Blank USCIS I-864 Form

What is the USCIS I-864 form?

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a legal document that a sponsor files to demonstrate their financial ability to support a family member applying for a green card. This form ensures that the immigrant will not become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government assistance for their basic needs.

Who needs to file the I-864 form?

The I-864 form must be filed by any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is sponsoring an immigrant for a family-based green card. This includes immediate relatives such as spouses, children, and parents, as well as certain other family members. If there are multiple sponsors, each must submit their own I-864 form.

What are the income requirements for the I-864?

To qualify as a sponsor, your income must meet or exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. If you are sponsoring a military member, the requirement drops to 100% of the guidelines. The guidelines are updated annually, so it’s important to check the most current figures when preparing your form.

How do I calculate my household size for the I-864?

Your household size includes:

• Yourself
• Your spouse
• Your dependent children
• Any other individuals you claim as dependents on your tax return
• The immigrant you are sponsoring

Make sure to accurately count everyone who relies on you for financial support, as this will impact the income requirement.

What documents do I need to submit with the I-864?

When submitting the I-864 form, include the following documents:

1. Your most recent federal tax return.
2. W-2 forms or 1099s for the last tax year.
3. Proof of current employment, such as a pay stub or an employment verification letter.
4. Evidence of any additional income, if applicable.

These documents help verify your income and financial stability.

Can I use assets to meet the income requirement?

Yes, you can use assets to supplement your income if it falls below the required threshold. The value of assets must be at least five times the difference between your income and the required income level for your household size. Acceptable assets include savings accounts, stocks, real estate, and other valuable possessions.

What happens if I cannot meet the income requirement?

If you cannot meet the income requirement, you have a few options. You may find a joint sponsor who meets the requirements and is willing to sign an I-864 form alongside yours. Alternatively, you can consider using assets to make up the difference. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any joint sponsor is also a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meets the necessary criteria.

How long is the I-864 form valid?

The I-864 form remains valid as long as the sponsored immigrant is a lawful permanent resident. However, the sponsor’s obligation to support the immigrant lasts until one of the following occurs:

• The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
• The immigrant can be credited with 40 quarters of work (approximately 10 years).
• The immigrant leaves the U.S. permanently.
• The sponsor passes away.

It’s essential to understand these obligations before signing the form.

Where do I send the I-864 form?

The I-864 form should be submitted to the appropriate USCIS office based on the application type. If you are filing for a family member, you will typically send it along with the immigrant’s visa application package. Always check the USCIS website for the most current mailing addresses and filing instructions.

Can I make changes to the I-864 after submitting it?

Once you submit the I-864 form, you cannot make changes to it. If you realize there is an error or need to update information, you will need to submit a new I-864 form. Be sure to clearly indicate that it is a replacement and explain the reason for the new submission.

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): This form establishes a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and their relative. Like the I-864, it is part of the family-based immigration process, focusing on the familial ties that justify the application.
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): This document is used by employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. Similar to the I-864, it requires proof of the ability to pay the offered wage, emphasizing the financial responsibilities of the sponsor.
• Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence): This form is filed by conditional residents to remove their status after two years. It includes financial information to demonstrate the legitimacy of the marriage, paralleling the financial assurances found in the I-864.
• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): This application allows individuals to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident. It often requires supporting financial documentation, similar to the requirements of the I-864.
• Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): While primarily focused on citizenship, this form may include questions about financial stability and tax compliance, reflecting the economic considerations present in the I-864.
• Form I-864EZ (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act): This simplified version of the I-864 is for sponsors who meet specific criteria. It serves the same purpose of demonstrating financial capability to support the immigrant.
• Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member): This form is used when a household member's income is included in the sponsor's financial assessment. It shares the goal of ensuring adequate financial support, akin to the I-864.
• Arizona Transfer-on-Death Deed: This form allows property owners to designate beneficiaries who will receive their real estate upon their death, simplifying estate planning. For more information, visit https://todform.com.
• Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support): Often used for non-immigrant visa applications, this form also requires the sponsor to prove financial capability. Its purpose is to ensure that the applicant will not become a public charge, similar to the intent behind the I-864.
• Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application): This application is for individuals seeking an immigrant visa from outside the U.S. It includes financial information to assess the applicant's ability to support themselves, reflecting the financial assurances required by the I-864.

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor an immigrant. It demonstrates the sponsor's ability to financially support the immigrant, ensuring they will not become a public charge. Several other forms and documents are often submitted alongside the I-864 to provide additional information and context. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the immigration process.

• I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: This form is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying relationship with the immigrant. It is typically the first step in the family-based immigration process.
• I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This document is used by an immigrant already in the U.S. to apply for a green card. It often accompanies the I-864 when the immigrant is adjusting status.
• Tax Returns: Recent federal tax returns, including W-2s and 1099s, are often required to verify the sponsor's income and financial stability. These documents help assess the sponsor's ability to meet the income requirements.
• Employment Verification Letter: A letter from the sponsor's employer confirming employment status, job title, and salary can provide additional evidence of financial support. This letter helps to establish the sponsor's current income level.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency: Sponsors must provide documentation proving their status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card. This verifies the sponsor's eligibility to file the I-864.
• Joint Sponsor's I-864: If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements, a joint sponsor may submit their own I-864. This document serves to demonstrate additional financial support for the immigrant.
• Affidavit of Gift Form: To facilitate the transfer of property ownership, refer to our comprehensive Affidavit of Gift documentation for a legally sound process.
• Affidavit of Support (I-864A): This form is used when a household member's income is included to meet the financial requirements. It must be submitted along with the primary I-864 if applicable.
• Proof of Assets: If the sponsor's income does not meet the required threshold, they may provide evidence of significant assets. This can include bank statements, property deeds, or investment accounts.
• Form I-864P, Poverty Guidelines: This document outlines the current poverty guidelines used to determine the minimum income required for sponsorship. It provides a reference point for evaluating the sponsor's financial capability.

These documents collectively support the I-864 form and help ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the sponsor's ability to provide financial assistance to the immigrant. Each document plays a vital role in the immigration process, contributing to a clearer understanding of the sponsor's situation and the immigrant's eligibility for permanent residency.

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is an important step in the immigration process. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Understand the Purpose: The I-864 form is used to demonstrate that the immigrant will have adequate financial support and will not become a public charge.
• Eligibility Requirements: The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and must meet specific income requirements to support the immigrant.
• Accurate Information is Crucial: Ensure that all information provided on the form is complete and accurate. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
• Supporting Documents: Attach necessary documents, such as tax returns and proof of income, to support your claims on the form.
• Keep Copies: Always make copies of the completed form and any accompanying documents for your records before submission.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process more smoothly and help ensure a successful application.