not become a public charge. The form is filled out by the sponsor, typically a family member or employer, who must prove they have the financial means to support the immigrant at an income level that is at least 125% of the federal poverty line. The implications of this form are vast, affecting not just the immigrant's ability to secure a green card but also binding the sponsor to a financial commitment that can last until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work (approximately 10 years). Complicated and often misunderstood, the USCIS I-864 form bridges immigration aspirations with financial realities, embodying both the promise of support and the weight of obligation.
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
USCIS
Form I-864
Department of Homeland Security
OMB No. 1615-0075
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Expires 10/31/2021
For
Use
Only
Affidavit of Support Submitter
Petitioner
1st Joint Sponsor
2nd Joint Sponsor
Substitute Sponsor
5% Owner
Section 213A Review
MEETS
DOES NOT MEET
requirements
Reviewed By:
Office:
Date (mm/dd/yyyy):
Number of Support Affidavits in File
1
2
Remarks
To be completed by an
Select this box if
Attorney State Bar Number
Attorney or Accredited Representative
Form G-28 or
(if applicable)
USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
attorney or accredited
G-28I is attached.
representative (if any).
►START HERE - Type or print in black ink.
Part 1. Basis For Filing Affidavit of Support
I,
,
am the sponsor submitting this affidavit of support because (Select only one box):
1.a.
I am the petitioner. I filed or am filing for the
immigration of my relative.
1.b.
I filed an alien worker petition on behalf of the
intending immigrant, who is related to me as my
Mailing Address
(USPS ZIP Code Lookup)
2.a. In Care Of Name
2.b. Street Number
and Name
2.c. Apt. Ste. Flr.
2.d. City or Town
1.c.
I have an ownership interest of at least 5 percent in
which filed an alien worker petition on behalf of the
1.d.
I am the only joint sponsor.
2.e. State
2.g. Province
2.h. Postal Code 2.i. Country
2.f. ZIP Code
1.e.
I am the
first
second of two joint sponsors.
1.f.
The original petitioner is deceased. I am the
substitute sponsor. I am the intending immigrant's
NOTE: If you are filing this form as a sponsor, you must include proof of your U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or lawful permanent resident status.
Other Information
3.Country of Citizenship or Nationality
4.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
5.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
►A-
Part 2. Information About the Principal Immigrant
1.a. Family Name
(Last Name)
1.b. Given Name
(First Name)
1.c. Middle Name
6.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
►
7.Daytime Telephone Number
Form I-864 10/15/19
Page 1 of 10
Part 3. Information About the Immigrants You Are Sponsoring
1.I am sponsoring the principal immigrant named in Part 2.
Yes
No (Applicable only if you are sponsoring
family members in Part 3. as the second
joint sponsor or if you are sponsoring
family members who are immigrating
more than six months after the principal
immigrant)
2. I am sponsoring the following family members immigrating at the same time or within six months of the principal immigrant named in Part 2. (Do not include any relative listed on a separate visa petition.)
3. I am sponsoring the following family members who are immigrating more than six months after the principal immigrant.
Family Member 1
4.a. Family Name
4.b. Given Name
4.c. Middle Name
5.Relationship to Principal Immigrant
6. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
7.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
► A-
8.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Family Member 2
9.a. Family Name
9.b. Given Name
9.c. Middle Name
10.Relationship to Principal Immigrant
11. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
12.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
13.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Family Member 3
14.a. Family Name
14.b. Given Name
14.c. Middle Name
15.Relationship to Principal Immigrant
16.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
17.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
18.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Family Member 4
19.a. Family Name
19.b. Given Name
19.c. Middle Name
20.Relationship to Principal Immigrant
21.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
22.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
23.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Family Member 5
24.a. Family Name
24.b. Given Name
24.c. Middle Name
25.Relationship to Principal Immigrant
26.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
27.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
28.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Page 2 of 10
Part 3. Information About the Immigrants You Are Sponsoring (continued)
29. Enter the total number of immigrants you are sponsoring on
this affidavit which includes the principal immigrant listed
in Part 2., any immigrants listed in Part 3., Item
Numbers 1. - 28. and (if applicable), any immigrants listed
for these questions in Part 11. Additional Information.
Do not count the principal immigrant if you are only
Sponsor's Physical Address
4.a. Street Number
4.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.
4.c. City or Town
sponsoring family members entering more than 6 months
after the principal immigrant.
Part 4. Information About You (Sponsor)
Sponsor's Full Name
4.d. State
4.f. Province
4.g. Postal Code
4.h. Country
4.e. ZIP Code
Sponsor's Mailing Address
2.h. Postal Code
2.i. Country
3.Is your current mailing address the same as your physical
address?
No
If you answered "No" to Item Number 3., provide your physical address in Item Numbers 4.a. - 4.h.
5.Country of Domicile
7.City or Town of Birth
8.State or Province of Birth
9.Country of Birth
10.U.S. Social Security Number (Required)
Citizenship or Residency
11.a.
I am a U.S. citizen.
11.b.
I am a U.S. national.
11.c.
I am a lawful permanent resident.
12.Sponsor's A-Number (if any)
13.Sponsor's USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Military Service (To be completed by petitioner sponsors only.)
14.I am currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
or U.S. Coast Guard.
Page 3 of 10
Part 5. Sponsor's Household Size
NOTE: Do not count any member of your household more than once.
Persons you are sponsoring in this affidavit:
5.
6.
Retired Since (mm/dd/yyyy)
Unemployed Since (mm/dd/yyyy)
1.Provide the number you entered in Part 3., Item Number
29.
Persons NOT sponsored in this affidavit:
2. Yourself.
3.If you are currently married, enter "1" for your spouse.
4.If you have dependent children, enter the number here.
5.If you have any other dependents, enter the number here.
6.If you have sponsored any other persons on Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ who are now lawful permanent residents,
enter the number here.
7.OPTIONAL: If you have siblings, parents, or adult children with the same principal residence who are combining their income with yours by submitting Form
I-864A, enter the number here.
8.Add together Part 5., Item Numbers 1. - 7. and enter the number here.
Household Size:
Part 6. Sponsor's Employment and Income
I am currently:
1. Employed as a/an
2.Name of Employer 1
7.My current individual annual income is:
$
Income you are using from any other person who was counted in your household size, including, in certain conditions, the intending immigrant. (See Form I-864 Instructions.) Please indicate name, relationship, and income.
Person 1
8.Name
9.Relationship
10.
Current Income
Person 2
11.
Name
12.
Relationship
13.
Person 3
14.Name
15.Relationship
16. Current Income
Person 4
3. Name of Employer 2 (if applicable)
17. Name
4.
Self-Employed as a/an (Occupation)
18.
19. Current Income
Page 4 of 10
Household Size
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
Other
Poverty Guideline
Year: 2 0
Poverty Line:
(continued)
20.My Current Annual Household Income (Total all lines from Part 6. Item Numbers 7., 10., 13., 16., and 19.; the total will be compared to Federal Poverty Guidelines on
Form I-864P.)
21.
The people listed in Item Numbers 8., 11., 14., and
17.have completed Form I-864A. I am filing along with this affidavit all necessary Form I-864As completed by these people.
22. One or more of the people listed in Item Numbers 8., 11., 14., and 17. do not need to complete Form I-864A because he or she is the intending immigrant and has no accompanying dependents.
Federal Income Tax Return Information
23.a. Have you filed a Federal income tax return for each of the
three most recent tax years?
NOTE: You MUST attach a photocopy or transcript of your Federal income tax return for only the most recent tax year.
23.b. (Optional) I have attached photocopies or transcripts of my Federal income tax returns for my second and third most recent tax years.
My total income (adjusted gross income on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040EZ) as reported on my Federal income tax returns for the most recent three years was:
Tax Year
Total Income
24.a. Most Recent
24.b. 2nd Most Recent
24.c. 3rd Most Recent
25. I was not required to file a Federal income tax return as my income was below the IRS required level and I have attached evidence to support this.
Part 7. Use of Assets to Supplement Income
(Optional)
If your income, or the total income for you and your household, from Part 6., Item Numbers 20. or 24.a. - 24.c., exceeds the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED to complete this Part 7. Skip to Part 8.
Your Assets (Optional)
1.Enter the balance of all savings and checking accounts.
2.Enter the net cash value of real-estate holdings. (Net value means current assessed value minus mortgage debt.)
3.Enter the net cash value of all stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and any other assets not already included in Item Number 1. or Item Number 2.
4.Add together Item Numbers 1. - 3. and enter the number
here.
TOTAL: $
Assets from Form I-864A, Part 4., Item Number 3.d., for:
5.a. Name of Relative
5.b. Your household member's assets from Form I-864A
(optional).$
Assets of the principal sponsored immigrant (optional).
The principal sponsored immigrant is the person listed in Part 2., Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.c. Only include the assets if the principal immigrant is being sponsored by this affidavit of support.
6.Enter the balance of the principal immigrant's savings and
checking accounts.
7.Enter the net cash value of all the principal immigrant's real estate holdings. (Net value means investment value
minus mortgage debt.)
8.Enter the current cash value of the principal immigrant's stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and other assets not included in Item Number 6. or Item Number 7.
Page 5 of 10
Sponsor's Household Income
3
(Page 5, Line 10)
4
5
6
7
8
9
The total value of all assets, line 10, must equal 5 times (3 times for spouses and children of
USC's, or 1 time for orphans to be formally adopted in the U.S.) the difference between the
poverty guidelines and the sponsor's household income, line 10.
What If I Choose Not to Sign Form I-864?
(Optional) (continued)
The U.S. Government cannot make you sign Form 1-864 if you
9.
Add together Item Numbers 6. - 8. and enter the number
do not want to do so. But if you do not sign Form I-864, the
intending immigrant may not become a lawful permanent
resident in the United States.
Total Value of Assets
What Does Signing Form I-864 Require Me To Do?
Add together Item Numbers 4., 5.b., and 9. and enter the
If an intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident
number here.
in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have
signed, then, until your obligations under Form I-864 terminate,
you must:
Part 8. Sponsor's Contract, Statement, Contact
Information, Declaration, Certification, and
Signature
NOTE: Read the Penalties section of the Form I-864 Instructions before completing this part.
Sponsor's Contract
Please note that, by signing this Form I-864, you agree to assume certain specific obligations under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other Federal laws. The following paragraphs describe those obligations. Please read the following information carefully before you sign Form I-864. If you do not understand the obligations, you may wish to consult an attorney or accredited representative.
What is the Legal Effect of My Signing Form I-864?
If you sign Form I-864 on behalf of any person (called the intending immigrant) who is applying for an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident, and that intending immigrant submits Form I-864 to the U.S. Government with his or her application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, under INA section 213A, these actions create a contract between you and the U.S. Government. The intending immigrant becoming a lawful permanent resident is the consideration for the contract.
Under this contract, you agree that, in deciding whether the intending immigrant can establish that he or she is not inadmissible to the United States as a person likely to become a public charge, the U.S. Government can consider your income and assets as available for the support of the intending immigrant.
A.Provide the intending immigrant any support necessary to maintain him or her at an income that is at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for his or her household size (100 percent if you are the petitioning sponsor and are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard, and the person is your husband, wife, or unmarried child under 21 years of age); and
B.Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any change in your address, within 30 days of the change, by filing Form I-865.
What Other Consequences Are There?
If an intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed, then, until your obligations under Form I-864 terminate, the U.S. Government may consider (deem) your income and assets as available to that person, in determining whether he or she is eligible for certain Federal means-tested public benefits and also for state or local means-tested public benefits, if the state or local government's rules provide for consideration (deeming) of your income and assets as available to the person.
This provision does not apply to public benefits specified in section 403(c) of the Welfare Reform Act such as emergency Medicaid, short-term, non-cash emergency relief; services provided under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts; immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; and means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
What If I Do Not Fulfill My Obligations?
If you do not provide sufficient support to the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on a Form I-864 that you signed, that person may sue you for this support.
Page 6 of 10
Signature (continued)
If a Federal, state, local, or private agency provided any covered means-tested public benefit to the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on a Form I-864 that you signed, the agency may ask you to reimburse them for the amount of the benefits they provided. If you do not make the reimbursement, the agency may sue you for the amount that the agency believes you owe.
If you are sued, and the court enters a judgment against you, the person or agency that sued you may use any legally permitted procedures for enforcing or collecting the judgment. You may also be required to pay the costs of collection, including attorney fees.
If you do not file a properly completed Form I-865 within 30 days of any change of address, USCIS may impose a civil fine for your failing to do so.
When Will These Obligations End?
Your obligations under a Form I-864 that you signed will end if the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on that affidavit:
A.Becomes a U.S. citizen;
B.Has worked, or can receive credit for, 40 quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act;
C.No longer has lawful permanent resident status and has departed the United States;
D.Is subject to removal, but applies for and obtains, in removal proceedings, a new grant of adjustment of status, based on a new affidavit of support, if one is required; or
E.Dies.
NOTE: Divorce does not terminate your obligations under Form I-864.
Your obligations under a Form I-864 that you signed also end if you die. Therefore, if you die, your estate is not required to take responsibility for the person's support after your death. However, your estate may owe any support that you accumulated before you died.
Sponsor's Statement
NOTE: Select the box for either Item Number 1.a. or 1.b. If applicable, select the box for Item Number 2.
I can read and understand English, and I have read
and understand every question and instruction on this
affidavit and my answer to every question.
The interpreter named in Part 9. read to me every
question and instruction on this affidavit and my
answer to every question in
a language in which I am fluent, and I understood
everything.
2.
At my request, the preparer named in Part 10.,
prepared this affidavit for me based only upon
information I provided or authorized.
Sponsor's Contact Information
3.Sponsor's Daytime Telephone Number
4.Sponsor's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
5.Sponsor's Email Address (if any)
Sponsor's Declaration and Certification
Copies of any documents I have submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered, original documents, and I understand that USCIS or the U.S. Department of State (DOS) may require that I submit original documents to USCIS or DOS at a later date. Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from any and all of my records that USCIS or DOS may need to determine my eligibility for the benefit that I seek.
I furthermore authorize release of information contained in this affidavit, in supporting documents, and in my USCIS or DOS records, to other entities and persons where necessary for the administration and enforcement of U.S. immigration law.
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in my affidavit and any document submitted with it were provided or authorized by me, that I reviewed and understand all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my affidavit and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct.
A.I know the contents of this affidavit of support that I signed;
B.I have read and I understand each of the obligations described in Part 8., and I agree, freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, to accept each of those obligations in order to make it possible for the immigrants indicated in Part 3. to become lawful permanent residents of the United States;
C.I agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of any Federal or state court that has subject matter jurisdiction of a lawsuit against me to enforce my obligations under this Form I-864;
Page 7 of 10
Part 8. Sponsor's Contract, Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and
D.
Each of the Federal income tax returns submitted in
support of this affidavit are true copies, or are
unaltered tax transcripts, of the tax returns I filed
with the IRS;
Interpreter's Mailing Address
3.a. Street Number
3.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.
3.c. City or Town
E.
I understand that, if I am related to the sponsored
immigrant by marriage, the termination of the
marriage (by divorce, dissolution, annulment, or
other legal process) will not relieve me of my
obligations under this Form I-864; and
F.
I authorize the Social Security Administration to
release information about me in its records to
USCIS and DOS.
3.d. State
3.f. Province
3.g. Postal Code
3.h. Country
3.e. ZIP Code
Sponsor's Signature
6.a. Sponsor's Signature
6.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
NOTE TO ALL SPONSORS: If you do not completely fill out this affidavit or fail to submit required documents listed in the Instructions, USCIS or DOS may deny your affidavit.
Part 9. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Provide the following information about the interpreter.
Interpreter's Full Name
1.a. Interpreter's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Interpreter's Given Name (First Name)
2.Interpreter's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Interpreter's Contact Information
4.Interpreter's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Interpreter's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
6.Interpreter's Email Address (if any)
Interpreter's Certification
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that:
I am fluent in English and
which is the same language specified in Part 8., Item Number 1.b., and I have read to this sponsor in the identified language every question and instruction on this affidavit and his or her answer to every question. The sponsor informed me that he or she understands every instruction, question, and answer on the affidavit, including the Sponsor's Declaration and Certification, and has verified the accuracy of every answer.
Interpreter's Signature
7.a. Interpreter's Signature
7.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 8 of 10
Part 10. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit, if Other Than the Sponsor
Provide the following information about the preparer.
Preparer's Full Name
1.a. Preparer's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Preparer's Given Name (First Name)
2.Preparer's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Preparer's Mailing Address
Preparer's Statement
7.a.
I am not an attorney or accredited representative but
have prepared this affidavit on behalf of the sponsor
and with the sponsor's consent.
7.b.
I am an attorney or accredited representative and my
representation of the sponsor in this case
extends
does not extend beyond the
preparation of this affidavit.
NOTE: If you are an attorney or accredited representative, you may be obliged to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, or G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States, with this affidavit.
Preparer's Certification
By my signature, I certify, under penalty of perjury, that I prepared this affidavit at the request of the sponsor. The sponsor then reviewed this completed affidavit and informed me that he or she understands all of the information contained in, and submitted with, his or her affidavit, including the
Sponsor's Declaration and Certification, and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct. I completed this affidavit based only on information that the sponsor provided to me or authorized me to obtain or use.
Preparer's Signature
8.a. Preparer's Signature
Preparer's Contact Information
4.Preparer's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Preparer's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
6.Preparer's Email Address (if any)
8.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 9 of 10
Part 11. Additional Information
If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this affidavit, use the space below. If you need more space than what is provided, you may make copies of this page to complete and file with this affidavit or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
2.A-Number (if any)
3.a. Page Number 3.b. Part Number 3.c. Item Number
3.d.
4.a. Page Number 4.b. Part Number 4.c. Item Number
4.d.
5.a. Page Number 5.b. Part Number 5.c. Item Number
5.d.
6.a. Page Number 6.b. Part Number 6.c. Item Number
6.d.
7.a. Page Number 7.b. Part Number 7.c. Item Number
7.d.
Page 10 of 10
Once you've decided to take the meaningful step of sponsoring a relative for U.S. residency, the USCIS Form I-864, or the Affidavit of Support, becomes an important part of your journey. This legally binding document is your pledge to the U.S. government that the immigrant won't become a public charge. Completing it accurately is crucial, and knowing what goes where can prevent unnecessary delays in your loved one's immigration process. Let's walk through the steps you'll need to take to fill out this form properly.
Filling out the USCIS Form I-864 is a straightforward process when you have clear guidelines and all the necessary information at your fingertips. With your form accurately completed and submitted, you're helping to pave the way for your relative's new life in the United States. It's a big responsibility, but also a huge part of supporting their American dream. Remember, meticulous attention to every section is not just recommended; it's essential for a smooth process.
What is the USCIS I-864 form?
The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document that a sponsor (usually a family member) files to accept financial responsibility for a person seeking to immigrate to the United States. This form is part of the process to prove that the immigrant will not become a public charge and ensures the immigrant has adequate means of financial support.
Who needs to file the I-864 form?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are sponsoring a family member for immigration to the United States are required to file the I-864 form. This includes petitioners of family-based visa applications and some employment-based visa applications where a relative has filed the petition or has a significant ownership interest in the business that filed the petition.
What are the income requirements for the I-864 sponsor?
The sponsor must demonstrate an income level at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, including the intending immigrant. These requirements can vary based on the household size, the state of residence, and whether the sponsor is on active duty in the Armed Forces. It's essential to check the most current guidelines when preparing to file the form.
Can assets be used to meet the income requirements?
Yes, if the sponsor's income does not meet the necessary threshold, assets such as cash in savings accounts, property, stocks, and bonds can also be included. The value of these assets must be at least five times the difference between the sponsor's income and the required income level, except for U.S. citizens sponsoring their spouse or child, where the factor is only three times the difference.
What happens if I don't meet the income or asset requirements?
If the sponsor does not meet the income or asset requirements alone, they can opt to include a household member's income and assets, provided that the household member is at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. Alternatively, the sponsor can find a joint sponsor who meets the income requirements and is willing to accept legal responsibility for supporting the immigrant.
Is there a filing fee for the I-864 form?
No, there is currently no filing fee for the I-864 form when submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, submitting this form as part of an immigrant visa application might involve other fees, such as visa application processing fees.
How long is the sponsorship under the I-864 binding?
The obligations under the I-864, Affidavit of Support, continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has earned 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years), departs the United States permanently, or dies. Divorce from the sponsored immigrant does not terminate the obligations.
Can a joint sponsor withdraw their support after submission?
Once the I-864 form is submitted and the visa issued, a joint sponsor cannot withdraw their support. The commitment is a legal contract with the U.S. government and remains in effect as mentioned earlier.
What documents do I need to include with the I-864 form?
When submitting the I-864 form, you are required to provide proof of your income, such as the most recent tax returns, including W-2s or 1099 forms, pay stubs, and an employment letter. If you're using assets to meet the income requirements, you'll need documentation proving the value of those assets, such as bank statements, property assessments, or stock valuations.
What if my circumstances change after submitting the I-864 form?
If major changes occur in your financial situation after submitting the I-864, you should notify USCIS, especially if these changes might affect your ability to meet the income requirements. In case the immigrant has not yet obtained their visa, you might need to update your form or arrange for a joint sponsor.
Filling out the USCIS Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA, is a crucial step for individuals sponsoring immigrants to the United States. However, mistakes can delay the process or impact the application's success. Here are 10 common errors to avoid:
By avoiding these mistakes, sponsors can help ensure their affidavit is processed smoothly and supports the immigrant’s application effectively.
When filing the USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, several other documents are often submitted alongside it to ensure a comprehensive application. These documents play a crucial role in providing proof and additional information required for the immigration process. Here's a brief overview of the key forms and documents typically used in conjunction with the I-864 form.
Each of these forms and documents plays a vital role in the immigration process. They work together to provide a comprehensive picture of the applicant's situation, ensuring that the U.S. government has all the necessary information to process their residency or adjustment of status application. Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurately completed and submitted promptly to avoid delays in their immigration process.
The USCIS I-134, Affidavit of Support for Nonimmigrant Visas, is similar to the I-864 because both serve as legally enforceable agreements to support an applicant financially. The I-134 is used mainly for temporary visitors, whereas the I-864 is for immigrants seeking permanent residency.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, shares similarities with the I-864 in that it also pertains to the financial independence of immigrants. While the I-864 demonstrates a sponsor's ability to support an immigrant, the I-765 allows individuals to work legally in the U.S., potentially lessening their dependence on a financial sponsor.
The I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), has objectives similar to the I-864. Both forms are steps towards bringing family members to the United States. The I-129F allows a U.S. citizen to bring a fiancé(e) into the country, potentially leading to a situation where the I-864 would be necessary for adjusting status to that of a permanent resident.
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, resembles the I-864 as it is part of the family-based immigration process. The I-130 establishes a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and a foreign national. Following approval, the I-864 is often needed to prove that the immigrant will not become a public charge.
DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is comparable to the I-864 in its role in the immigration process. Like the I-864, the DS-260 is required for those seeking to immigrate to the United States. However, it focuses on collecting personal details for visa issuance, subsequent to which, the I-864 ensures financial support for the applicant.
When completing the USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, applicants must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their submission is accepted. This document plays a crucial role in the immigration process, acting as a pledge by the sponsor to support the immigrant financially. Given its importance, it's vital to approach this task with attention to detail and accuracy. Below are six essential do's and don'ts to consider when filling out this form:
The USCIS I-864 form, or Affidavit of Support, is an essential document in the immigration process, particularly for those seeking to become permanent residents through family-based petitions. However, there are many misunderstandings about this form. Here are six common misconceptions:
Signing the I-864 is merely a formality. Many believe that signing the I-864 form is just going through the motions and carries little real-world impact. This is incorrect. The sponsor makes a legally binding commitment to support the immigrant financially. Failing to fulfill this obligation can lead to legal consequences, including being sued by the immigrant or the government.
Once the immigrant becomes a citizen, the obligation ends. It's a common misconception that the sponsor's financial responsibility ends when the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen. In reality, the obligation usually lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has earned 40 quarters of work credited towards Social Security, leaves the United States and renounces their green card, or dies.
The sponsor’s assets are not important. Some people think that only income matters, not assets, when filling out the I-864. However, assets can be critical if the sponsor’s income does not meet the poverty guidelines. Assets can help demonstrate the ability to support the immigrant financially.
Any family member can be a sponsor. This misunderstanding could lead to selecting an ineligible sponsor. To be a sponsor, one must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and domiciled in the United States or its territories. Not every family member will meet these criteria.
Only one I-864 form is needed per household. This is not always the case. If the sponsoring family member cannot meet the income requirements alone, a joint sponsor may also fill out an I-864. Furthermore, separate I-864 forms are necessary for each family member immigrating.
The sponsor can retract the I-864 after submission. Once the form is submitted, the sponsor's obligations are in effect and cannot be retracted simply because the sponsor changes their mind. The only exceptions are rare and typically involve formal withdrawal before the immigrant's visa or green card is approved or significant life changes.
Understanding the specifics of the I-864 form is crucial for both the sponsor and the immigrant. Misconceptions can lead to unexpected responsibilities and legal issues. It’s advisable to thoroughly review all requirements and possibly consult with an immigration attorney to fully understand the obligations under the I-864 affidavit of support.
The USCIS I-864 form, also known as an Affidavit of Support, is a vital document in the process of sponsoring an immigrant coming to the United States. Here are key takeaways to ensure its proper completion and use:
This form plays a critical role in the immigration process, ensuring that immigrants have adequate support as they settle in the United States. It is important for sponsors to understand their responsibilities and the implications of signing this document.
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