I-864 Affidavit of Support: Financial Requirements Guide 2026
Understand the financial commitment required for family-based immigration. Complete guide to income requirements, sponsor obligations, and poverty guidelines.
Filing Fee
$0
No USCIS filing fee
What is Form I-864?
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a binding contract between the petitioner/sponsor and USCIS. By signing this form, the sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant if they become unable to support themselves.
The sponsor legally commits to maintaining the immigrant's income at 100-200% of the federal poverty guidelines. This obligation typically lasts until the beneficiary becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked 40 quarters of Social Security credits, or passes away.
Who Can Be a Sponsor
Sponsor Requirements:
- ✓U.S. citizen or permanent resident (over 18 years old)
- ✓Domiciled in the United States
- ✓Income at or above 100-200% of poverty guidelines
- ✓Not on government assistance (with some exceptions)
- ✓Family relationship to the beneficiary (usually)
2026 Income Requirements
100% Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Household Size | Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 |
| 2 people | $20,440 |
| 3 people | $25,820 |
| 4 people | $31200 |
200% Federal Poverty Guidelines:
Higher threshold typically required for family-based petitions by U.S. citizens
| Household Size | Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $30,120 |
| 2 people | $40,880 |
| 3 people | $51,640 |
| 4 people | $62400 |
Proving Income
Required Financial Documents:
- •Federal income tax returns (last 2 years)
- •W-2 forms and IRS tax transcripts
- •Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- •Employment authorization letter from employer
- •Proof of assets (bank statements, property deeds) if income insufficient
- •Co-sponsor affidavit (if primary sponsor income insufficient)
Sponsor Obligations
Legal Responsibilities:
- •Financial Support: Sponsor is legally responsible if immigrant receives public benefits
- •Duration: Obligation typically lasts 10 years or until immigrant becomes U.S. citizen
- •Government Claims: USCIS can recover benefits paid to immigrant from sponsor
- •Enforcement: Binding contract - enforceable in state or federal court
When Income is Insufficient
Options for Low-Income Sponsors:
- •Joint Sponsor: Add a co-sponsor with sufficient income (separate I-864)
- •Use Assets: Count assets at 5x (for age 25+) the shortfall amount
- •Household Income: Include income from household members (if willing to be liable)
- •Delay Filing: Wait until income increases or more assets are available
Filing and Submission
How to File I-864:
Complete Form I-864
Fill out form with sponsor information and financial details
Gather Financial Evidence
Collect tax returns, pay stubs, and proof of income or assets
Sign in Front of Notary
I-864 must be signed before a notary public or at USCIS appointment
Submit with Application
File I-864 with immigrant's I-485 or visa application to consular post
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. I-864 is a binding legal contract with significant financial implications. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney before signing. The information provided is current as of April 2026 and subject to change.