Form I-864 is a legally binding contract required in many family-based and certain employment-based immigration cases. It is signed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who agrees to financially support an intending immigrant. The purpose of this form is to establish that the immigrant will not become a public charge after obtaining lawful permanent residence.
To complete the I-864, sponsors must meet key eligibility criteria:
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Be at least 18 years old.
Maintain a domicile in the United States.
Show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (or 100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child).
The filing process involves gathering tax returns, employment records, and financial statements before submitting the form to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the immigrant’s application package. Accurate preparation and timely filing are crucial to avoid processing delays.
Our Preparation and Filing I-864, Affidavit of Support immigration services offer expert immigration assistance from seasoned professionals. Each Preparation and Filing I-864, Affidavit of Support lawyer at Immigration Professional Association provides personalized legal strategies designed to strengthen every case. Contact Immigration Professional Association today for a free consultation and get the skilled representation you deserve.
Sponsors for the I-864 Affidavit of Support must prove income at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, as required by INA Section 213A and 8 C.F.R. § 213a.2, to ensure immigrants avoid becoming a public charge. This threshold applies to household size and location, with exceptions at 100% for active-duty military sponsors of spouses or children.
Filing Form I-864 involves completing detailed financial disclosures and submitting alongside family-based or employment-based green card petitions to USCIS or the National Visa Center. Key steps include verifying sponsor eligibility, calculating household income, and attaching evidence like pay stubs and bank statements.
The I-864 creates a 10-year enforceable contract holding sponsors financially accountable if immigrants rely on certain public benefits. Understanding totality-of-circumstances tests under public charge rules is vital, as insufficient sponsorship can trigger inadmissibility.
Before submitting your application, always confirm that you are using the most recent edition of the form available from USCIS.gov. Filing outdated forms may result in rejection.
Attorneys assist sponsors in accurately completing Form I-864, gathering required financial documents like tax returns and pay stubs, and ensuring compliance with INA Section 213A income thresholds for family-based green card applications. This service minimizes errors that could lead to USCIS requests for evidence.
Average Budget Range: From $750 to $1,500
For cases where the primary sponsor falls short of 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines, lawyers prepare Form I-864A for joint sponsors, coordinating multiple income sources and household size calculations to strengthen the affidavit package. This is common in consular processing or adjustment of status filings.
Average Budget Range: From $500 to $1,000
Legal experts help sponsors qualify using assets (at 3-5x the income shortfall) or seek poverty guideline waivers when income is insufficient, compiling evidence like property valuations and bank statements for USCIS review.
Average Budget Range: From $1,000 to $2,000
When USCIS issues a Request for Evidence on affidavit deficiencies, attorneys draft targeted responses with supplemental financial proof to resolve issues efficiently and avoid application denials.
Average Budget Range: From $700 to $1,500
For families with several intending immigrants, professionals prepare separate I-864s or I-864As per petition, ensuring consistent documentation across siblings or parents in one green card process.
Average Budget Range: From $1,200 to $2,500
Immigrants facing sponsor non-support can rely on attorneys to enforce the 10-year contract through civil lawsuits under INA 213A, seeking court-ordered payments for promised financial aid.
Average Budget Range: From $3,000 to $7,500
Lawyers review and submit I-864 packages to the National Visa Center, including the $120 review fee coordination, preparing for embassy interviews with financial evidence tailored to Department of State standards.
Average Budget Range: From $1,000 to $2,900
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