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I-864 · Family-Based

I-864 – Affidavit of Support

A legally binding contract proving you can financially support the immigrant you are sponsoring.

Our Fee

$59

USCIS Fee

$0

Est. Completion

10–15 min

Submitted With

I-485 or DS-260

⚠️ ImmigrationSmile.com is not a law firm. We prepare forms only. USCIS fees are paid separately.

About Form I-864

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. By signing it, the sponsor agrees to financially support the sponsored immigrant at or above 125% of the federal poverty level. This obligation continues until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has 40 qualifying quarters of work credit, permanently leaves the U.S., or dies.

Income Requirements

The sponsor must demonstrate income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.

For example: A household of 3 (sponsor + 1 existing + 1 immigrant) must show income above the 3-person poverty threshold × 125%. Current amounts are listed at uscis.gov.

Documents Required

  • ✓Most recent federal tax return (IRS Tax Transcript preferred over filed returns)
  • ✓W-2s and/or 1099s for the most recent tax year
  • ✓Proof of current employment (employer letter with salary, job title, start date)
  • ✓Proof of U.S. domicile (lease, mortgage, utility bills)
  • ✓Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
  • ✓Evidence of household members (to calculate household size)
  • ✓Evidence of assets if income is insufficient (bank statements, property deeds)

Steps to Complete I-864

  1. 1

    Calculate your household size — include yourself, dependents, and the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring

  2. 2

    Confirm your income meets 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size

  3. 3

    Complete the I-864 questionnaire using our software

  4. 4

    Gather your most recent tax return, W-2s, and pay stubs or employer letter

  5. 5

    Submit I-864 as part of the I-485 packet or through the National Visa Center for consular cases

FAQs – I-864

Q: What if my income is not enough?

A: A joint sponsor who independently meets the income requirements can sign a separate I-864 to supplement or replace your sponsorship.

Q: Can I use assets instead of income?

A: Yes. Assets valued at 5× the shortfall between your income and the required threshold may be used to supplement income.

Q: How long am I responsible for the immigrant?

A: Until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 quarters of work credit (~10 years), permanently departs the U.S., or dies.

Q: Is the I-864 a contract with the government?

A: Yes. If the sponsored immigrant receives certain federal means-tested benefits, the government may seek reimbursement from the sponsor.

Ready to Start?

Complete the continuous questionnaire to generate your print-ready packet.

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