How to Meet the U.S. Government’s Financial Status Requirement for Immigration Sponsorship

When sponsoring a family member for a green card, one crucial requirement is proving that you can financially support them. This ensures that the immigrant won’t become a “public charge” and rely on government assistance. To meet this requirement, you’ll need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), showing that your income or assets meet a specific threshold. Here’s how to do it:

1. Understand the Income Requirement

The U.S. government requires that your household income be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. For military sponsors, the requirement is 100%. The poverty guidelines are updated annually, so it’s essential to refer to the most current figures.

For example, as of 2024, if you're sponsoring a spouse and you have no other dependents, your household size would be two. For this, the minimum income requirement is $24,650 (125% of the poverty level for two people). If your household size is larger (e.g., you have children or other dependents), the required income will increase.

2. Calculate Your Household Size

Your household size includes:

• You (the sponsor)

• The family member you’re sponsoring

• Any dependents living with you (e.g., children)

• Any other individuals you’ve sponsored in the past, if still obligated under previous affidavits of support

Understanding your household size is key to determining the income threshold you must meet.

3. Provide Proof of Income

To prove your income, you'll need to submit:

• Your most recent federal tax return (or the last three years, if necessary)

• W-2 forms or pay stubs from your employer

• A letter from your employer confirming your job and salary

If your income alone doesn’t meet the requirement, you may be able to use household income from other members living with you or rely on assets.

4. Use Assets if Necessary

If your income falls short, you can use personal assets, like savings, property, or investments, to meet the requirement. The value of these assets must be worth three times the difference between your income and the required amount for most sponsors (or five times for sponsoring parents or in other specific cases).

For example, if your income is $2,000 short of the requirement, your assets must be worth at least $6,000. Documentation proving the value and ownership of these assets must be included.

5. Get a Joint Sponsor if Needed

If your income and assets still don’t meet the required level, you can find a joint sponsor—another U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who meets the financial requirements independently for Immigration Sponsorship. The joint sponsor must also file Form I-864 and is equally liable for supporting the immigrant.

Meeting the financial status requirement can be complex, but with careful planning and documentation, you can ensure your sponsorship is successful. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you navigate the requirements and ensure all financial documentation is submitted correctly.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone: 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.