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Official form guide
Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Form I-864 is a legally binding affidavit of support required when sponsoring certain family-based and employment-based immigrants to ensure they won't become public charges. It's used when a U.S. citizen or green card holder agrees to financially support an immigrant coming to or currently residing in the United States.
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USCIS Form I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Form I-864 is a legally binding affidavit of support required when sponsoring certain family-based and employment-based immigrants to ensure they won't become public charges. It's used when a U.S. citizen or green card holder agrees to financially support an immigrant coming to or currently residing in the United States.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Sponsoring someone financially is a long-term legal commitment that can last until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or works 40 quarters.
- 2Income below 125% of federal poverty guidelines
- 3Incorrect calculation of household size
- 4Missing or outdated supporting documents
- 5Failure to report all assets
Plain English
The I-864 is a promise to financially support someone immigrating to the U.S. or adjusting their status. As a sponsor, you're agreeing to provide enough financial support so the immigrant won't need government assistance like welfare or food stamps. This form is required for most family-based immigration cases where the immigrant doesn't have enough qualifying work credits in the U.S.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The I-864 is typically submitted along with the immigrant's visa application or adjustment of status package. It must be filed before the immigrant's case can be approved.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when sponsoring a family member for a green card who doesn't have 40 qualifying work quarters
- Do not use this form for refugees, asylees, or certain special immigrants who have different requirements
- Check Form I-864A for including a household member's income or assets in the sponsorship
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Sponsor has insufficient income alone
Allows combining household member's income
✓ Verify household member is willing to sign
Immigrant has sufficient work credits
Immigrant self-sufficiency requirement
✓ Confirm immigrant's 40 quarters are for work after age 18
Sponsor is active duty military
Special rules for military income
✓ Document all military allowances and benefits
Deadline or filing window
The I-864 must be submitted with the immigrant's initial application package; there is no separate deadline for this form alone. However, if the immigrant's case is pending for more than one year, USCIS may request an updated I-864 with current financial information.
- —Sponsor's annual income | Divide monthly income by 12 | Annual income amount | Must be at least 125% of federal poverty guidelines
- —Household size | Count sponsor, immigrants being sponsored, and dependents | Total household size | Includes dependents who live with sponsor and receive financial support
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Part 1: Sponsor Information
Proof of citizenship or green card · Passport, birth certificate, green card
Part 4: Annual Income
Tax returns, pay stubs, employment verification · IRS transcripts, employer letters
Part 5: Assets
Bank statements, property deeds, investment accounts · Financial institutions, property records
Part 6: Household Size
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, tax dependents · Personal documents, tax returns
Before you submit
- 1Verify all personal information matches government-issued ID
- 2Confirm income meets 125% of federal poverty guidelines for household size
- 3Include all required tax documents for the most recent three years
- 4List all household members completely and accurately
- 5Have the form properly notarized
- 6Check that all signatures are original and in blue ink
- 7Include a copy of the sponsor's passport or green card
- 8Review for any blank sections or incomplete information
How to file this form
- 1Complete the I-864 form with accurate information using the current edition
- 2Gather all supporting financial documents including tax returns and proof of income
- 3Have the form notarized with original signatures
- 4Submit the completed I-864 with the immigrant's application package to the correct USCIS address
- 5Keep a complete copy of all submitted materials for your records
- 6Track the application status using the receipt number provided by USCIS
Known limitations
- 1The I-864 cannot be used for immigrants who have already worked 40 qualifying quarters in the U.S.
- 2Assets alone may not be sufficient to meet the income requirements unless they are easily convertible to cash
- 3The sponsor's income must be from a reliable source and likely to continue
- 4Joint sponsors must be willing to assume full financial responsibility if the primary sponsor cannot fulfill obligations
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Petitioner Info
3 items
Your current legal name as it appears on your Green Card or U.S. passport.
Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
Your Green Card number (A-Number) if a permanent resident, or USCIS online account number.
Beneficiary Info
3 items
Full legal name of the relative you are petitioning for.
Date of birth of the relative (MM/DD/YYYY).
Alien Registration Number of the beneficiary if previously assigned.
Relationship
1 items
Select the qualifying relationship: spouse, unmarried child under 21, unmarried child over 21, married child, parent, or sibling.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents establishing the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Signatures
2 items
Your signature certifying all information is correct under penalty of perjury.
Date you signed the form (MM/DD/YYYY).
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-864 was revised in 2023; always check the USCIS website for the most recent version before filing to avoid processing delays.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Must be the current version (as of 2023) or your application may be rejected
- Fee: No filing fee for the I-864 itself (included in the main application fee)
- Mailing address: Varies by application type; check USCIS website for correct address
- Signature requirements: Must be notarized and include original signature
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the filed I-864 and all supporting documents
- 2Monitor your mail for any requests from USCIS for additional information
- 3Track the case status using the receipt number provided
- 4Maintain records of all financial support provided to the immigrant
- 5Be aware of the legal obligations under the affidavit for the duration of its validity
Sources
- SRCForm I-864 is required under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act
- SRCThe sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- SRCThe affidavit remains binding until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, dies, or acquires 40 quarters of work
- SRCIncome must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for the household size
- SRCAssets can only be used to supplement income if they are liquid or easily convertible to cash
- SRCJoint sponsors must be at least 18 years old and meet the income requirements
Common confusion points
Household size calculation
Includes dependents who receive more than half support
→ Review tax returns for claimed dependents
Military income eligibility
Special rules for basic housing and food allowances
→ Check current USCIS guidance for military sponsorship
Asset valuation
Some assets must be easily convertible to cash
→ Verify assets can be liquidated within 12 months without significant loss
Joint sponsorship requirements
Both sponsors must file separate I-864 forms
→ Confirm each sponsor meets individual requirements
Public benefit disclosure
Must report all benefits received by household members
→ Review benefit award letters and tax records
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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