If you (a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) are petitioning for an immigrating husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister to receive a U.S. green card, an important part of your role is ensuring that the immigrant will not be found inadmissible as a likely "public charge." Put another way, you'll need to show the U.S. government that your relative will not receive welfare or other need-based public assistance. One important and required way of doing this is to promise that you will support the immigrant at a level above the U.S. Poverty Guidelines, and will reimburse the government for any assistance the immigrant claims for a period of time. Learn more about your obligations here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for Family Immigration
Dealing with complications and exceptions when U.S. petitioner proves capacity to support an immigrant in the United States.
USCIS Issues 2023 Poverty Guidelines: Raises Required Income Level for Family Sponsors of Immigrants
The U.S. government recently published its 2023 Poverty Guidelines. These figures, which are updated annually, are critically important to any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is sponsoring a family member (perhaps a spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister) for U.S. lawful permanent residence
Filling Out Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
In order to petition for and sponsor an immigrant to become a U.S. permanent resident (receive a green card), the U.S. sponsor must contract with the U.S. government to provide that person with support.
How Overseas U.S. Citizen Proves U.S. Domicile for Form I-864 Sponsorship
If you are a U.S. citizen wishing to sponsor your foreign citizen relative for a green card, you may (or may not) need to file – among other things – a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form is intended to create a contract between the U.S. government and you in which you (the sponsor) give
Does I-864 Really Force Me to Support Immigrant Ex-Spouse Who Has Plenty of Money or Can Work?
If your immigrant ex is doing fine financially, does the fact that you signed a USCIS Form I-864 really have to continue to pay his or her bills after you split up?
FAQs About How Long Immigrant's Sponsor Responsible for Support Under I-864 Affidavit
Wondering how long you are expected to be responsible for sponsoring a family immigrant? Get answers here.
What Tax Documents Are Best to Submit With Form I-864, and Where Do I Get Them?
I'm sponsoring my wife and stepchild for green cards in the U.S., and now have to turn in my Affidavit of Support on Form I-864.
If Immigrating Spouse Worked Illegally in the U.S., Can Their Work Be Counted Toward 40 Quarters?
Even a foreign national's unlawful employment can count in claiming an exemption from the I-864 Affidavit of Support requirement if it was done with a valid Social Security Number.