Joint Sponsors for Form I-864: Requirements and Responsibilities

A joint sponsor may help when the person petitioning for a family member cannot meet the financial requirements for Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. The joint sponsor submits a separate affidavit and accepts a legally enforceable financial obligation toward the immigrant.

Choosing a joint sponsor involves more than finding someone with a higher income. Their household size, qualifying resources, supporting documents, and willingness to accept the obligation all matter.

The petitioner must still submit Form I-864

When Form I-864 is required, the petitioning sponsor generally must submit their own signed affidavit—even if their income is zero. The joint sponsor’s affidavit does not replace it.

A joint sponsor also does not excuse the petitioner from meeting other sponsor requirements, including age and U.S. domicile. The Department of State’s affidavit-of-support guidance explains these separate responsibilities.

Who can qualify as a joint sponsor?

A joint sponsor must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
• Meet the U.S. domicile requirement.
• Meet the applicable financial requirement.
• Sign the affidavit and accept its legal obligations.

A joint sponsor does not have to be related to the immigrant. A qualifying friend or another eligible individual may serve.

Income and household size

A joint sponsor generally must demonstrate qualifying income of at least 125% of the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, including the immigrants they are sponsoring. Check the current USCIS poverty guidelines when preparing the application.

The joint sponsor must qualify through their own eligible household resources. Their separate affidavit cannot simply contribute the amount missing from the petitioner’s income. Qualifying household-member income or assets may be available under the applicable rules.

Household size is not simply the number of people living at one address. Follow the Form I-864 instructions when counting the sponsor, spouse, dependent children, other tax dependents, sponsored immigrants, and people covered by continuing sponsorship obligations. Count each person only once.

A person’s current annual income may differ from the amount on their most recent tax return. Explain and document changes such as a new job, retirement, or self-employment.

Joint sponsor or household member: which form applies?

A joint sponsor signs a separate Form I-864. A qualifying household member whose income or assets are being combined with a sponsor’s resources generally signs Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, together with that sponsor.

This distinction also applies when a joint sponsor needs to use a qualifying household member’s resources. Filing a joint tax return does not, by itself, complete the required sponsorship agreement.

Can a joint sponsor use assets?

Qualifying assets may help meet a financial shortfall. The evidence must establish ownership, net value after debts, and availability. Assets generally must be convertible to cash within one year without considerable hardship or financial loss.

The required asset value depends on the applicable rule; it is not necessarily equal to the income shortfall. Our guide to Using Assets for an Affidavit of Support explains the calculations and documentation.

Documents to prepare

Depending on the circumstances, a joint sponsor’s submission should include:

• A properly completed and signed Form I-864.
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship, U.S. national status, or lawful permanent residence.
• The most recent federal income tax transcript or a complete tax return with required supporting forms.
• Evidence supporting current income, such as pay statements, an employer letter, retirement records, or self-employment records.
• Evidence of domicile when needed.
• Asset documentation and Form I-864A with supporting evidence, when applicable.

If the sponsor filed a joint tax return, provide the required W-2s, schedules, or other evidence identifying the income being relied upon. Someone who was not legally required to file a tax return should explain that circumstance and provide the required supporting evidence.

Check the current form edition

USCIS states that, beginning October 1, 2026, it accepts only the 08/24/26 edition of Form I-864. Download the form and instructions from the USCIS Form I-864 page before filing.

That edition includes authorization for USCIS to obtain information from consumer reporting agencies. If a credit or security freeze prevents access, respond promptly to any USCIS request concerning its release.

Can a family use two joint sponsors?

A family immigrating under one petition may use up to two joint sponsors in qualifying circumstances, with different immigrants assigned to each sponsor. Each immigrant may have only one joint sponsor, and each joint sponsor must qualify for the immigrants listed on their affidavit.

Understand the commitment before signing

The support obligation generally begins when the immigrant becomes a permanent resident based on the affidavit. The immigrant may enforce the support obligation, and an agency providing covered means-tested public benefits may seek reimbursement.

The obligation does not automatically end after ten calendar years or because of divorce. Termination depends on a legally recognized event, such as the immigrant becoming a U.S. citizen or receiving credit for 40 qualifying quarters of work. For the complete explanation, see when Affidavit of Support obligations end, including the rules concerning removal proceedings, death, and obligations that arose before termination.

Get help reviewing your joint-sponsor documents

Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC can help assess a proposed joint sponsor’s eligibility, calculate household size, review income and assets, and identify the supporting documents needed for your immigration case.

Schedule an immigration consultation.

Call 1-800-974-6480 or 352-237-2403.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration laws, policies, and requirements may change, and the appropriate approach depends on your circumstances. Reading this page or contacting our office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after a written legal services agreement is signed. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your situation.

Updated October 11, 2026.