Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
Today we’ll talk more about immigrating to the USA. The process can be much easier if you have a relative in the US who can support you and your application. In case of family-based immigration, your sponsor should complete and sign the Affidavit of Support, form I-864, and file it with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This form proves that applicants will not be a ‘government’s headache.’ Using this affidavit, a US citizen and the US government conclude a contract that guarantees the financial responsibility for the immigrant, making it more likely that the applicant receives a visa. Keep reading to find out more.
Who needs an I-864 form?
US law says that every individual who wants to immigrate to the country under a family-based immigration program must have a financial sponsor. Usually, this sponsor is an immigrant’s relative. The relative is eligible for sponsoring if he is a permanent resident of the U.S. above 18 years of age. It can be the immigrant’s spouse, child, parent, sibling or other close, direct relative.
What is the purpose of the I-864 form?
The sponsor signs this affidavit to prove that they will provide the required financial support to the immigrant. Form I-864 influences the decision on the immigrant’s visa greatly as it contains information about the sponsor’s income and his ability to fulfill the mentioned obligations. In general, the sponsor has to prove that his income equals at least 125% of the Poverty Guidelines (100% for individuals on active duty).
Is form I-864 accompanied by other forms?
The I-864 is only one of the documents required for submission when applying for a visa or residence application. The standard immigration forms (DS-260, DS-160, etc.) should accompany the I-864.
Additionally, the applicant should attach the following:
- Copy of the individual Federal income tax return and W-2s for the most recent tax year
- Copy of each Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. The applicant may submit this information for the three most recent tax years
- Pay stubs and a letter from the employer (if required)
What information should be provided in the I-864 form?
The form is divided into eleven parts which must be completed:
- Reason for filing the affidavit of support
- Information about the immigrant
- Personal data and information about immigrant that is to be sponsored
- Information about the sponsor
- Details about the sponsor’s household size
- Sponsor’s employment and income analysis
- Option declaration of assets to supplement income
- Sponsor’s contract, statement, contact information, and signature
- Interpreter’s contract, statement, contact information, and signature (if applicable)
- Contact information, statement, and signature of the person who prepared the affidavit (if applicable)
- Any additional information
Where do I send the I-864 form?
The I-864 form should be filed with USCIS along with supporting documents. The precise filing location should be listed on the application. The applicant must also keep one copy of the affidavit for his personal records.