Using a Household Member’s Income: Form I-864A

An eligible household member may help a sponsor meet the Affidavit of Support financial requirement by making qualifying income or assets available through Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.

Both the sponsor and household member must sign the contract. Each participating household member generally completes a separate Form I-864A, submitted with the sponsor’s Form I-864.

For general sponsor qualifications and financial requirements, see our Affidavit of Support overview.

Who Can Qualify as a Household Member?

A person signing Form I-864A must be at least 18 and fall within a qualifying category:

• The sponsor’s spouse.
• The sponsor’s parent, son or daughter, or sibling who shares the sponsor’s principal residence.
• Another person lawfully claimed as a dependent on the sponsor’s most recent federal income tax return, even if that person lives elsewhere.
• The intending immigrant, when the special rules discussed below require the contract.

Household members do not have to be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents to sign Form I-864A. Their income must still satisfy the applicable requirements.

Sharing an address alone does not make an unrelated roommate eligible. The person must qualify under the household-member rules.

Can the Intending Immigrant’s Own Income Count?

The intending immigrant’s income may count if it comes from a lawful source and the evidence establishes that it will continue after permanent residence begins.

• If the immigrant is the sponsor’s spouse: Sharing the sponsor’s current residence is not required.
• If the immigrant is someone other than the sponsor’s spouse: The immigrant must share the sponsor’s principal residence.

A prospective job that has not begun is insufficient by itself.

Using the intending immigrant’s income does not automatically require Form I-864A. The immigrant generally signs it when that income is also being used to support a spouse or children immigrating with them. If there are no accompanying dependents, the immigrant generally does not need to sign Form I-864A solely because their income is counted.

What Evidence Should Be Included?

The submission should establish both eligibility to contribute income and the amount available. Depending on the circumstances, include:

• Proof of the qualifying relationship, shared principal residence, or tax-dependent status.
• The household member’s IRS tax transcript or complete federal return for the most recent tax year, with supporting documents as required.
• Evidence of current income, such as pay statements, an employer letter, or self-employment records.
• Evidence that the intending immigrant’s income will continue, when relying on that income.

If a required tax return was not filed because there was no legal filing obligation, provide an explanation and supporting evidence as applicable. Follow the Form I-864A instructions for the particular submission.

How Is This Different From a Joint Sponsor?

A household member contributes qualifying resources to the sponsor’s financial showing through Form I-864A.

A joint sponsor submits a separate Form I-864 and must qualify based on that joint sponsor’s own household income or assets. See our Joint Sponsor page for those requirements.

If income remains insufficient, qualifying assets may provide another option. Our guide to using assets explains the applicable calculations and documentation.

What Responsibilities Does the Household Member Accept?

Signing Form I-864A creates a legally enforceable commitment to make resources available to help support the sponsored immigrants identified in the contract.

The household member accepts joint and several liability with the sponsor for reimbursement of covered means-tested public benefits. This means the household member may be required to repay the full amount owed, regardless of the percentage of household income they contributed—even if the petitioning sponsor is not pursued. The obligation may be enforced through a civil lawsuit. See 8 CFR § 213a.2(c)(2)(i)(C)(2).

Before signing, review when Affidavit of Support obligations terminate. If someone is considering withdrawing a submitted contract, see our withdrawal guidance for the applicable timing rules.

Review Your Household Income and Sponsorship Options

The Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC can review whether a household member qualifies, assess the financial evidence, and explain the responsibilities associated with Form I-864A.

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 12, 2026.