Affidavit of Support: Form I-864 Requirements and Responsibilities

An Affidavit of Support is a legally enforceable financial sponsorship agreement used in many green card cases. Through Form I-864, a sponsor accepts financial responsibilities for the intending immigrant. A sufficient affidavit satisfies an important requirement, but does not guarantee immigration approval.

Who Needs an Affidavit of Support?

Form I-864 is generally required for most family-based immigrants. It also applies to certain employment-based cases involving a qualifying relative who filed the immigrant petition or owns at least 5% of the petitioning business.

Exemptions may apply, including for immigrants credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work, children who will automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when they become permanent residents, and applicants immigrating through qualifying widow(er) or VAWA self-petitions. Each exemption has specific requirements. Review the USCIS instructions before assuming an affidavit is unnecessary.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

A sponsor generally 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.
• Demonstrate sufficient qualifying income or assets for the applicable household size.

In family-based cases requiring sponsorship, the petitioning relative generally must submit an affidavit even when a joint sponsor is needed.

Domicile means maintaining a principal home in the United States with the intention of keeping it for the foreseeable future. Sponsors living abroad may need to establish that they retained U.S. domicile or will establish it by the required time. A joint sponsor cannot cure the petitioning sponsor’s failure to meet the domicile requirement. See the Department of State’s domicile guidance.

How Much Income Is Required?

The usual threshold is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the sponsor’s household size. A 100% threshold applies to qualifying sponsors on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who are sponsoring their spouse or child; active duty solely for training does not qualify. Check the applicable figures on USCIS’s poverty-guidelines page.

Household size must be calculated under the form’s rules. It can include dependents and immigrants covered by continuing sponsorship obligations, even when they live elsewhere.

What If the Sponsor’s Income Is Insufficient?

Depending on the circumstances, the financial requirement may be met through:

• Qualifying household income: An eligible household member may make income or assets available through Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member. Signing creates legal responsibilities for that household member.
• Qualifying assets: Savings or other eligible assets may cover an income shortfall. See our guide to using assets for an Affidavit of Support.
• A joint sponsor: A qualifying person may submit a separate Form I-864 and accept sponsorship responsibilities. See our Joint Sponsor page.

A substitute sponsor serves a different purpose: replacing a deceased petitioning sponsor in a qualifying case that can legally continue. USCIS explains this requirement in its guidance concerning a petitioner’s death.

What Supporting Documents Are Needed?

The evidence depends on the sponsorship arrangement. It commonly includes:

• Proof of the sponsor’s qualifying immigration or citizenship status and domicile.
• An IRS tax transcript or complete federal income tax return for the most recent tax year, with supporting documents as required.
• Evidence of current income, such as pay statements, an employment letter, or self-employment records.
• Evidence supporting any household income or assets being used.

A sponsor who was not legally required to file a federal tax return must explain the reason. Use the current form and instructions to identify the documents required for the case.

What Responsibilities Does Sponsorship Create?

Sponsorship can create an enforceable duty to support the immigrant and to reimburse providers of covered means-tested public benefits. Reimbursement rules concern specified benefits; they do not apply to every government service or benefit.

The support obligation generally begins when the immigrant becomes a permanent resident through admission to the United States or approval of adjustment of status. Divorce does not end it, and it does not automatically expire after ten calendar years. See when Affidavit of Support obligations terminate.

If you are considering withdrawing sponsorship before permanent residence begins, review our Withdrawal of an Affidavit of Support page for the applicable deadlines and limitations.

Review Your Sponsorship Options

The Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC can assess whether an affidavit is required, review the sponsor’s qualifications and financial evidence, and explain the responsibilities involved before signing.

Schedule an immigration consultation. Call 1-800-974-6480 or 352-237-2403.

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.