Form I-864
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
A sponsor's legally enforceable promise to financially support an immigrant, filed as part of most family-based green card cases.
What is Form I-864?
Form I-864 is a contract between a sponsor and the US government. By signing it, the sponsor accepts legal responsibility for supporting the intending immigrant at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines until the immigrant becomes a US citizen or is credited with 40 quarters of work.
The petitioner in a family-based case must file one. If the petitioner's income is not enough, a joint sponsor or a household member (using Form I-864A) can be added.
It is submitted with supporting evidence — the most recent federal tax return or an IRS transcript, proof of income, and proof of the sponsor's US citizenship or lawful permanent residence.
- Who needs it
- The US citizen or permanent resident petitioner in most family-based immigrant visa and adjustment-of-status cases, plus any joint sponsor. Some employment-based cases with a qualifying relative also require it.
- Deadline
- Filed with the adjustment-of-status package (Form I-485) or sent to the National Visa Center for consular processing. There is no standalone deadline — it moves with the underlying case.
- How to submit
- Include it with the I-485 package sent to USCIS, or upload/mail it to the National Visa Center for an immigrant visa. Follow the checklist for your specific pathway.
Form I-864 — line-by-line
Part 1 — Basis for filing
Whether you are the petitioner, a joint sponsor, or a substitute sponsor.
Parts 2–4 — People being sponsored
The principal immigrant and any derivative family members covered by this affidavit.
Part 5 — Household size
Everyone you must count: yourself, dependents, the immigrants sponsored, and anyone on a prior I-864.
Part 6 — Sponsor's income and employment
Current individual income, and household income if you are combining with relatives, plus the figures from your last three tax years.
Part 7 — Assets
Optional — used only if income alone does not meet the 125% requirement.
Part 8 — Sponsor's contract and signature
The binding statement of responsibility, signed and dated.
Form I-864 — frequently asked questions
How much income does the sponsor need?+
At least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size (100% for a petitioner on active military duty sponsoring a spouse or child). USCIS publishes the figures on Form I-864P.
What is a joint sponsor?+
A second person who independently meets the income requirement and signs their own I-864 when the petitioner's income falls short.
Is Form I-864 the same as I-134?+
No. I-134 is a non-binding declaration used for some nonimmigrant and parole cases. I-864 is a legally enforceable contract for immigrants.
How long does the obligation last?+
Until the sponsored immigrant becomes a US citizen, is credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work, leaves the US permanently, or dies.
Related forms
The blank Form I-864 offered here is the version published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Official page and instructions .
PDFCure is not a government agency and does not provide tax, legal, or immigration advice. This page is general information — for your specific situation, follow the official instructions or consult a qualified professional. Always download the current edition from the agency before filing. Revision referenced: Check USCIS for the current edition.