Understanding the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) for Family Immigration

What the I-864 does

• The Affidavit of Support is a binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government.
• It demonstrates that the intending immigrant will have financial support.
• Most family-based applicants must submit it.

Who can be a sponsor

• Sponsors must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
• They must be at least 18 years old and domiciled in the United States.
• Joint sponsors can help if income is insufficient.

Income thresholds and household size

• Income requirements are based on household size and the federal poverty guidelines.
• Household size includes dependents and sponsored immigrants.
• Assets can sometimes supplement income shortfalls.

Common mistakes

• Leaving out prior tax returns or using outdated forms can cause delays.
• Miscounting household size is a frequent issue.
• Inconsistent information between forms may trigger requests for evidence.

How to prepare confidently

• Collect tax transcripts, W-2s, and proof of current income.
• Confirm the correct household size before submitting.
• Consult counsel if you have complex income or domicile questions.