Fill in a Valid USCIS I-864 Template

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document that ensures an immigrant has adequate financial support. By signing this form, a sponsor agrees to support the immigrant financially, preventing them from becoming reliant on government assistance. Understanding how to complete the I-864 is essential for a successful immigration process, so take the first step by filling out the form below.

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The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for many individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. This form is designed to demonstrate that a sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the intending immigrant, ensuring that they will not become a public charge. By completing the I-864, sponsors commit to providing financial support for the immigrant, which can include a spouse, child, or other family member. The form requires specific information about the sponsor's income, assets, and household size, along with supporting documentation to verify financial stability. It is essential to understand the responsibilities that come with signing this affidavit, as it legally binds the sponsor to support the immigrant financially until certain conditions are met. Additionally, the I-864 form is a vital part of the overall immigration application process, impacting the approval of the green card application and the immigrant's ability to secure residency in the United States.

USCIS I-864 Example

Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

USCIS

Department of Homeland Security

Form I-864

OMB No. 1615-0075

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Expires 10/31/2027

Affidavit of Support Submitter

Section 213A Review

Number of Support Affidavits in File

For

Petitioner

MEETS

DOES NOT MEET

1st Joint Sponsor

requirements

USCIS

Remarks

Use

2nd Joint Sponsor

Reviewed By:

Only

Substitute Sponsor

Office:

5% Owner

Date (mm/dd/yyyy):

To be completed by an

Select this box if

Attorney State Bar Number

Attorney or Accredited Representative

Form G-28 or

(if applicable)

USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

Attorney or Accredited

G-28I is attached.

Representative (if any).

►START HERE - Type or print in black ink.

Part 1. Basis For Filing Affidavit of Support

I am the sponsor submitting this affidavit of support because (Select only one box).

1.a. I am the petitioner. I filed or am filing for the immigration of my relative.

1.b.

1.c.

1.d.

1.e.

1.f.

I filed an alien worker petition on behalf of the intending immigrant,who is related to me as my

I have an ownership interest of at least 5 percent in

which filed an alien worker petition on behalf of the intending immigrant, who is related to me as my

I am the only joint sponsor.

I am the first second of two joint sponsors.

The original petitioner is deceased. I am the substitute sponsor. I am the intending immigrant's

NOTE: As a sponsor, you must include proof of your U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or lawful permanent resident status.

Part 2. Information About You (Sponsor)

1.Sponsor's Full Legal Name (Do not provide a nickname)

Family Name (Last Name)		Given Name (First Name)		Middle Name (if applicable)

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 1 of 12

Part 2. Information About You (Sponsor) (continued)

2.Sponsor's Current Mailing Address In Care Of Name (if any)

	Street Number and Name			Apt. Ste. Flr.	Number

	City or Town			State	ZIP Code

	Province	Postal Code	Country

3. Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?					Yes	No
	If you answered "No" to Item Number 3., provide your physical address in Item Number 4.

4.Sponsor's Physical Address (if different from the address above)

Street Number and Name			Apt. Ste. Flr.	Number

City or Town			State	ZIP Code

Province	Postal Code	Country

Other Information

5.	Country of Domicile	6.	Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) 7.		Country of Birth

8.U.S. Social Security Number (Required)

►

9.Immigration Status

I am a U.S. citizen.

I am a U.S. national.

I am a lawful permanent resident.

10.Sponsor's A-Number (if any)

► A-

11.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

►

Military Service (To be completed by petitioner sponsors only.)
12. I am currently on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard.	Yes	No

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 2 of 12

Part 3. Information About the Principal Immigrant

1.Principal Immigrant's Full Legal Name (Do not provide a nickname)

Family Name (Last Name)		Given Name (First Name)		Middle Name (if applicable)

2.Current Mailing Address In Care Of Name (if any)

Street Number and Name

City or Town

Apt. Ste. Flr. Number

State		ZIP Code

Province		Postal Code		Country

Other Information

3.Country of Citizenship or Nationality

5.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)

► A-

7.Daytime Telephone Number

4.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

6.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

►

Part 4. Information About the Immigrants You Are Sponsoring

1.I am sponsoring the principal immigrant named in Part 3.

Yes	No, I am sponsoring family members in Part 4. as the second joint sponsor or I am sponsoring family members
	who are immigrating more than six months after the principal immigrant.

I am sponsoring the following family members immigrating at the same time or within six months of the principal immigrant named in Part 3. (List family members in Item Numbers 4. - 7. Do not include any relative listed on a separate visa petition.)

I am sponsoring the following family members who are immigrating more than six months after the principal immigrant. (List family members in Item Numbers 4. - 7.)

4. Family Member 1

Family Name (Last Name)

Given Name (First Name)

Middle Name (if applicable)

Relationship to Principal Immigrant

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) Alien Registration Number (A-Number, if any)

►

USCIS Online Account Number (if any) ►

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 3 of 12

Part 4. Information About the Immigrants You Are Sponsoring (continued)

Family Member 2

Family Name (Last Name)

Given Name (First Name)

Middle Name (if applicable)

Relationship to Principal Immigrant

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

Alien Registration Number (A-Number, if any)

►

USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

►

Family Member 3

Family Name (Last Name)

Given Name (First Name)

Middle Name (if applicable)

Relationship to Principal Immigrant

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

Alien Registration Number (A-Number, if any)

►

USCIS Online Account Number (if any)

►

Family Member 4

Family Name (Last Name)

Given Name (First Name)

Middle Name (if applicable)

Relationship to Principal Immigrant

Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) Alien Registration Number (A-Number, if any)

►

USCIS Online Account Number (if any) ►

If you need additional space, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 4 of 12

For

USCIS

Use

Only

Part 5. Sponsor's Household Size

NOTE: Do not count any member of your household more than once.

Persons you are sponsoring in this affidavit:

1.Enter the total number of immigrants you are sponsoring on this affidavit which includes the principal immigrant listed in Part 3., any immigrants listed in Part 4., Item Numbers 4. - 7. and, any additional sponsored immigrants you listed in Part 11. Additional Information. Do not count the principal immigrant if you are only sponsoring family members entering more than six months after the principal immigrant.

Persons NOT sponsored in this affidavit:

2.Yourself.

3.If you are currently married, enter "1" for your spouse. (NOTE: Enter “0” if you already counted your spouse in Item Number 1.)

4.If you have dependent children, enter the number here. (NOTE: Enter “0” if you already counted your dependent children in Item Number 1.)

5.If you have any other dependents, enter the number here. (NOTE: Enter “0” if you already counted your other dependents in Item Number 1.)

6.If you have sponsored any other persons on Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ who are now lawful permanent residents and you are still obligated to support, enter the number here. (NOTE: Enter “0” if you already counted these persons in Item Number 1.)

7.If you have siblings, parents, or adult children with the same principal residence who are combining their income with yours by submitting Form I-864A, enter the number here. (NOTE: Enter “0” if you already counted these persons in Item Number 1.)

8.Add together Part 5., Item Numbers 1. - 7. and enter the number here.

Household Size:

Part 6. Sponsor's Employment and Income

I am currently:
1.	Employed as a/an
1.	Employed as a/an
2.	Name of Employer 1


3.	Name of Employer 2 (if applicable)


4.	Self-Employed as a/an (Occupation)


5.	Retired Since (mm/dd/yyyy)


6.	Unemployed Since (mm/dd/yyyy)


7.	My current individual annual income is:	$

Income you are using from any other person who was counted in your household size, including, in certain conditions, the intending immigrant. (See Form I-864 Instructions.) Please indicate name, relationship, and income.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 5 of 12

For

USCIS

Use

Only

Part 6. Sponsor's Employment and Income (continued)

8.Person 1

Name		Relationship

Current Income	$
Current Income	$

9.Person 2

Name		Relationship

Current Income	$
Current Income	$

10.Person 3

Name		Relationship

Current Income	$
Current Income	$

11.Person 4

Name		Relationship

Current Income	$
Current Income	$

If you need additional space, use the space provided in Part 11. Additional Information

	Remarks
	12. My Current Annual Household Income (Total all lines from Part 6. Item Numbers 7. - 11.;	$
	the total will be compared to Federal Poverty Guidelines on Form I-864P.)	$

13.

14.

The people listed in Item Numbers 8. - 11. have completed Form I-864A. I am filing along with this affidavit all necessary Form I-864As completed by these people.

One or more of the people listed in Item Numbers 8. - 11. do not need to complete Form I-864A because he or she is the intending immigrant and has no accompanying dependents.

Federal Tax Return Information

15. Have you filed a Federal income tax return for each of the three most recent tax years?

Yes

NOTE: You MUST attach a photocopy or transcript of your Federal income tax return for only the most recent tax year and complete Item Number 16.a. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years and complete

Item Numbers 16.a. - 16.c.

Type or print the most recent tax year and your total income for that most recent tax year. If the amount was zero, type or print “zero” or if you were not required to file a Federal income tax return type or print “N/A” for not applicable. Type or print “N/A” for not applicable for Item Numbers 16.b. - 16.c. if you do are not submitting any additional tax returns.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 6 of 12

For

USCIS

Use

Only

Part 6. Sponsor's Employment and Income (continued)

My total income (adjusted gross income on IRS Form 1040EZ) as reported on my Federal income tax returns for the most recent year was:

16.a. Most Recent 16.b. 2nd Most Recent 16.c. 3rd Most Recent

Tax Year		Total Income
	$
	$
	$
	$
	$

17.I was not required to file a Federal income tax return as my income was below the IRS required level and I have attached evidence to support this.

	Household Size			Poverty Guideline			Sponsor's Household Income	Remarks
For	1	2	3		Year:	2 0	(Page 5, Line 10)

USCIS	4	5	6				$

Use
	7	8	9		Poverty Line:		The total value of all assets, line 10, must equal 5 times (3 times for spouses and children of
Only
				$			USCs, or 1 time for orphans to be formally adopted in the U.S.) the difference between the
	Other						poverty guidelines and the sponsor's household income, line 10.

Part 7. Use of Assets to Supplement Income (if Applicable)

If your income, or the total income for you and your household, from Part 6., Item Numbers 12. or 16. exceeds the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED to complete this Part 7. Skip to Part 8.

Your Assets (if applicable)
1.	Enter the balance of all cash, savings, and checking accounts.	$
2.	Enter the net cash value of real-estate holdings. (Net value means assessed value minus mortgage	$
	debt.) $

3.Enter the net cash value of all stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and any other assets not already included in Item Number 1. or Item Number 2.

4.Add together Item Numbers 1. - 3. and enter the number here.

Assets of your household members (if applicable)

Your household members who are combining their income with yours, report their assets on Form I-864A Part 4., in Item Number 6.

5. Add together the household members' assets reported on all the Form I-864A	TOTAL: $
Part 4., Item Number 6. and enter the number here.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 7 of 12

Part 7. Use of Assets to Supplement Income (if Applicable) (continued)

Assets of the principal sponsored immigrant (if applicable).

The principal sponsored immigrant is the person listed in Part 3., Item Number 1. Only include the assets if the principal immigrant is being sponsored by this affidavit of support.

6.	Enter the balance of the principal immigrant's savings and checking accounts.		$
			$
7.	Enter the net cash value of all the principal immigrant's real estate holdings. (Net value means		$
	investment value minus mortgage debt.)		$
	investment value minus mortgage debt.)
8.	Enter the current cash value of the principal immigrant's stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and		$
	other assets not included in Item Number 6. or Item Number 7.		$

9.	Add together Item Numbers 6. - 8. and enter the number here.		$
			$
Total Value of Assets
10.	Add together Item Numbers 4., 5., and 9. and enter the number here.	TOTAL: $
		TOTAL: $

Part 8. Sponsor's Contract, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

NOTE: Read the Penalties section of the Form I-864 Instructions before completing this part.

Sponsor's Contract

Please note that, by signing this Form I-864, you agree to assume certain specific obligations under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other Federal laws. The following paragraphs describe those obligations. Please read the following information carefully before you sign Form I-864. If you do not understand the obligations, you may wish to consult an attorney or accredited representative.

What is the Legal Effect of My Signing Form I-864?

If you sign Form I-864 on behalf of any person (called the intending immigrant) who is applying for an immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident, and that intending immigrant submits Form I-864 to the U.S. Government with his or her application for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, under INA section 213A, these actions create a contract between you and the U.S. Government. The intending immigrant becoming a lawful permanent resident is the consideration for the contract.

Under this contract, you agree that, in deciding whether the intending immigrant can establish that he or she is not inadmissible to the United States as a person likely to become a public charge, the U.S. Government can consider your income and assets as available for the support of the intending immigrant.

What If I Choose Not to Sign Form I-864?

The U.S. Government cannot make you sign Form 1-864 if you do not want to do so. But if you do not sign Form I-864, the intending immigrant may not become a lawful permanent resident in the United States.

What Does Signing Form I-864 Require Me To Do?

If an intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed, then, until your obligations under Form I-864 terminate, you must:

A.Provide the intending immigrant any support necessary to maintain him or her at an income that is at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for his or her household size (100 percent if you are the petitioning sponsor and are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard, and the person is your husband, wife, or unmarried child under 21 years of age); and

B.Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any change in your address, within 30 days of the change, by filing Form I-865.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 8 of 12

Part 8. Sponsor's Contract, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature (continued)

What Other Consequences Are There?

If an intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident in the United States based on a Form I-864 that you have signed, then, until your obligations under Form I-864 terminate, the U.S. Government may consider (deem) your income and assets as available to that person, in determining whether he or she is eligible for certain Federal means-tested public benefits and also for state or local means-tested public benefits, if the state or local government's rules provide for consideration (deeming) of your income and assets as available to the person.

This provision does not apply to public benefits specified in section 403(c) of the Welfare Reform Act such as emergency Medicaid, short-term, non-cash emergency relief; services provided under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts; immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; and means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

What If I Do Not Fulfill My Obligations?

If you do not provide sufficient support to the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on a Form I-864 that you signed, that person may sue you for this support.

If a Federal, state, local, or private agency provided any covered means-tested public benefit to the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on a Form I-864 that you signed, the agency may ask you to reimburse them for the amount of the benefits they provided. If you do not make the reimbursement, the agency may sue you for the amount that the agency believes you owe.

If you are sued, and the court enters a judgment against you, the person or agency that sued you may use any legally permitted procedures for enforcing or collecting the judgment. You may also be required to pay the costs of collection, including attorney fees.

If you do not file a properly completed Form I-865 within 30 days of any change of address, USCIS may impose a civil fine for your failing to do so.

When Will These Obligations End?

Your obligations under a Form I-864 that you signed will end if the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on that affidavit:

A.Becomes a U.S. citizen;

B.Has worked, or can receive credit for, 40 quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act;

C.No longer has lawful permanent resident status and has departed the United States;

D.Is subject to removal, but applies for and obtains, in removal proceedings, a new grant of adjustment of status, based on a new affidavit of support, if one is required; or

E.Dies.

NOTE: Divorce does not terminate your obligations under Form I-864.

Your obligations under a Form I-864 that you signed also end if you die. Therefore, if you die, your estate is not required to take responsibility for the person's support after your death. However, your estate may owe any support that you accumulated before you died.

NOTE: Select the box for either Item A. or B. in Item Number 1. If applicable, select the box for Item Number 2.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 9 of 12

Part 8. Sponsor's Contract, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature (continued)

Sponsor's Statement

1.Sponsor's Statement Regarding the Interpreter

I can read and understand English, and I have read and understand every question and instruction on this affidavit and my answer to every question.

The interpreter named in Part 9. read to me every question and instruction on this affidavit and my answer to every

question in		, a language in which I am fluent, and I understood
everything.
everything.

2. At my request, the preparer named in Part 10.,

for me based only upon information I provided or authorized.

Sponsor's Contact Information

, prepared this affidavit

3.	Sponsor's Daytime Telephone Number	4.	Sponsor's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)

5.Sponsor's Email Address (if any)

Sponsor's Declaration and Certification

Copies of any documents I have submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered, original documents, and I understand that USCIS or the U.S. Department of State (DOS) may require that I submit original documents to USCIS or DOS at a later date. Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from any of my records that USCIS or DOS may need to determine my eligibility for the immigration benefit I seek.

I furthermore authorize release of information contained in this affidavit, in supporting documents, and in my USCIS or DOS records to other entities and persons where necessary for the administration and enforcement of U.S. immigration law.

I certify, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in my affidavit and any document submitted with it were provided or authorized by me, that I reviewed and understand all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my affidavit, and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct.

A.I know the contents of this affidavit of support that I signed;

B.I have read and I understand each of the obligations described in Part 8., and I agree, freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, to accept each of those obligations in order to make it possible for the immigrant indicated in Part 3. to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States;

C.I agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of any Federal or state court that has subject matter jurisdiction of a lawsuit against me to enforce my obligations under this Form I-864EZ;

D.Each of the Federal income tax returns submitted in support of this affidavit are true copies, or are unaltered tax transcripts, of the tax returns I filed with the IRS;

E.I understand that, if I am related to the sponsored immigrant by marriage, the termination of the marriage (by divorce, dissolution, annulment, or other legal process) will not relieve me of my obligations under this Form I-864EZ; and

F.I authorize the Social Security Administration to release information about me in its records to the USCIS and DOS.

Sponsor's Signature

6.	Sponsor's Signature		Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)

NOTE TO ALL SPONSORS: If you do not completely fill out this affidavit or fail to submit required documents listed in the Instructions, USCIS or DOS may deny your request.

Form I-864 Edition 10/17/24	Page 10 of 12

Click for USCIS I-864 File

File Breakdown

Fact Name	Description
Purpose of the Form	The I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is used by sponsors to demonstrate their financial ability to support an immigrant applying for a green card.
Eligibility Requirements	To be a sponsor, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must meet certain income requirements, generally at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Submission Process	The completed I-864 form must be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the immigrant’s application for a green card.
State-Specific Considerations	While the I-864 is a federal form, sponsors should be aware of state laws regarding financial support obligations, which may vary by state.

Guide to Using USCIS I-864

Once you have gathered all necessary information, you can begin filling out the USCIS I-864 form. This form is essential for demonstrating your ability to support an immigrant financially. Follow these steps to ensure that you complete the form accurately.

Start by entering your full name in the designated fields at the top of the form.
Provide your mailing address, including street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
Indicate your phone number and email address for any necessary communication.
Complete the section about your status, including whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
List your household size, including yourself, the immigrant, and any dependents.
Fill in your income information, detailing your employment status, employer’s name, and annual income.
Attach supporting documentation, such as recent tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs, to verify your income.
Sign and date the form at the bottom to certify that the information provided is accurate.

After completing the form, review it carefully to ensure all information is correct and all necessary documents are included. This will help prevent delays in processing your application.

Get Answers on USCIS I-864

What is the USCIS I-864 form?

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document that U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents must complete when sponsoring an immigrant. This form demonstrates that the sponsor has adequate financial resources to support the immigrant and ensures that the immigrant will not become a public charge.

Who needs to file the I-864 form?

The I-864 form must be filed by any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is sponsoring an immigrant for a family-based or employment-based visa. This includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings of the sponsor. In some cases, joint sponsors may also need to file a separate I-864 if the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements.

What are the income requirements for the I-864 form?

To qualify as a sponsor, the individual's income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. For active duty military members sponsoring a spouse or child, the requirement is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guidelines are updated annually, so it's essential to check the current figures when preparing the form.

What documents should be submitted with the I-864 form?

Along with the I-864 form, sponsors must provide several supporting documents, including:

Proof of income (such as tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs)
Evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (like a birth certificate or green card)
Proof of any other assets (if applicable, such as bank statements or property deeds)

These documents help establish the sponsor's financial ability to support the immigrant.

What happens if the sponsor's financial situation changes?

If a sponsor's financial situation changes significantly, they must report this to USCIS. Changes may include job loss, reduced income, or other financial hardships. In such cases, the sponsor may need to find a joint sponsor or provide additional documentation to demonstrate their ability to support the immigrant.

How long does the I-864 obligation last?

The sponsor's obligation lasts until one of the following occurs:

The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
The immigrant has worked for 40 quarters (approximately 10 years) in the U.S.
The immigrant departs the U.S. permanently.
The sponsor dies.

It's important for sponsors to understand that this obligation is legally binding and can have long-term implications.

Common mistakes

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form can be a complex process. Many applicants make common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials. One frequent error is not providing accurate income information. Ensure that all income sources are listed, and double-check the figures for accuracy. Even small discrepancies can raise red flags.

Another mistake involves failing to include required supporting documents. The I-864 requires proof of income, such as tax returns and pay stubs. Omitting these documents can result in processing delays. Always attach the necessary paperwork to support your claims.

Many individuals also neglect to sign the form. A missing signature can halt the entire application process. It's essential to review the form carefully before submission to ensure that all required signatures are present.

Inaccurate information about household size is another common error. Applicants must include all members of their household when calculating income requirements. Misrepresenting household size can lead to complications, so be thorough in your calculations.

Some people mistakenly assume that they can use income from a friend or family member to meet the requirements. While joint sponsors are allowed, the primary sponsor must still meet the minimum income threshold independently. Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Another frequent oversight is failing to update the form if circumstances change. If your financial situation changes after submitting the I-864, you must inform USCIS. Ignoring this can lead to serious issues later in the process.

Additionally, many applicants do not use the most current version of the form. USCIS updates forms periodically, and using an outdated version can lead to rejection. Always check the USCIS website for the latest version before filling out the form.

Providing inconsistent information across different forms is also a mistake that can cause confusion. Ensure that the information on the I-864 matches what is provided on other immigration forms. Consistency is key in the application process.

Lastly, some individuals overlook the importance of clear and legible handwriting. If the form is difficult to read, it may lead to misunderstandings. Take the time to fill out the form neatly or consider typing it to avoid any issues.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals sponsoring family members for immigration. Along with this form, several other documents are commonly required to complete the application process. Below is a list of these documents, along with brief descriptions of their purposes.

USCIS Form I-130: This is the Petition for Alien Relative. It establishes the relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant and is often the first step in the immigration process.
USCIS Form I-485: This is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It is used by individuals already in the U.S. who wish to become permanent residents.
USCIS Form I-864A: This is the Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member. It is used when a household member contributes income to support the sponsored immigrant, and it must be submitted along with the I-864.
USCIS Form I-693: This is the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. It documents the results of the medical examination required for immigration applicants.

These documents are essential for a complete application package and help ensure that the immigration process proceeds smoothly. Ensure all forms are filled out accurately and submitted in a timely manner to avoid delays.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, serves as a commitment from a sponsor to support an immigrant financially. Several other documents share similarities with the I-864 in terms of purpose and function. Below is a list of nine such documents:

Form I-134: This is also an Affidavit of Support but is typically used for non-immigrant visa applicants. It demonstrates that the applicant has financial support while in the U.S.
Form I-864A: This form is a contract between the sponsor and a household member who is also contributing to the financial support of the immigrant. It supplements the primary I-864.
Form I-864EZ: A simplified version of the I-864, this form can be used by certain sponsors who meet specific criteria, streamlining the process for straightforward cases.
Form I-130: While primarily a petition for a relative to immigrate, it often accompanies the I-864 as it establishes the familial relationship necessary for sponsorship.
Form I-751: This form is used to remove conditions on residency for certain immigrants. It may require an I-864 to prove ongoing financial support from the spouse.
Form N-400: The application for naturalization may require evidence of financial support, especially if the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen.
Form I-485: When applying for a green card, this adjustment of status application often requires an I-864 to demonstrate financial stability.
Form I-601: This application for a waiver may require the I-864 to show that the applicant has a sponsor who can provide financial support.
Form I-212: This application for permission to reapply for admission may also include the I-864 to ensure that the applicant has adequate financial backing.

Each of these forms plays a crucial role in the immigration process, often requiring financial assurances similar to those outlined in the I-864. Understanding these documents can help clarify the responsibilities of sponsors and the support available to immigrants.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the USCIS I-864 form, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are some key points to consider:

Do provide accurate financial information. Ensure that your income and assets are reported truthfully.
Do sign and date the form. An unsigned form will be considered incomplete and may delay processing.
Don't leave any sections blank. Fill out all required fields to avoid unnecessary delays.
Don't submit outdated versions of the form. Always use the most current version available on the USCIS website.

Misconceptions

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a critical document in the immigration process. However, several misconceptions surround it. Here are four common misunderstandings:

The I-864 guarantees a visa approval. Many believe that submitting the I-864 automatically ensures that the immigrant will receive a visa. In reality, while the form is essential for demonstrating financial support, it does not guarantee approval. The applicant must still meet all other immigration requirements.
Only U.S. citizens can sponsor an immigrant using the I-864. This is a common myth. While U.S. citizens can certainly use the I-864 to sponsor an immigrant, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also act as sponsors. Both groups can complete the form to demonstrate their ability to support the immigrant financially.
The income requirement is the same for all sponsors. This misconception can lead to confusion. The income threshold for the I-864 is based on the federal poverty guidelines, which vary depending on the size of the household and the number of dependents. Therefore, each sponsor's required income level may differ based on their specific circumstances.
Once the I-864 is submitted, the sponsor has no further obligations. This belief is misleading. By signing the I-864, the sponsor agrees to support the immigrant financially for a specified period, typically until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, or leaves the United States permanently. This means the sponsor may still be held responsible for providing financial support even after the form is submitted.

Key takeaways

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for those sponsoring immigrants to the United States. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:

Purpose of the Form: The I-864 serves to demonstrate that the sponsor has sufficient financial means to support the immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
Eligibility Requirements: Sponsors must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, at least 18 years old, and must reside in the United States.
Income Threshold: The sponsor's income must meet or exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, which is updated annually.
Household Size: When calculating household size, include the sponsor, the immigrant, and any dependents, as well as any other individuals the sponsor is financially responsible for.
Supporting Documents: Along with the I-864 form, sponsors should provide proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, to validate their financial claims.
Joint Sponsors: If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements, a joint sponsor can be used. This individual must also fill out a separate I-864 form and meet the same income criteria.
Duration of Obligation: The sponsorship obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, or dies. This is a long-term commitment.
Filing Location: The completed I-864 form must be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the immigrant’s application, typically during the adjustment of status or consular processing stages.

Understanding these key aspects can help ensure a smoother process when filling out and submitting the I-864 form.