Affidavit of Support & Sponsorship

Sponsoring a Family Member for a Green Card? An Affidavit of Support can Help

When sponsoring a family member for a green card, U.S. immigration law requires the sponsor to demonstrate the ability to financially support the intending immigrant. This requirement is fulfilled through the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), a document commonly required in family-based immigration cases.

The affidavit of support immigration process confirms that the sponsor has sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant and reduce the likelihood that the person will rely on certain public benefits. Completing Form I-864 correctly and providing the required financial documentation is an important part of many green card applications.

An immigration lawyer can help prepare and review the immigration affidavit of support, determine whether the sponsor meets the financial requirements, and guide families through the documentation process. Legal assistance may also help if a joint sponsor is needed or if additional financial evidence must be provided.

What is the Affidavit of Support or Form I-864?

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a required form in most family-based green card cases. It serves as a legally binding agreement between the sponsor and the U.S. government confirming that the sponsor has the financial ability to support the immigrant.

By signing Form I-864, the sponsor agrees to provide financial support if necessary and confirms that the immigrant is unlikely to rely on certain government benefits after arriving in the United States.

When completing the affidavit of support immigration process, the sponsor generally confirms that the family member:

• Has financial support available in the United States
• Is less likely to rely on certain government assistance programs
• Has the financial backing needed to meet basic living expenses after immigrating

Because Form I-864 must be completed accurately and supported with financial documentation, many families seek legal guidance when preparing the immigration affidavit of support.

What Are the Financial Requirements?

To qualify as a sponsor, you must show that your household income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (or 100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child). The amount depends on:

• Your household size (including the immigrant)

• Your income (as reported on your tax return)

• Whether you’re using assets or a joint sponsor

How the Process for Affidavit of Support & Sponsorship Works

The affidavit of support is part of the family-based immigration process and is typically submitted along with other required immigration forms. The purpose of the form is to show that the sponsoring family member has the financial ability to support the immigrant.

The general process usually includes the following steps:

1. File the immigrant petition (Form I-130 or another qualifying petition) - A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident begins the process by filing a petition for the family member.
2. Prepare and submit the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) - The sponsor completes Form I-864 and provides financial documentation such as tax returns, proof of income, or evidence of assets.
3. Provide supporting financial documents - Sponsors typically include documents such as recent tax returns, W-2 forms, employment verification, and other records that demonstrate financial eligibility.
4. Use a joint sponsor if needed - If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirement, a qualified joint sponsor may submit an additional affidavit of support.
5. Submit the forms to USCIS or the National Visa Center (NVC) - Depending on whether the case is processed inside or outside the United States, the affidavit of support and related documents are submitted to the appropriate immigration authority.
6. Attend the immigration interview and receive a decision - Immigration officers review the affidavit of support and supporting evidence as part of the overall green card application process.

What If I Don’t Meet Affidavit of Support Income Requirements?

Not meeting the income requirement for an affidavit of support does not always mean the immigration process must stop. In many cases, there are several ways to address the financial requirement and continue with the green card application.

Possible options may include:

• Using a joint sponsor – A qualified U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may agree to submit a separate affidavit of support if they meet the income guidelines.
• Including household member income – In some situations, income from a spouse or another qualifying household member may be counted if they complete the appropriate supporting form.
• Using assets to supplement income – Savings, property, or other financial assets may sometimes be used to help meet the required financial threshold.

Because the rules for Form I-864 can be complex, many families seek guidance to determine the best way to satisfy the affidavit of support requirements and submit the correct documentation.

How Salomon Numa Can Help You Sponsor a Family Member

Sponsoring a family member for a green card involves several legal and financial requirements, including preparing the affidavit of support and submitting the correct immigration forms. Even small mistakes in documentation or eligibility requirements can lead to delays or requests for additional evidence.

Salomon Numa assists families with the immigration sponsorship process by helping them prepare the necessary forms and supporting documents and ensuring the application is submitted correctly.

Legal assistance may include:

• Confirming eligibility to sponsor a family member for immigration
• Preparing and reviewing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support and related documents
• Organizing financial evidence required for sponsorship
• Preparing families for the immigration interview process
• Responding to USCIS requests for additional documentation

Careful preparation can help ensure that the sponsorship application and affidavit of support are completed accurately and submitted with the appropriate supporting evidence.

Is This a Permanent Obligation?

The sponsor’s responsibility continues until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 quarters of work credit (about 10 years), leaves the U.S. permanently, or dies. It’s a real legal obligation, and the government (or the immigrant) can sue the sponsor for support if necessary.