Blank USCIS I-864 Template

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document required for certain immigration processes. It serves as a legally binding agreement where a sponsor promises to financially support an immigrant, ensuring they do not become reliant on government assistance. Understanding how to accurately complete this form is essential for a successful application; start filling it out by clicking the button below.

Article Structure

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. This form is primarily designed to demonstrate that the applicant has adequate financial support and will not become a public charge. When a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsors a relative for a green card, they must complete this form to affirm their commitment to financially support the immigrant. The form requires detailed information about the sponsor's income, assets, and household size, as well as proof of the sponsor's ability to meet the income requirements established by the federal government. Additionally, the I-864 form outlines the legal obligations of the sponsor, emphasizing the importance of ongoing financial support for the immigrant. Understanding the nuances of this form is essential, as it can significantly impact the success of an immigration application. Failure to provide accurate information or meet the income requirements can lead to delays or denials in the immigration process.

Form Sample

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

⇩ PDF

Document Specifications

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The I-864 form is used to demonstrate that a sponsor can financially support an immigrant.
Who Must File	U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are sponsoring an immigrant must file this form.
Income Requirement	The sponsor's income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty level for their household size.
Supporting Documents	Sponsors must provide tax returns, W-2 forms, and proof of current employment.
Joint Sponsors	If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirement, a joint sponsor can submit a separate I-864.
State-Specific Requirements	Some states may have additional requirements regarding the sponsor's financial obligations.
Duration of Obligation	The sponsor's financial obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or has worked 40 quarters.
Filing Fee	There is no fee for filing the I-864 form, but other related forms may have fees.

Steps to Filling Out USCIS I-864

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form is an important step in the immigration process. After completing the form, you will need to gather supporting documents and submit everything to the appropriate USCIS office. Make sure to double-check your information for accuracy before sending it off.

Download the latest version of the USCIS I-864 form from the USCIS website.
Read the instructions carefully before starting to fill out the form.
Begin with your personal information in Part 1. Include your name, address, and contact details.
In Part 2, provide information about the person you are sponsoring, including their name and relationship to you.
Complete Part 3 by detailing your household size. This includes everyone living with you and any dependents.
Move to Part 4 to disclose your income. List your annual income and attach supporting documents like tax returns and pay stubs.
In Part 5, indicate any assets you have. Include bank statements or property valuations if applicable.
Fill out Part 6, which asks about your employment status and history.
Sign and date the form at the end. Make sure to sign it yourself, as electronic signatures are not accepted.
Review the entire form for any mistakes or missing information.
Gather any required supporting documents to submit along with the form.
Make copies of everything for your records before sending the form to USCIS.

More About 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 a sponsor must complete to show that they can financially support an immigrant. This form is a requirement for most family-based immigration cases 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 a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is sponsoring an immigrant. This includes spouses, children, and other family members. The sponsor must demonstrate adequate income or assets to support the immigrant.

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

The sponsor must show that their income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. For active military members, the requirement is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guidelines change yearly, so it’s important to check the latest figures when preparing the form.

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

Along with the I-864 form, sponsors should submit proof of income, such as recent tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs. If the sponsor does not meet the income requirements, they can include assets or a joint sponsor's information to meet the threshold.

Can I use a joint sponsor for the I-864 form?

Yes, a joint sponsor can be used if the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements. The joint sponsor must also be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must complete a separate I-864 form, demonstrating their ability to support the immigrant.

What happens if the I-864 form is not filed?

If the I-864 form is not filed, the immigrant's application for a green card may be denied. It is a crucial part of the immigration process, and failure to submit it can result in significant delays or rejection of the application.

How long is the I-864 form valid?

The I-864 form remains valid as long as the immigrant is a permanent resident and the sponsor continues to meet the income requirements. The sponsor is legally obligated to support the immigrant for a period of time, typically until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work.

Can the I-864 form be revoked?

Yes, a sponsor can revoke the I-864 form, but it must be done formally. However, revoking the form does not relieve the sponsor of their obligations if the immigrant is already a permanent resident. It’s important to consider the consequences before attempting to revoke.

What should I do if my financial situation changes?

If a sponsor's financial situation changes significantly, they should report this to USCIS. They may need to provide updated information or seek a joint sponsor if they can no longer meet the income requirements. Keeping USCIS informed can help avoid complications in the future.

Where can I find more information about the I-864 form?

More information about the I-864 form can be found on the USCIS website. The site provides detailed instructions, guidelines, and resources to help sponsors complete the form accurately and understand their responsibilities.

Common mistakes

Inaccurate Financial Information: Applicants often underestimate or misreport their income. Ensure that all income sources are accurately documented.
Missing Signatures: Many forget to sign the form. A missing signature can lead to delays or denials.
Incorrect Sponsor Information: Providing wrong personal details about the sponsor can cause confusion. Double-check names, addresses, and contact information.
Failure to Include Required Documents: Not attaching necessary financial documents can result in rejection. Include tax returns, pay stubs, and proof of assets.
Overlooking Household Size: Some applicants miscalculate their household size. This affects the poverty guidelines and may impact eligibility.
Not Using the Latest Version of the Form: Submitting an outdated form can lead to processing issues. Always check for the most recent version on the USCIS website.
Ignoring Instructions: Many fail to read the instructions carefully. Following all guidelines is crucial for a successful application.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals sponsoring a family member to immigrate to the United States. Along with this form, several other documents are typically required to ensure a smooth application process. Here are four key forms and documents that are often submitted alongside the I-864.

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: This form is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying relationship with the immigrant. It is the first step in the family-based immigration process.
I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: If the immigrant is already in the U.S., this form allows them to apply for a green card. It is often submitted concurrently with the I-864.
Tax Returns and W-2 Forms: Sponsors must provide copies of their most recent tax returns and W-2 forms to demonstrate their financial ability to support the immigrant. This documentation helps establish the sponsor's income level.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Sponsors need to submit evidence of their status, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or green card. This verifies that they are eligible to sponsor the immigrant.

Gathering these documents is essential for a successful application. Each form plays a specific role in the immigration process, ensuring that the immigrant has adequate support and meets all necessary requirements. Proper preparation can significantly enhance the chances of a favorable outcome.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor an immigrant. It serves as a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. This form shares similarities with various other documents used in immigration and sponsorship processes, each serving specific purposes but often overlapping in their fundamental goal of ensuring financial stability for immigrants.

The I-134 form, or Affidavit of Support, is another document used in the immigration process. Like the I-864, it requires the sponsor to demonstrate financial capability to support the immigrant. However, the I-134 is typically used for non-immigrant visa applications, such as tourist or student visas, rather than for permanent residency. Both forms aim to prevent the immigrant from relying on government assistance, but the contexts in which they are used differ significantly.

The I-864EZ form is a simplified version of the I-864. It is designed for sponsors who meet specific criteria, such as having a single sponsor and a straightforward financial situation. While both forms require the sponsor to prove their income and resources, the I-864EZ streamlines the process for eligible sponsors, making it easier to complete. This reduction in complexity can expedite the sponsorship process while still fulfilling the same essential purpose of ensuring financial support.

The I-864A form, or Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, is used when a household member's income is included to meet the financial requirements of the I-864. This document allows the sponsor to combine their income with that of a household member, thereby strengthening the financial support offered to the immigrant. While the I-864 focuses solely on the sponsor's financial situation, the I-864A recognizes the collaborative nature of household finances in supporting an immigrant.

The DS-260 form, or Online Immigrant Visa Application, is another important document in the immigration process. It is completed by the immigrant and requires information about their background, family, and intended residence in the United States. While the DS-260 does not directly address financial support like the I-864, it works in conjunction with it. The information provided in the DS-260 helps the consular officer assess the immigrant’s eligibility for a visa, including their reliance on the sponsor's financial support.

The N-400 form, or Application for Naturalization, is used by lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. While it does not focus on financial support, it does require applicants to demonstrate good moral character and adherence to U.S. laws. The financial stability ensured by the I-864 can play a role in this assessment, as sponsors are expected to support immigrants adequately, contributing to their ability to fulfill citizenship requirements in the future.

The I-130 form, or Petition for Alien Relative, is a petition filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying relationship with an immigrant. While the I-130 does not include financial information, it is a critical step in the immigration process that leads to the need for the I-864. Once the I-130 is approved, the sponsor must then demonstrate their ability to support the immigrant, making the I-864 a necessary follow-up document.

The I-751 form, or Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is used by conditional residents who obtained their status through marriage. This form requires the couple to prove that their marriage is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes. While the I-751 does not specifically address financial support, the stability that the I-864 represents can be an important factor in demonstrating the legitimacy of the marriage, as financial dependency may indicate a genuine relationship.

The Form I-864W, or Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support, is used in specific cases where the immigrant is exempt from the I-864 requirement. This form allows certain categories of immigrants, such as those who are orphans or individuals with a U.S. citizen parent, to bypass the financial support requirement. While the I-864 typically ensures financial backing for immigrants, the I-864W provides an exception, highlighting the complexities of immigration law and the various pathways available to different individuals.

Finally, the Form I-864P, or Poverty Guidelines, is not a form that individuals fill out but rather a document that provides the current poverty guidelines used to determine the minimum income requirements for sponsors. This document is essential for the I-864, as it sets the financial thresholds that sponsors must meet. By establishing clear income levels, the I-864P ensures that sponsors have the necessary resources to support their immigrant beneficiaries, thus reinforcing the intent behind the I-864.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the USCIS I-864 form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are ten important do's and don'ts:

Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
Do provide accurate and complete information.
Do use black ink and write legibly.
Do include all required supporting documents.
Do double-check your calculations for income and assets.

Don't leave any sections blank; answer all questions.
Don't use abbreviations or shorthand.
Don't submit the form without signing it.
Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Don't send in the form without the correct filing fee, if applicable.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your USCIS I-864 form is filled out correctly and submitted successfully.

Misconceptions

Only the sponsor must fill out the I-864 form. Many believe that only the sponsor is responsible for completing the form. In reality, both the sponsor and any co-sponsors must provide their information and signatures.
The I-864 form is only for family-based immigration. While the form is primarily used for family-based immigration, it may also apply in certain employment-based cases where a relative is involved.
The income requirement is the same for all sponsors. This is a common misunderstanding. The income requirement can vary based on household size and the location of the sponsor, as different areas have different cost-of-living standards.
Once the I-864 is submitted, it cannot be changed. Some people think that the information provided is set in stone. However, if circumstances change, such as a change in income or household size, it is possible to submit updated information.
Only U.S. citizens can be sponsors. While U.S. citizens are commonly sponsors, lawful permanent residents can also serve as sponsors for their relatives, provided they meet the necessary income requirements.
The I-864 form guarantees a visa approval. Many assume that submitting the I-864 guarantees that the visa application will be approved. However, the I-864 is just one part of the overall immigration process and does not guarantee approval.
Filing the I-864 is a one-time obligation. Some individuals believe that once they submit the form, their responsibility ends. In fact, sponsors must maintain their financial support for the immigrant until certain conditions are met, such as the immigrant becoming a U.S. citizen or working for ten years.

Key takeaways

When completing the USCIS I-864 form, it is essential to understand its purpose and requirements. Here are key takeaways to consider:

The I-864 form is used to demonstrate that a sponsor has sufficient income to support an immigrant.
Ensure that all income sources are documented. This includes wages, bonuses, and any other financial support.
Provide accurate information about household size, including dependents and any additional members living with you.
Use the federal poverty guidelines to determine the minimum income required based on your household size.
Attach supporting documents, such as tax returns and pay stubs, to validate your income claims.
Be prepared to explain any discrepancies in your financial history, as they may raise questions during the review process.
Sign and date the form. An unsigned form will be rejected, delaying the immigration process.
Keep copies of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records.