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 2020 Poverty Guidelines: Raises Required Income Level for Family Sponsors of Immigrants
March 1, 2020 A U.S. sponsor filling out Form I-864 must prove that his or her income or assets are high enough to support the intending immigrants; and the 2020 guidelines require higher than ever support levels.
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 My Immigrating Husband Worked Illegally in the U.S., Can His Work Be Counted Toward 40 Quarters?
I'm a U.S. citizen, married to a man from Mexico. He came to the U.S on a student visa, and then stayed on after graduation, with no immigration papers.