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How to Fill Out Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (Step-by-Step Guide)
Filling out Form I-864, Affidavit of Support is one of the most important, and confusing, steps in a family-based Green Card application. Many sponsors worry about income requirements, household size, and whether a mistake could delay or jeopardize the case.
Because Form I-864 carries serious financial and legal obligations, even small errors can result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), delays, or denial of the immigration application. This guide provides a section-by-section breakdown of Affidavit of Support I-864, along with key rules, requirements, common pitfalls to avoid, who must file, how income rules work, how to complete each part of the form, what sponsor documents are required, and what to do if you don’t meet the income threshold.
What Is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support?
Form I-864, also called the Affidavit of Support, is a financial sponsorship form required in most family-based green card cases. Its purpose is to show the U.S. government that the sponsored immigrant will have adequate financial support and is unlikely to rely on certain public benefits.
When a sponsor signs Form I-864, they agree to:
- Financially support the immigrant if needed, and
- Maintain income at or above a government-set minimum level
This obligation typically lasts until the immigrant:
- Becomes a U.S. citizen,
- Earns enough qualifying work credits,
- Leaves the United States permanently, or
- Passes away.
Who Must File Form I-864?
The Primary Sponsor
The primary sponsor is the person who filed the immigrant petition (usually Form I-130). The primary sponsor:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must submit Form I-864 even if they have no income
Importantly, a joint sponsor does not replace the primary sponsor. The petitioner must always file their own I-864.
Joint Sponsors (When Needed)
A joint sponsor may help when the primary sponsor’s income does not meet the requirements. A joint sponsor:
- Files a separate Form I-864
- Must independently meet the income requirement
- Does not need to be related to the immigrant
Friends or extended family members may qualify as joint sponsors if they meet the criteria.
Household Members and Form I-864A
In some cases, a sponsor may combine income with a household member using Form I-864A. This option is typically used when:
- The household member lives with the sponsor, and
- Their income will continue after the immigrant becomes a permanent resident
This is different from using a joint sponsor and has specific eligibility rules.
I-864 Income Requirements Explained
One of the most common concerns with the Affidavit of Support I-864 is whether the sponsor earns enough income.
USCIS evaluates income based on:
- Household size, and
- Federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. government
Because income thresholds change annually, it’s best to understand how the calculation works rather than focus on exact dollar amounts.
How Household Size Affects I-864 Income Requirements
Household size plays a critical role in determining whether a sponsor meets the income requirements for Form I-864. As household size increases, the minimum income threshold rises accordingly, often placing otherwise qualified sponsors below the required level.
Importantly, household size includes more individuals than many sponsors expect, which is why miscalculations are one of the most frequent causes of Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
The table below outlines how household size impacts income requirements and the most common solutions when a sponsor’s income falls short.
| Household Size | Who Is Included | How Income Is Assessed | Common Solution if Income Is Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Sponsor + sponsored spouse | Must meet the poverty guideline for a 2-person household | Use qualifying assets or a joint sponsor |
| 3 | Sponsor, spouse, and 1 dependent | Higher income required than a household of 2 | Joint sponsor or household member via Form I-864A |
| 4 | Sponsor, spouse, and 2 dependents | Income threshold increases with each additional person | Assets or joint sponsor |
| 5+ | Larger families or prior sponsorship obligations | Significantly higher income requirement | Joint sponsorship is common |
Why Household Size Is Often Miscalculated
Sponsors must include:
- Themselves
- The sponsored immigrant(s)
- Dependents listed on tax returns
- Anyone previously sponsored on Form I-864 whose obligation has not ended
- Household members contributing income (even if not dependents)
Failing to include all required individuals can result in incorrect income calculations, triggering RFEs or outright rejection of the affidavit.
Key takeaway: Always calculate household size carefully before assessing income eligibility. When in doubt, sponsors should reassess using prior sponsorships and tax dependency rules to avoid costly delays.
Understanding the 125% Poverty Guideline
In most family-based immigration cases, sponsors must demonstrate income at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, based on their household size. These U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines are updated annually and are used by USCIS to assess financial eligibility for Form I-864.
A limited exception applies to active-duty U.S. military members who are sponsoring a spouse or unmarried child. In those cases, the sponsor may qualify by meeting 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline instead of the standard 125%.
What Counts as “Income” for Form I-864?
For I-864 purposes:
- USCIS focuses on current, ongoing income
- Tax returns show history, but pay stubs or employer letters show present ability
- Self-employment income must be well-documented
- The immigrant’s income usually does not count unless it will continue from the same lawful source
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form I-864
Part 1: Basis for Filing Affidavit of Support
Select the correct basis for filing (petitioning sponsor, joint sponsor, substitute sponsor, or household member).
Incorrect selection here can invalidate the entire form.
Part 2: Information About the Principal Immigrant
Provide accurate information for the primary beneficiary, including:
Full legal name
Current address
USCIS receipt number or case number
Ensure names and spellings match the underlying petition exactly.
Part 3: Information About the Immigrants You Are Sponsoring
List all additional immigrants included under the same affidavit, if applicable (such as derivative beneficiaries).
Part 4: Information About the Sponsor
This section collects:
Sponsor’s personal details
Citizenship or residency status
Employment and mailing address
Any discrepancy between this section and supporting documents may trigger an RFE.
Part 5: Sponsor’s Household Size
Household size must include:
The sponsor
The sponsored immigrant(s)
Dependents claimed on taxes
Anyone previously sponsored and still under obligation
Household members contributing income
Household size miscalculations are one of the most common Form I-864 errors.
Part 6: Sponsor’s Income and Employment
Report:
Current individual annual income
Employer or self-employment details
Income listed on the most recent tax return
USCIS prioritizes current income, but tax returns are used to verify consistency and credibility.
Part 7: Use of Assets to Qualify (If Required)
If income is below the required threshold, assets may be used. Acceptable assets include:
Cash and savings
Real estate equity
Stocks and bonds
Assets must generally equal three to five times the income shortfall, depending on the immigrant’s relationship to the sponsor.
Part 8: Sponsor’s Contract, Statement, and Signature
This is the legally binding portion of the form.
The sponsor must sign by hand (or properly via electronic submission where allowed)
Unsigned or improperly signed forms are automatically rejected
Parts 9–11: Interpreter, Preparer, and Additional Information
Complete these sections if:
An interpreter assisted with the form
A preparer completed the form on the sponsor’s behalf
Additional explanations are needed
Leaving these blank when applicable can result in rejection.
Required Sponsor Documents for Form I-864
Most sponsors submit copies of:
- Most recent federal tax return or IRS tax transcript
- W-2s or 1099s (if applicable)
- Proof of current employment
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- Joint sponsor documents (if applicable)
You can also review our green card application documents complete checklist before you file to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork before submitting Form I-864.
Common I-864 Mistakes That Cause Delays or RFEs
- Incorrect household size
- Mismatch between income claimed and tax records
- Missing signatures
- Using an outdated version of Form I-864
- Submitting insufficient asset documentation
- Failing to include required supporting evidence
What If You Do Not Meet The Income Requirements?
Failing to meet the required income threshold for Form I-864 does not automatically result in denial. USCIS allows several alternatives that can help sponsors satisfy the financial requirements, depending on the circumstances.
Using a Joint Sponsor
A qualifying joint sponsor is one of the most common and effective solutions when a petitioning sponsor’s income falls below the required level. A joint sponsor must:
-
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
-
Meet the income requirements independently based on their own household size
-
Submit a separate Form I-864 with supporting financial documents
Using Assets Instead of Income
When income alone is insufficient, certain qualifying assets may be used to bridge the gap. These can include:
Cash savings and checking accounts
Real estate equity
Stocks, bonds, or other readily convertible assets
Assets must meet specific valuation and liquidity rules, and in most cases must equal several times the income shortfall, depending on the relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant.
When a Sponsor Support Review May Help
Cases involving self-employment income, fluctuating earnings, prior sponsorship obligations, or asset-based qualification often benefit from a professional attorney review before submission. Reviewing financial documentation and household size calculations in advance can help reduce the risk of RFEs, delays, or rejections.
Conclusion
Form I-864 is more than a supporting document, it is a legally enforceable financial commitment. Completing it accurately requires careful attention to household size, income calculations, and documentation.
Before submission, sponsors should:
-
Review all entries for consistency
-
Confirm income meets current guidelines
-
Ensure all required signatures and documents are included
When income situations are complex or when RFEs have occurred previously, seeking legal guidance can help prevent costly delays or denials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form I-864 legally binding?
Yes. It creates a legally enforceable financial obligation between the sponsor and the U.S. government.
How long does the I-864 obligation last?
It generally lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns sufficient work credits, leaves the U.S. permanently, or passes away.
Can a joint sponsor live in a different state?
Yes, as long as they meet all eligibility requirements.
Can I withdraw my I-864 after approval?
Once the immigrant becomes a permanent resident, the obligation generally cannot be withdrawn.
Can I sponsor more than one immigrant at the same time?
Yes, but each sponsored immigrant increases your household size and income requirement.
This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration laws change frequently, and your situation may require personalized guidance.
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