What Is the Affidavit of Support?
Form I-864 — the Affidavit of Support — is a legally binding contract between the U.S. sponsor and the federal government. By signing it, the petitioner promises to financially support the immigrating person and keep them from becoming a "public charge" (relying on government assistance).
It is required for almost all family-based immigrant visas, including the CR-1/IR-1 spousal visa and the adjustment of status after a K-1 fiancé visa.
K-1 note: At the K-1 embassy interview, consulates typically ask for Form I-134 (a non-binding declaration of support), not I-864. The legally binding I-864 is filed later, during adjustment of status inside the U.S. after the wedding.
2026 Income Requirements
The sponsor must earn at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size. The household size includes the sponsor, all dependents, anyone counted on past tax returns, and the immigrant(s) being sponsored.
Active duty military sponsors only need to meet 100% of the guideline.
| Household Size | 100% Poverty Line | 125% (Required) | Military (100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $25,550 | $31,937 | $25,550 |
| 3 people most common | $32,150 | $40,188 | $32,150 |
| 4 people | $38,750 | $48,438 | $38,750 |
| 5 people | $45,350 | $56,688 | $45,350 |
| 6 people | $51,950 | $64,938 | $51,950 |
| 7 people | $58,550 | $73,188 | $58,550 |
| 8 people | $65,150 | $81,438 | $65,150 |
| Each additional person | + $6,600 | + $8,250 | + $6,600 |
These figures are based on the 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds.
Income Calculator
Use this tool to check if you meet the requirement and see your exact threshold.
How to Calculate Your Household Size
Your household size for I-864 purposes is not just who lives in your home. It includes everyone the sponsor is legally responsible for:
- The sponsor themselves
- The sponsor's spouse (if married and not the immigrant being sponsored)
- All children of the sponsor under 21 who are unmarried, regardless of where they live
- Any other person the sponsor claimed as a dependent on their most recent federal tax return
- Any immigrants the sponsor has previously sponsored on an I-864 who are still subject to that sponsorship
- The intending immigrant(s) being sponsored in the current petition
Common mistake: Sponsors forget to count prior immigrants they sponsored on I-864s. If you sponsored someone before and they haven't yet become a citizen or completed 40 work quarters, they still count toward your household size.
What If You Don't Meet the Income Requirement?
You have three options if your income falls below the 125% threshold:
Option 1: Use a Joint Sponsor
A joint sponsor is a separate U.S. citizen or LPR who files their own I-864 and independently meets the income requirement for their own household size. The joint sponsor takes on equal legal responsibility for supporting the immigrant. They don't need to be related to you or to the immigrant.
Option 2: Count Household Member Income (I-864A)
If someone who lives with you (or the immigrant) earns income and is willing to be jointly liable, they can complete Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member). Their income is then added to yours. This only works for people in the same household.
Option 3: Supplement with Assets
If your income is short, you can use assets — savings, stocks, bonds, or real estate equity — to make up the difference. The asset value must be worth at least 5 times the income shortfall (3 times if you're a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse or child).
Example: If you're $5,000 short, you need at least $25,000 in qualifying assets.
Documents to Attach to Form I-864
Federal Tax Returns
Most recent 1–3 years of federal tax returns (Form 1040) or IRS tax transcripts. USCIS prefers transcripts over photocopies.
W-2s and 1099s
All W-2s and 1099s from the most recent tax year to support the income reported on your return.
Recent Pay Stubs
The 3–6 most recent pay stubs showing current employment and salary. Especially important if current income differs from last year's return.
Employment Letter
Letter from employer on company letterhead confirming your position, start date, and annual salary.
Proof of Assets (if needed)
Bank statements, brokerage statements, property deed + appraisal with mortgage statement to show net equity.
Proof of Relationship
A copy of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship document (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate) and proof of relationship to the immigrant.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete I-864
Download the current version of I-864
Always use the version directly from uscis.gov — outdated versions are rejected. As of 2026, the current edition date is shown in the bottom-left corner of the form.
Calculate your household size (Part 3)
Count everyone as listed above. An incorrect household size is one of the most common rejection reasons — it changes the income threshold.
Fill in your income (Part 6)
Report your current annual income. If it's different from last year's tax return, attach a letter of explanation plus recent pay stubs.
Attach supporting documents
Federal tax transcripts (or returns + W-2s), recent pay stubs, employment letter, and any asset documentation. Check the instructions for the full list.
Sign in blue or black ink — in front of a notary if required
For adjustment of status (I-485), USCIS accepts the I-864 signed under penalty of perjury without notarization. For consular processing, some embassies require notarization — check your specific consulate's requirements.
Submit with the correct application
For adjustment of status: include with Form I-485 package. For CR-1/IR-1 consular processing: submit through the NVC document portal or bring to the embassy interview, per consulate instructions.
Common I-864 Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong household size
Forgetting to count prior sponsored immigrants, unmarried children under 21 who don't live with you, or the immigrant themselves in the count.
Submitting an outdated form version
USCIS rejects I-864s filed on outdated form versions, even by a few months. This causes significant delays.
Income doesn't match tax returns
Reporting current income that's significantly higher than last year's return without explanation raises red flags. USCIS compares the two.
Missing signature or undated
An unsigned or undated I-864 is automatically rejected. This is a surprisingly common error even among careful filers.
No tax return on file (didn't file taxes)
If you weren't required to file taxes and didn't, you must explain why and provide alternative income evidence. Simply leaving it blank causes delays.
Forgetting to attach W-2s and 1099s
Sending only the 1040 without the supporting W-2s and 1099s is a frequent mistake that leads to Requests for Evidence (RFEs).