When sponsoring an immigrant to the United States, one critical element of the process is ensuring that the sponsor meets the financial requirements set forth by the U.S. government. The Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a document that a sponsor must file to show they have adequate means of financially supporting the immigrant. This is to ensure that the immigrant does not become a public charge.
The table provided outlines the minimum income requirements that a sponsor in the United States must meet based on household size and location. This includes the lower 48 contiguous states, along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, and the unique cost-of-living adjustments for sponsors living in Alaska and Hawaii.
USAPath automatically calculates in real time if you meet the criteria for sponsorship.
We also ask you for the bare minimum information about your finances and only ask information if its is absolutely required.
Minimum Income Requirements for I-864 Affidavit of Support
When you sponsor an immigrant, you must prove that your income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. Here are the specifics:
For the 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and U.S. Territories:
For a household of 2, the minimum income requirement is $24,650.
Add $6,425 for each additional person in the household.
For Alaska:
For a household of 2, the minimum income requirement is $30,800.
Add $8,038 for each additional person in the household.
For Hawaii:
For a household of 2, the minimum income requirement is $28,350.
Add $7,387 for each additional person in the household.
The requirements increase with each additional member of your household to accommodate the higher costs associated with larger families.
If your income does not meet these thresholds, assets can be used to make up the difference. The value of your assets must be three times the shortfall between your income and the requirement.
Sample table for income requirements:
Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., U.S. Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
2 | $24,650 | $30,800 | $28,350 |
3 | $31,075 | $38,838 | $35,738 |
4 | $37,500 | $46,875 | $43,125 |
5 | $43,925 | $54,913 | $50,513 |
6 | $50,350 | $62,950 | $57,900 |
7 | $56,775 | $70,988 | $65,288 |
8 | $63,200 | $79,025 | $72,675 |
Each Additional | +$6,425 | +$8,038 | +$7,387 |
This table simplifies the complex financial requirements into an easy-to-read format, allowing potential sponsors to quickly assess their eligibility.
Using Assets to Meet Requirements:
If your household income does not meet these required levels, you can use your assets to compensate for the shortfall. The assets must amount to at least three times the income deficit. For instance, if you are short by $5,000, you must show assets worth at least $15,000.
Examples:
Example 1: Single Sponsor with No Dependents
Persona: John, a software engineer living in Texas with no dependents.
Income: $25,000 (below the requirement for a household of 1, which is not shown in the table but hypothetically let's say it's $25,500).
Shortfall: $500.
Assets Needed: $500 shortfall x 3 = $1,500 in assets required to meet the sponsorship criteria.
Example 2: Married Couple with Two Children
Persona: Maria and Carlos, living in California with their two children.
Household Size: 4.
Income: $35,000 (below the requirement for a household of 4, which is $37,500).
Shortfall: $2,500.
Assets Needed: $2,500 shortfall x 3 = $7,500 in assets required.
Example 3: Couple in Alaska with One Child
Persona: Emily and Akio, living in Alaska with one child.
Household Size: 3.
Income: $37,000 (below the requirement for a household of 3 in Alaska, which is $38,838).
Shortfall: $1,838.
Assets Needed: $1,838 shortfall x 3 = $5,514 in assets required.
Example 4: Retired Sponsor in Hawaii Sponsoring a Grandchild
Persona: Grace, a retiree in Hawaii, sponsoring her grandchild.
Household Size: 2 (herself and her grandchild).
Income: $27,000 (below the requirement for a household of 2 in Hawaii, which is $28,350).
Shortfall: $1,350.
Assets Needed: $1,350 shortfall x 3 = $4,050 in assets required.
Example 5: Extended Family Living Together in the Contiguous States
Persona: Hassan and Aisha, with their four children and two elderly parents in Virginia.
Household Size: 8.
Income: $60,000 (below the requirement for a household of 8, which is $63,200).
Shortfall: $3,200.
Assets Needed: $3,200 shortfall x 3 = $9,600 in assets required.
Example 6: Young Professional Sponsoring a Fiancé
Persona: Ava, a graphic designer in New York, sponsoring her fiancé.
Household Size: 2.
Income: $50,000 (above the requirement for a household of 2, which is $24,650).
Situation: Ava's income exceeds the 125% poverty guideline, so no assets are needed for the affidavit of support.
Outcome: Since Ava's income is sufficient, she does not need to include any assets on Form I-864.
Example 7: Dual-Income No Kids (DINK) Couple Sponsoring a Parent
Persona: Michael and Sun-hee, both IT professionals in Colorado, sponsoring Michael's mother.
Household Size: 3.
Combined Income: $95,000 (well above the requirement for a household of 3, which is $31,075).
Situation: Their combined income is significantly higher than the required threshold.
Outcome: The couple easily meets the income requirements for sponsorship, eliminating the need to calculate assets.