Introduction to Affidavit of Support
The Affidavit of Support, also known as Form I-864, is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. This contract is required for most family-based immigration cases, where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is sponsoring a family member for a green card. The purpose of the Affidavit of Support is to ensure that the sponsored immigrant does not become a public charge, relying on government assistance for support. In this article, we will explore the paperwork requirements for the Affidavit of Support and provide guidance on how to complete the form correctly.
Who Needs to File the Affidavit of Support?
The Affidavit of Support is required for most family-based immigration cases, including: * Spouses of U.S. citizens * Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens * Parents of U.S. citizens * Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens * Spouses of lawful permanent residents The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and have a domicile in the United States.
Required Documents for the Affidavit of Support
To complete the Affidavit of Support, the sponsor will need to provide the following documents: * A copy of their birth certificate or naturalization certificate * A copy of their passport or green card * Proof of income, such as: + W-2 forms + Tax returns + Pay stubs + Letter from employer * Proof of assets, such as: + Bank statements + Property deeds + Investment accounts * A copy of the sponsored immigrant’s immigration petition approval notice
Income Requirements for the Affidavit of Support
The sponsor’s income must meet certain requirements to qualify for the Affidavit of Support. The income requirements are based on the federal poverty guidelines, which are updated annually. The sponsor’s income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. For example, if the sponsor has a household size of four, their income must be at least $32,750 per year.
Completing the Affidavit of Support Form
The Affidavit of Support form, also known as Form I-864, can be downloaded from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The form must be completed in black ink, and the sponsor must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. The form requires the sponsor to provide information about their: * Personal background * Income and assets * Household size * Sponsored immigrant’s information
📝 Note: The sponsor should carefully review the form and instructions before completing it, as any mistakes or omissions can delay the processing of the immigration petition.
Table of Income Requirements for the Affidavit of Support
The following table shows the income requirements for the Affidavit of Support based on household size:
| Household Size | Income Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | 21,137</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>28,435 |
| 3 | 35,733</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>43,031 |
| 5 | 50,329</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>57,627 |
| 7 | 64,925</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>72,223 |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Affidavit of Support is a critical component of the family-based immigration process. The sponsor must carefully review and complete the form, ensuring that all required documents are provided and that the income requirements are met. By understanding the paperwork requirements and income requirements for the Affidavit of Support, sponsors can help ensure a smooth and successful immigration process for their loved ones.
What is the purpose of the Affidavit of Support?
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The purpose of the Affidavit of Support is to ensure that the sponsored immigrant does not become a public charge, relying on government assistance for support.
Who needs to file the Affidavit of Support?
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The Affidavit of Support is required for most family-based immigration cases, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents, brothers, and sisters of U.S. citizens, as well as spouses of lawful permanent residents.
What are the income requirements for the Affidavit of Support?
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The sponsor’s income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.
