Fill Out Your USCIS I-864 Form

Guide to Using USCIS I-864

After gathering all necessary documents and information, you are ready to fill out the USCIS I-864 form. This form is essential for individuals sponsoring a family member for a green card. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

1. Start with your personal information. Fill in your name, address, and contact details in Part 1 of the form.
2. Provide your relationship to the person you are sponsoring in Part 2. Clearly state whether they are your spouse, child, or another relative.
3. In Part 3, indicate your income. Use your most recent tax return as a reference to fill in the required income details.
4. List your assets in Part 4. Include bank accounts, real estate, and any other valuable possessions that can support your financial situation.
5. In Part 5, disclose any dependents you have. This includes children or others who rely on you financially.
6. Complete Part 6 by signing and dating the form. Ensure that you sign in the correct place to validate your application.
7. Review the entire form for accuracy. Check for any missing information or errors before submitting.
8. Gather any required supporting documents, such as tax returns and proof of income, to include with your application.
9. Submit the completed form along with any supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address.

Once submitted, you will receive confirmation from USCIS regarding the status of your application. Be prepared to respond to any additional requests for information or documentation during the review process.

What is the USCIS I-864 form?

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document required by U.S. immigration authorities. It is used to demonstrate that a visa applicant has adequate financial support and will not become reliant on government assistance. The form is typically completed by a sponsor, who agrees to support the applicant financially.

Who needs to file the I-864 form?

The I-864 form must be filed by individuals who are sponsoring a family member for immigration to the United States. This includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must meet certain income requirements to ensure they can support the applicant.

What are the income requirements for the I-864 form?

To qualify as a sponsor, the individual must demonstrate an income that is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. If the sponsor is on active duty in the military and sponsoring a spouse or child, the requirement is reduced to 100% of the guidelines. The guidelines are updated annually, so it is important to check the current figures.

What documents should accompany the I-864 form?

When submitting the I-864 form, the sponsor should include several supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of income (e.g., recent tax returns, pay stubs, or employment letters)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card)
• Evidence of any other household members’ income, if applicable

Can a joint sponsor help meet the income requirement?

Yes, a joint sponsor can help meet the income requirement if the primary sponsor does not earn enough. A joint sponsor must also be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must complete a separate I-864 form. The combined income of both sponsors can be considered, provided it meets the necessary threshold.

What happens if the sponsor's financial situation changes?

If a sponsor's financial situation changes significantly after submitting the I-864, they are still legally bound to support the immigrant. However, if the sponsor's income falls below the required threshold, they may need to find a joint sponsor or provide additional evidence of financial resources.

Is the I-864 form a legally binding contract?

Yes, the I-864 form is considered a legally binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government. By signing the form, the sponsor agrees to provide financial support to the immigrant, which can include basic living expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare.

How long does the obligation to support last?

The obligation to support the immigrant lasts until one of the following occurs:

1. The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
2. The immigrant can be credited with 40 quarters of work (approximately 10 years).
3. The immigrant leaves the United States permanently.
4. The sponsor passes away.

What are the consequences of not fulfilling the support obligation?

If a sponsor fails to fulfill their financial support obligation, they may face legal consequences. The immigrant may be eligible to sue the sponsor for support, and the sponsor could be required to pay back any government benefits the immigrant received. This underscores the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with signing the I-864 form.

Where can I find more information about the I-864 form?

For more information about the I-864 form, including instructions for filling it out and the most current income guidelines, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The site provides comprehensive resources and guidance to help sponsors navigate the process effectively.

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals sponsoring a foreign national for a green card. It serves as a promise from the sponsor to support the immigrant financially, ensuring that they do not become a public charge. This form is similar to the I-134 form, which is also an Affidavit of Support but is typically used for non-immigrant visa applications. While both forms demonstrate the sponsor's ability to provide financial support, the I-134 is less binding than the I-864, which has legal implications for permanent residency.

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Another document akin to the I-864 is the I-130 form, or Petition for Alien Relative. This form is the initial step in the family-based immigration process, allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a foreign national. While the I-130 focuses on the relationship, the I-864 ensures that the immigrant will not rely on government assistance, thereby complementing the I-130’s purpose of family unification with financial security.

The I-751 form, or Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is also relevant in the context of immigrant sponsorship. This document is filed by conditional residents who obtained their status through marriage. While the I-864 is used primarily for initial sponsorship, the I-751 ensures that the immigrant spouse continues to meet the financial support criteria, reinforcing the sponsor's ongoing obligation to support their partner.

Similarly, the I-829 form, or Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, is related to the I-864 in that it is used by investors who initially obtained a green card through a business venture. This form requires proof that the business is operational and financially viable. The I-864 complements this by ensuring that the investor can also support themselves and their family, thus maintaining a stable economic footing in the U.S.

The N-400 form, or Application for Naturalization, is another document that shares a connection with the I-864. While the N-400 is focused on the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, it may require evidence of financial support during the applicant's residency. If the applicant was sponsored using an I-864, they must show that they have continued to meet the support requirements throughout their residency, linking the two forms in the journey to citizenship.

The I-864W form, or Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support, is specifically for certain categories of immigrants, such as those who are children of U.S. citizens or those who have been granted asylum. This form can serve as a substitute for the I-864 in specific circumstances, indicating that the immigrant does not need a sponsor’s financial support due to their unique status, yet it still emphasizes the importance of financial stability.

The DS-260 form, or Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is another document that intersects with the I-864. This form is used by individuals applying for an immigrant visa outside the U.S. It requires the applicant to disclose financial information and may necessitate the submission of the I-864 to demonstrate that they have a financial sponsor in the U.S. This ensures that the applicant will have support upon arrival in the country.

The I-601 form, or Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, can also be compared to the I-864. While the I-864 focuses on financial support, the I-601 addresses situations where an immigrant may be deemed inadmissible for reasons such as criminal history or health issues. In some cases, a sponsor may need to provide an I-864 to support the waiver application, reinforcing the financial commitment while addressing other legal barriers to immigration.

Lastly, the I-944 form, or Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, is a document that was used to assess whether an immigrant is likely to become a public charge. Although it has been subject to changes and scrutiny, it shares the I-864's goal of ensuring that immigrants can support themselves. Both forms emphasize the importance of financial stability and the sponsor's role in helping the immigrant thrive in their new home.

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor immigrants in the United States. However, several misconceptions surround its purpose and requirements. Here are five common misunderstandings:

• The I-864 guarantees a visa approval. Many believe that submitting the I-864 automatically leads to the approval of a visa application. In reality, while the form is essential for demonstrating financial support, the final decision rests with USCIS based on various factors, including eligibility and background checks.
• Only U.S. citizens can file the I-864. Some assume that only U.S. citizens are eligible to sponsor immigrants. However, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can also complete the I-864 for their immediate relatives.
• The income requirement is the same for everyone. There is a common belief that all sponsors must meet the same income threshold. In fact, the required income level varies based on household size and the federal poverty guidelines, which can change annually.
• Once signed, the sponsor is financially responsible for life. A misconception exists that signing the I-864 creates a lifelong financial obligation. In truth, the sponsor's responsibility lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, or no longer needs public assistance.
• Supplemental income can’t be counted. Some individuals think that only regular salary counts toward the income requirement. However, other sources, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, or rental income, can also be included, as long as proper documentation is provided.

Understanding these misconceptions can help sponsors navigate the immigration process more effectively and ensure compliance with USCIS requirements.

When filling out the USCIS I-864 form, it's important to be thorough and accurate. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid to ensure your application is processed smoothly.

• Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
• Do provide complete and truthful information.
• Do include all required supporting documents.
• Do sign and date the form where indicated.

• Don't leave any fields blank unless instructed to do so.
• Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.
• Don't forget to check the income requirements before applying.
• Don't use a pencil; always fill out the form in black ink.

When filling out the USCIS I-864 form, commonly known as the Affidavit of Support, individuals often make mistakes that can delay their immigration process. One common error is failing to provide accurate income information. The form requires sponsors to report their household income, which must meet certain guidelines to demonstrate financial ability to support the immigrant. If the income is overstated or understated, it can lead to complications or even denial of the application.

Another frequent mistake involves neglecting to include all necessary household members. The I-864 requires sponsors to list all individuals in their household, including dependents and anyone else who contributes to the household income. Omitting a household member can create inconsistencies in the application and may raise questions about the sponsor's financial situation.

Additionally, many applicants overlook the importance of signing the form. While this may seem trivial, an unsigned I-864 is considered incomplete. It is crucial for sponsors to ensure that they sign and date the form before submission. An unsigned form can lead to delays as USCIS will return the application for correction.

Lastly, people often forget to provide supporting documentation. The I-864 requires sponsors to submit proof of income, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs. Failing to include these documents can result in requests for additional information, prolonging the processing time. Ensuring that all required documentation is attached can help streamline the application process and reduce the likelihood of delays.