Affidavit of Support

The Affidavit of Support helps ensure that new immigrants will not need to rely on public benefits such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. If a person for whom you file an affidavit of support becomes a permanent resident and is later given certain public benefits, the agency that gave the benefits can require that you repay that money.

Affidavit of Support Requirements

The law requires you to prove an income level at or above 125% of the federal poverty level. (For active duty military personnel, the income requirement is 100% of the poverty level when sponsoring his/her husband, wife or children.) If your income does not meet the requirement, your assets, such as checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or property, may be considered in determining your financial ability.

You complete an Affidavit of Support by filing Form I-864. If you do not meet the financial qualifications, the income of certain other household members can be added to your income level if they sign a contract on Form I-864A, Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, agreeing to make their income and/or assets available for the support of the relative applying for permanent residence.

Filing with a Co-Sponsor

If you still cannot meet the financial qualifications, another person must complete a separate Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to become a joint financial sponsor of the person’s immigration. The joint sponsor must meet all sponsorship requirements separately, including the minimum income requirements for his/her household, and must be willing to assume, along with you, financial liability for the sponsored immigrant(s).
All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18, and be living in the U.S. (including territories and possessions) when they file the Affidavit of Support.

How to Get Help with Your Affidavit of Support

Our immigration attorney can help you prepare and file an Affidavit of Support for your relative.  Please contact us at 202-407-9221 to begin the process.