USCIS I-864 PDF Template

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals sponsoring a family member for a green card. It demonstrates the sponsor's ability to financially support the immigrant, ensuring they won’t rely on government assistance. Ready to get started? Fill out the form by clicking the button below.

Article Guide

The USCIS I-864 form, commonly known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for individuals seeking to become permanent residents in the United States. This form serves as a binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. It requires the sponsor to demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant, meeting specific financial guidelines set by the federal government. By signing the I-864, the sponsor agrees to provide financial support for the immigrant, which can last until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, or leaves the U.S. permanently. Additionally, the form collects detailed information about the sponsor’s income, household size, and financial obligations, making it essential for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to assess the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant. Understanding the intricacies of this form is vital for both sponsors and immigrants, as it can significantly impact the success of an immigration application.

USCIS I-864 Preview

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

↓ USCIS I-864

File Properties

Fact Name	Description
Purpose	The I-864 form is used to demonstrate that a sponsor can financially support an immigrant, ensuring they do not become a public charge.
Who Must File	Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is sponsoring an immigrant must file the I-864.
Income Requirement	The sponsor must show that their income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.
Supporting Documents	Sponsors must provide proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification letters.
Joint Sponsors	If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirement, a joint sponsor can also submit an I-864 to help meet the financial criteria.
State-Specific Forms	Some states may require additional forms or documents based on local laws, such as California’s Family Code Section 297.5.
Submission Location	The completed I-864 form must be submitted to the appropriate USCIS office, usually along with the immigrant's visa application.

Instructions on Utilizing USCIS I-864

After obtaining the USCIS I-864 form, you will need to complete it accurately to ensure that it is processed without delay. Follow these steps carefully to fill out the form correctly.

Begin with the top section of the form. Provide your full name, address, and contact information. Make sure to use your current legal name.
Indicate your relationship to the person you are sponsoring. This is typically a family member.
Fill in your date of birth and place of birth. This information is crucial for identification purposes.
Provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, indicate that on the form.
Complete the section regarding your employment. List your current employer, job title, and annual income.
Include information about any additional income or assets you may have. This could include savings, property, or other financial resources.
Sign and date the form at the designated area. Your signature confirms that the information provided is accurate and complete.
Review the entire form for any errors or omissions. Double-check all entries to avoid processing delays.

Once you have completed the form, gather any required supporting documents and submit everything to the appropriate USCIS address. Ensure that you keep a copy of the completed form and any documents for your records.

Important Facts 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 U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete when they sponsor an immigrant. This form demonstrates that the sponsor has enough income or financial resources to support the immigrant, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. By signing this form, the sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant if necessary.

Who needs to file the I-864 form?

The I-864 form must be filed by anyone who is sponsoring a family member for a green card, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. If the sponsor does not meet the income requirements, they may need to find a joint sponsor who can also complete an I-864 form to meet the financial criteria.

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

To successfully complete the I-864 form, the sponsor's household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. For active military members sponsoring their spouse or child, the requirement is 100% of the guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually, so it’s important to check the current figures when preparing the form.

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

When submitting the I-864 form, it’s important to include supporting documents to verify income. This typically includes recent tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs. If the sponsor is self-employed, they should provide additional documentation like profit and loss statements. It’s crucial to ensure that all documents are clear and complete to avoid delays in processing.

What happens if the sponsor's financial situation changes?

If a sponsor's financial situation changes after submitting the I-864 form, they must still fulfill their obligation to support the immigrant. This means that even if their income decreases, they are still legally responsible for providing financial support. In some cases, the sponsor may need to seek a joint sponsor or additional resources to meet the income requirements if they can no longer support the immigrant on their own.

Common mistakes

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form can be a daunting task, and many people make mistakes that can delay the process. One common error is not providing accurate income information. Applicants often underestimate or overestimate their income, which can lead to complications. Always ensure that the income reported matches what is shown on tax returns and pay stubs.

Another frequent mistake is failing to include all required supporting documents. Applicants might forget to attach proof of income, such as tax returns or W-2 forms. It’s essential to review the checklist provided by USCIS to ensure all necessary documents are included before submission.

Many people also neglect to sign the form. A missing signature can result in the application being rejected or delayed. Always double-check that all required signatures are present, including those of any joint sponsors if applicable.

Inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to further issues. Some applicants mistakenly leave sections blank or provide incorrect details about their household size. It’s crucial to provide complete and accurate information to avoid complications later in the process.

Another common oversight is not updating the form when circumstances change. If there are changes in income, employment, or household size after filing, applicants must inform USCIS. Failing to do so can lead to complications or denials.

Some applicants also forget to use the correct version of the form. USCIS periodically updates its forms, and using an outdated version can lead to rejections. Always check the USCIS website for the most current version before filling out the form.

Misunderstanding the financial requirements can lead to errors as well. Some applicants may not realize that they must meet specific income thresholds based on their household size. Familiarize yourself with these requirements to ensure compliance.

Lastly, many individuals overlook the importance of clarity and legibility. Handwritten forms can be difficult to read, leading to misunderstandings. If possible, fill out the form electronically to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor a family member for a green card. Along with the I-864, there are several other forms and documents that are often required to complete the immigration process. Below is a list of these important documents.

Form I-130: This is the Petition for Alien Relative. It establishes the relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant. It must be filed before the I-864 and is essential for initiating the immigration process.
Form I-485: The Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status allows an eligible individual already in the U.S. to apply for a green card. It is often filed concurrently with the I-864.
Form I-864A: This is the Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member. It is used when a household member’s income is included to meet the financial requirements for the I-864.
Form I-864EZ: This is a simplified version of the I-864. It can be used by certain sponsors who meet specific criteria, making the process easier and quicker.
Tax Returns: Recent tax returns are required to demonstrate the sponsor's financial capability. This includes IRS Form 1040 and any W-2 forms for the last three years.

Gathering these documents can help streamline the immigration process. Ensuring that all required forms are complete and accurate is essential for a successful application.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, serves as a critical document in the immigration process. It ensures that an immigrant has adequate financial support and will not become a public charge. Several other documents share similarities with the I-864 in terms of purpose and function. Below are eight such documents:

I-134 Affidavit of Support: This form is used to demonstrate financial support for non-immigrant visa applicants, ensuring they can sustain themselves during their stay in the U.S.
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: While primarily a petition to establish a relationship, it often includes financial documentation to show the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant.
I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence: This document may require proof of financial support to show that a marriage is genuine and that the spouse can be supported financially.
I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: This petition includes evidence of the employer's ability to pay the offered wage, similar to how the I-864 demonstrates financial capability.
Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return: This tax return provides evidence of income, which is crucial in demonstrating financial stability, akin to the requirements of the I-864.
W-2 Wage and Tax Statement: Employers provide this document to report an employee's annual wages and taxes withheld, supporting claims of financial capability.
Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification: While focused on employment eligibility, it also indirectly supports financial stability by confirming employment status.
Bank Statements: These documents provide a snapshot of an individual's financial health, similar to the financial evidence required in the I-864.

Each of these documents plays a role in establishing financial responsibility, ensuring that immigrants have the necessary support to thrive in their new environment.

Dos and Don'ts

When completing the USCIS I-864 form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here is a list of what to do and what to avoid:

Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
Do provide accurate and complete information in all sections.
Do use black ink and write legibly to ensure readability.
Do sign and date the form where indicated.
Do include all required supporting documents with your application.

Don't leave any required fields blank; if a question does not apply, indicate "N/A."
Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors or omissions.
Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Don't use white-out or correction fluid on the form.
Don't send the form to the wrong address; verify the correct filing location.

Misconceptions

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is an important document in the immigration process. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are five common misconceptions about the I-864 form:

Only the sponsor needs to complete the form.
Many believe that only the sponsor is responsible for filling out the I-864. In reality, both the sponsor and the intending immigrant may need to provide information, especially if there are joint sponsors involved.
The I-864 guarantees a green card.
Some people think that submitting the I-864 automatically results in the approval of a green card. This is not the case. The form is just one part of the application process and does not guarantee approval.
Income from any source is acceptable.
It is a misconception that any income can be used to meet the requirements of the I-864. Only certain types of income, such as wages, self-employment income, or certain government benefits, are counted.
There is no need to update the form after submission.
Some individuals think that once the I-864 is submitted, it does not need to be updated. However, if there are significant changes in the sponsor’s financial situation, it is crucial to inform USCIS.
The I-864 is only required for immediate relatives.
Many assume that the I-864 is only necessary for immediate relatives. In fact, it is required for various family-based immigration categories, not just those who are immediate relatives.

Understanding these misconceptions can help navigate the complexities of the immigration process more effectively.

Key takeaways

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is essential for sponsoring an immigrant.
This form demonstrates that the sponsor has sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant, ensuring they will not rely on public benefits.
It is crucial to provide accurate information about your income, household size, and any dependents.
Supporting documents, such as tax returns and pay stubs, must accompany the I-864 to verify your financial status.
The form must be signed under penalty of perjury, meaning that false information can lead to serious consequences.
Make sure to submit the I-864 to the appropriate USCIS office as part of the immigrant’s application package.
Keep a copy of the completed form and all supporting documents for your records.