A financial sponsor promise to support the immigrant.
U.S. citizens or LPRs sponsoring a family member for a green card.
Form I-864 is a legally binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government. The sponsor promises to financially support the immigrant and ensure they do not become a public charge.
Petitioner completes I-864 with income information
Attach most recent federal tax return and proof of income
Submit with the immigrant I-485 or at the visa interview
Obligation ends when the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or works 40 quarters
The sponsor's household income generally must meet at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size (100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child). If the sponsor's income alone doesn't meet this threshold, a joint sponsor can file a separate I-864, or the sponsor can count certain assets toward the requirement.
Most recent federal tax return (or an explanation if you weren't required to file)
W-2s or 1099s supporting the tax return
Proof of current employment or self-employment income
Evidence of assets, if relying on assets to meet the income requirement
Missing tax return. Not including the most recent federal tax return, or a clear explanation for why one wasn't filed, is a very common issue.
Income just below the threshold with no joint sponsor. Sponsors sometimes assume their income qualifies without checking the current year's poverty guidelines, which are updated annually.
Not understanding the ongoing obligation. This is a binding contract — sponsors are sometimes surprised the obligation continues even after divorce, until it's formally terminated by naturalization or 40 qualifying work quarters.
What if the sponsor doesn't earn enough? A joint sponsor (a relative or even an unrelated person who meets the income requirement) can file a separate I-864 to supplement or replace the primary sponsor's support.
Does divorce end the sponsor's obligation? No — the I-864 obligation is generally independent of the marriage and continues until it's formally terminated by law, regardless of divorce.
Can the government come after the sponsor for unpaid support? Yes — the immigrant (or certain government agencies providing means-tested benefits) can sue the sponsor to enforce the support obligation.
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