USCIS I-864 PDF Form

USCIS I-864 PDF Form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a critical document that ensures a visa applicant has adequate financial support from a sponsor. By completing this form, sponsors commit to financially support the applicant, helping to prevent them from becoming reliant on government assistance. Ready to get started? Fill out the form by clicking the button below.

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The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a critical role in the immigration process for individuals seeking to become lawful permanent residents in the United States. This form serves as a binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, ensuring that the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge. It requires sponsors to demonstrate their financial ability to support the immigrant, typically through proof of income, assets, and employment. The I-864 form must be completed accurately and submitted alongside other immigration applications, making it essential for both the sponsor and the immigrant to understand its requirements. Additionally, the form outlines the obligations of the sponsor, including the duration of support and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet those obligations. Understanding the nuances of the I-864 form is vital for a successful application process, as it can significantly impact the outcome of an immigration case.

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Your Questions, Answered

  1. What is the USCIS I-864 form?

    The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a legal document that a sponsor must complete when a foreign national seeks to immigrate to the United States. This form demonstrates that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the immigrant and ensures that the immigrant will not become a public charge.

  2. Who needs to submit the I-864 form?

    The I-864 form must be submitted by individuals who are sponsoring a family member or certain employment-based immigrants for a green card. Generally, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and must be at least 18 years old.

  3. What are the income requirements for the I-864 form?

    Sponsors must demonstrate that their income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. This includes the sponsor, the immigrant, and any other dependents. If the sponsor's income does not meet this threshold, they may use assets or find a joint sponsor to fulfill the requirement.

  4. What documents should be submitted with the I-864 form?

    When submitting the I-864 form, the sponsor should include supporting documents such as:

    • Proof of income (e.g., tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs)
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
    • Evidence of any assets being used to meet the income requirement
  5. What happens if the sponsor does not fulfill their obligations?

    If the sponsor fails to meet their financial obligations as outlined in the I-864 form, the immigrant may seek financial support through the sponsor. The sponsor can be held legally responsible for any public benefits the immigrant receives, which may lead to legal consequences.

Detailed Guide for Using USCIS I-864

Completing the USCIS I-864 form is an important step in the immigration process. After filling out the form, it will need to be submitted as part of the application package to demonstrate financial support for the intending immigrant. Follow these steps to ensure accurate completion of the form.

  1. Obtain the latest version of the I-864 form from the USCIS website.
  2. Read the instructions carefully before starting to fill out the form.
  3. Provide your full name in the designated section, including any aliases.
  4. Enter your address, ensuring it is current and accurate.
  5. Indicate your status as a sponsor, whether you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
  6. Fill in your Social Security number. If you do not have one, leave that section blank.
  7. List the name of the intending immigrant(s) you are sponsoring.
  8. Complete the financial information section, including your income and household size.
  9. Attach supporting documents that verify your income, such as tax returns and pay stubs.
  10. Sign and date the form at the end, certifying that the information provided is accurate.
  11. Make a copy of the completed form for your records before submission.

After completing the I-864 form, ensure that all required documents are included in your application package. Review everything for accuracy before sending it to USCIS. This will help avoid delays in the processing of the application.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor a family member for a green card. This form demonstrates the sponsor's ability to financially support the immigrant, ensuring they will not become a public charge. Alongside the I-864, several other forms and documents are typically required to complete the immigration process. Below is a list of these important documents, each serving a specific purpose in the application journey.

  • I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: This form is submitted by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish the qualifying relationship with the family member seeking a green card.
  • I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This application is used by individuals who are already in the United States and wish to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
  • I-864A Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member: If a household member is contributing to the financial support of the immigrant, this form must be included to show their income and assets.
  • I-864EZ Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act: This simplified version of the I-864 is available for certain sponsors who meet specific criteria, streamlining the process for eligible cases.
  • Tax Returns and W-2 Forms: Sponsors must provide copies of their most recent tax returns and W-2 forms to verify their income and financial stability.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: A copy of the sponsor's birth certificate, passport, or green card is necessary to confirm their status as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Employment Verification Letter: A letter from the sponsor's employer detailing their job title, salary, and length of employment helps establish the sponsor's financial capability.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the immigration process, ensuring that the necessary information is available for review. By carefully preparing and submitting these forms, sponsors can help facilitate a smoother transition for their loved ones as they navigate the path to permanent residency.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is similar to the I-134 form, which is also used for sponsorship purposes. The I-134 form is a declaration of financial support for non-immigrant visa applicants. Both forms require the sponsor to demonstrate their ability to financially support the applicant, ensuring that the applicant will not become a public charge. However, the I-134 is typically used for temporary visas, while the I-864 is required for those seeking permanent residency.

Another document that resembles the I-864 is the I-864A form, which is a Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member. This form allows household members to contribute their income and assets to the sponsor's financial support obligations. Like the I-864, the I-864A requires financial documentation to prove the combined income meets the necessary guidelines. The main difference lies in the fact that the I-864A specifically involves additional household members, while the I-864 focuses solely on the primary sponsor.

The I-864W form, or Request for Exemption for Certain Income, is also related to the I-864. This form is used by individuals who are exempt from the requirement to submit the I-864 due to specific circumstances, such as being a self-petitioner under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). While both forms serve to ensure financial support, the I-864W provides a pathway for certain applicants to bypass the standard sponsorship process.

The I-130 form, Petition for Alien Relative, is another document that shares similarities with the I-864. The I-130 establishes a qualifying relationship between the sponsor and the applicant, which is a prerequisite for filing the I-864. Both forms are part of the family-based immigration process, but the I-130 focuses on the relationship aspect, whereas the I-864 emphasizes financial responsibility.

The I-751 form, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, also has a connection to the I-864. This form is used by conditional residents who obtained their status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The I-751 may require the submission of an I-864 to demonstrate ongoing financial support and stability in the relationship. While both forms pertain to immigration status, the I-751 specifically addresses the removal of conditions on residency.

The I-140 form, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is relevant as well. This form is utilized by employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. Like the I-864, the I-140 involves financial considerations, as the employer must demonstrate the ability to pay the offered wage. Both forms are integral to the employment-based immigration process, but the I-140 focuses on the employment relationship rather than personal sponsorship.

The DS-260 form, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, also has similarities with the I-864. The DS-260 is used by individuals applying for immigrant visas from outside the United States. It requires information about the applicant's background and may reference the I-864 to confirm financial support from a sponsor. Both forms are essential for the immigration process, but the DS-260 is specifically for visa applications, while the I-864 is focused on the financial commitment of the sponsor.

Lastly, the N-400 form, Application for Naturalization, relates to the I-864 in the context of immigration status. While the N-400 is used by lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship, it may require evidence of the applicant's financial stability and compliance with the terms of the I-864. Both forms are part of the broader immigration framework, but the N-400 is focused on the transition from permanent residency to citizenship.

File Specifics

Fact Name Details
Purpose The I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is used to demonstrate that an immigrant has adequate financial support and will not become a public charge.
Who Must File Typically, the sponsor, who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, must file the form for the immigrant they are sponsoring.
Income Requirement The sponsor's income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. This requirement varies based on the number of dependents.
Joint Sponsors If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirement, they may enlist a joint sponsor to help meet the financial criteria.
Supporting Documents Along with the I-864 form, sponsors must provide proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification letters.
Duration of Obligation The sponsor's financial obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, or dies.
State-Specific Forms While the I-864 is a federal form, certain states may have additional requirements or forms for state-specific financial support.
Filing Fee There is no fee to file the I-864 form itself, but other related immigration forms may have associated fees.