Affidavit of Support
Tanım
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally enforceable contract in which a US sponsor promises to financially support an intending immigrant, accepting liability to repay certain means-tested public benefits. Most family-based green card applicants need one; the sponsor must typically show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How the Affidavit of Support works
A sponsor, usually the US petitioner who filed the underlying family petition, signs Form I-864 to accept financial responsibility for the intending immigrant. It is a legally enforceable contract with the US government: if the immigrant later claims certain means-tested public benefits, the agency can seek repayment from the sponsor.
The sponsor must generally demonstrate income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size (100% for some active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child). Where income is short, a joint sponsor or qualifying assets may be used. These thresholds are updated yearly, so check the current USCIS Form I-864P figures.
Who needs one and how long it lasts
Most family-based immigrants, and some employment-based cases involving a relative, require an I-864. It is submitted as part of the immigrant-visa or adjustment stage, alongside the immigrant visa application.
The obligation is not indefinite but it is long: it typically ends when the immigrant becomes a US citizen, is credited with about 40 quarters (roughly ten years) of work, leaves the US permanently, or dies. Divorce does not end it. Agencies handling family cases flag the sponsor's evidence early because weak financials are a common cause of delay.
The sponsor's I-864 and its supporting income evidence are decisive documents in a family case, so a platform like VisaCRM tracks them as required checklist items with validation before the package is submitted.
Ready to streamline your visa business?
Tell us what you need and we'll come back with a plan. Nothing to pay until it's delivered.
Sıkça sorulan sorular
What is the Affidavit of Support for?
It is a promise, made on Form I-864, that a sponsor will financially support an intending immigrant so they are unlikely to rely on public assistance. It is a legally enforceable contract with the government. Most family-based green card applicants must submit one from a qualifying sponsor before the immigrant visa or adjustment of status can be approved.
How much income do I need to sponsor someone?
A sponsor generally must show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, which includes the immigrants being sponsored. Some active-duty military sponsors of a spouse or child need only 100%. The exact figures change each year, so check the current USCIS Form I-864P poverty guidelines for your household size.
What if my income is too low?
You have options. You may count qualifying assets, add a household member's income with Form I-864A, or use a joint sponsor, another qualifying person who independently meets the requirement and signs their own I-864. Each route has its own evidence rules, so review the current I-864 instructions before deciding which applies to your case.
How long does the sponsor's responsibility last?
The obligation continues until the sponsored immigrant becomes a US citizen, is credited with about 40 quarters (roughly ten years) of qualifying work, permanently leaves the United States, or dies. Importantly, divorce does not end it. Because it can last many years, sponsors should understand the commitment before signing the affidavit.
İlgili terimler
İlgili vize tipleri
İlgili sorular
Vize işinizi düzene sokmaya hazır mısınız?
Bir tanışma görüşmesi planlayın — sizin vize tiplerinizle, ödeme akışınızla ve mevcut araçlarınızda ne kaçırdığınızı tek tek gözden geçirelim.
Tanışma görüşmesi planla →