Understanding the Affidavit of Support
The Affidavit of Support, also known as Form I-864, is a legally enforceable contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. This document is required for most family-based immigration petitions and some employment-based petitions. The purpose of the Affidavit of Support is to ensure that the immigrant will not become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government assistance programs for their basic needs. In this blog post, we will delve into the paperwork requirements for the Affidavit of Support and guide you through the process of completing and submitting the form.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
To be eligible to sponsor an immigrant, the sponsor must meet certain requirements. These include: * Being a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) * Being at least 18 years old * Having a domicile in the United States * Meeting the minimum income requirements, which vary based on the sponsor’s household size and the number of immigrants being sponsored * Being willing and able to financially support the immigrant
Required Documents for the Affidavit of Support
To complete the Affidavit of Support, the sponsor will need to provide several documents, including: * A copy of their U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate to prove their citizenship or nationality * A copy of their green card (if applicable) * Proof of income, such as: + W-2 forms + Tax returns + Pay stubs + Letter from employer * Proof of employment, such as a letter from their employer or a business card * Proof of assets, such as: + Bank statements + Stock certificates + Real estate deeds
Completing the Affidavit of Support Form
The Affidavit of Support form consists of several parts, including: * Part 1: Sponsor’s information * Part 2: Sponsor’s household size * Part 3: Sponsor’s income and employment * Part 4: Sponsor’s assets and liabilities * Part 5: Sponsor’s obligations * Part 6: Sponsor’s signature
📝 Note: The sponsor must sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
Submission and Filing Fees
Once the Affidavit of Support form is completed, it must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required filing fee. The current filing fee for the Affidavit of Support is $0, but this fee is subject to change. The sponsor should check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information on filing fees.
Table of Income Requirements
The income requirements for sponsors vary based on the sponsor’s household size and the number of immigrants being sponsored. The following table outlines the minimum income requirements for sponsors:
| Household Size | Minimum Income Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,137 |
| 2 | $26,813 |
| 3 | $32,489 |
| 4 | $38,165 |
| 5 | $43,841 |
| 6 | $49,517 |
| 7 | $55,193 |
| 8 | $60,869 |
Consequences of Not Meeting the Income Requirements
If the sponsor does not meet the minimum income requirements, they may be able to use assets to supplement their income. However, if the sponsor is still unable to meet the requirements, the immigrant’s application may be denied. In some cases, the sponsor may be able to use a co-sponsor to meet the income requirements.
In summary, the Affidavit of Support is a critical document required for most family-based immigration petitions and some employment-based petitions. The sponsor must meet certain eligibility requirements, provide required documents, and complete the Affidavit of Support form. The sponsor must also meet the minimum income requirements, which vary based on the sponsor’s household size and the number of immigrants being sponsored. Failure to meet the income requirements may result in the immigrant’s application being denied.
The key points to take away from this blog post are the importance of understanding the Affidavit of Support requirements, the eligibility requirements for sponsors, and the consequences of not meeting the income requirements. By following the guidelines outlined in this post, sponsors can ensure that they are able to provide the necessary support for their immigrant family members or employees.
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 immigrant will not become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government assistance programs for their basic needs.
What are the eligibility requirements for sponsors?
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To be eligible to sponsor an immigrant, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or national, or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), be at least 18 years old, have a domicile in the United States, meet the minimum income requirements, and be willing and able to financially support the immigrant.
What documents are required to complete the Affidavit of Support form?
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The sponsor will need to provide several documents, including a copy of their U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate, a copy of their green card (if applicable), proof of income, proof of employment, and proof of assets.
