Form I-864
All states | 16 types
Form I-864, an affidavit of support, is a legal document the USCIS requires for certain visa applicants. It ensures a U.S. sponsor guarantees financial support so the immigrant won’t rely on public assistance.
When Is a Form I-864 Used?
The I-864 form is usually required when:
- A foreign national seeks a family-sponsored green card.
- A U.S. citizen or resident sponsors a relative.
- Some employment-based immigrants need family financial support.
- Some adopted children move to the U.S. through designated visa programs.
Who Files a Form I-864?
The primary sponsor of the immigrant is responsible for submitting I 864 form. Additional financial backers might be engaged if the main sponsor fails to satisfy the income criteria.
Primary Sponsor (Petitioner). The individual who is primarily responsible for submitting the visa application for the prospective immigrant.
Joint Sponsor. If the sponsor’s income is too low, a co-sponsor can submit form I 864.
Household Member. Can help meet financial requirements by filing I-864 form PDF. This allows their income or assets to be considered along with the primary sponsor’s.
Parties Involved
Several individuals play a role in the filing and processing of the form I-864 affidavit of support:
Sponsor. The person who is committed to financially supporting the immigrant.
Intending Immigrant. The person applying for a green card or visa.
Joint Sponsor (if applicable). Another individual who meets income requirements if the primary sponsor cannot.
Household Member (if applicable). A relative contributing financial resources to help qualify.
U.S. Government Agencies. USCIS, the National Visa Center (NVC), and U.S. consulates review and process the form.
Key Terms
- Sponsor. The person who is financially responsible for supporting the intending immigrant.
- Household Size. The overall count of people reliant on the sponsor for financial support encompassing the sponsor, dependents, and prospective immigrants.
- Poverty Guidelines. A financial threshold set by the U.S. government that indicates the minimum required income to support a family unit.
- Joint Sponsor. A second financial supporter when the primary sponsor does not meet income requirements.
- Immigrant Visa Applicant. The individual moving to the U.S. and needing a financial guarantor.
- Public Benefits. Government aid programs like food stamps or Medicaid are not accessible under sponsorship conditions, so immigrants should not depend on them
Elements of Form I-864
The form I 864 PDF contains various sections requiring precise and accurate information. Below are the main components:
Sponsor’s Information
- Full name
- U.S. mailing address
- Country of residence
- Citizenship status (U.S. citizen or lawful resident)
- Social Security Number (SSN)
Spouse’s or Beneficiary’s Information
- Full legal name
- Relationship with the sponsor
- Current residence
Income and Assets
- Sponsor’s current annual income
- Employer details
- Household income (if applicable)
- Use of assets (such as bank accounts, property, or stocks) to meet requirements
Household Size Calculation
- Sponsor
- Spouse and dependents
- Joint sponsor (if applicable)
- Intending immigrant(s)
Oath and Signature. The sponsor must certify, under penalty of perjury, that the provided information is correct.
How To Fill Out the Form I-864 Correctly?
Completing the I-864 form 2025 requires careful attention to detail.
- Download the Correct Form. The latest I-864 form 2025 can be accessed on the official USCIS website or trusted resources like Lawrina.
- Provide Accurate Personal Details. Ensure names, addresses, and identification numbers match official documents.
- Verify Income Requirements. Check the current poverty guidelines to confirm your eligibility.
- Attach Supporting Documents. Tax returns (most recent year), W-2 or 1099 forms, Pay stubs, or employer letters.
- Sign and Submit. Reviewing your form before submission helps avoid errors.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Forgetting to include required tax documents.
Miscalculating household size.
Leaving sections blank or signing in the wrong place.
When getting ready to sponsor a relative, meticulously adhere to the form I-864 instructions and collect all required supporting documents. Utilize Lawrina to fill out the I-864 form PDF quickly and correctly.