Sponsoring an immigrant to the United States is a generous and life-changing act, but it also comes with legal and financial responsibilities. One of the most critical aspects of the sponsorship process is meeting the income requirements set forth by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These financial thresholds are in place to ensure that immigrants will not become a public charge and that sponsors can provide adequate support during the adjustment period. How much you need to make to sponsor an immigrant? This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the income requirements for sponsoring an immigrant, including how they are calculated, updated, and what factors influence them.
Understanding the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
To sponsor an immigrant, you are generally required to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This legally binding document confirms that you have sufficient income or assets to support the intending immigrant at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. By signing this form, you accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the immigrant until they become a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work (approximately 10 years).
Who Needs to Submit Form I-864?
The Affidavit of Support is required for most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants. Here are the common scenarios where Form I-864 is necessary:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Children of U.S. citizens or green card holders
- Parents and siblings of U.S. citizens (where eligible)
- Employment-based immigrants if the sponsor owns 5% or more of the petitioning business
How Is the Required Income Calculated?
The income requirement depends on your household size and is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sponsors must demonstrate income that is at least 125% of the poverty line for their household size. If the sponsor is on active duty in the U.S. military and sponsoring a spouse or child, the threshold is reduced to 100% of the poverty line.
Household Size and Its Impact
Household size includes:
- The sponsor
- The sponsor’s spouse and dependent children
- Any other dependents listed on the sponsor’s federal income tax return
- The intending immigrant(s)
- Any immigrants previously sponsored with an ongoing obligation
Adding more people increases the required income. For example, in 2025, a sponsor with a household size of 4 would need to earn significantly more than a sponsor with a household size of 2.
Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2025
As of 2025, here are the estimated annual income requirements based on the household size. These figures reflect 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (lower for military sponsors):
| Household Size | Minimum Income (125%) | Minimum Income (100%) – Military Sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $24,650 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $31,075 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $37,500 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $43,925 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $50,350 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $56,775 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $63,200 | $50,560 |
View the most current poverty guidelines on the USCIS website.
What Counts as Income?
Your income must be provable and legal. Sources of income can include:
- Salaries and wages
- Self-employment income
- Alimony or child support
- Pensions or retirement benefits
- Disability or veterans benefits
- Social Security income
You’ll be required to provide documentation such as:
- Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
- W-2 or 1099 forms
- Pay stubs or employment verification letter
Using Assets to Meet the Requirement
If your income is below the required threshold, you may use assets to meet the shortfall. Acceptable assets include:
- Savings accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Property equity (excluding primary residence)
- Vehicles (if not essential for daily use)
Assets must be readily convertible to cash within one year and without undue hardship. To calculate the required value, the total shortfall must be multiplied by 5. For example, if you’re $5,000 short, you need $25,000 in assets.
Joint Sponsors
If you don’t meet the income requirement, you can find a joint sponsor who meets the full financial requirements independently. A joint sponsor must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in the U.S. or its territories
- Submit their own Form I-864 and financial evidence
Each joint sponsor can only sponsor one immigrant (or family unit) at a time, and their income is not combined with the petitioner’s unless they share the same household.
Household Member Contributions (Form I-864A)
In some cases, household members (such as a spouse or adult child) can contribute income by filing Form I-864A. This is particularly useful when the primary sponsor is close to the threshold and needs minor supplemental income to qualify. The household member must:
- Reside at the same address
- Be listed as a dependent on the tax return or otherwise qualify
- Be willing to legally commit their income to support the immigrant
Tax Return and Documentation Requirements
USCIS typically requires sponsors to submit:
- Federal tax returns for the most recent tax year (some cases may require 3 years)
- W-2s or 1099s corresponding to the tax returns
- Evidence of current employment (pay stubs, employer letters)
Self-employed individuals should include:
- Schedule C or business tax filings
- Proof of business ownership and income
How Often Are the Guidelines Updated?
The Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated every year, usually in January or February. Sponsors should ensure they’re using the most current data at the time they file Form I-864. USCIS will typically apply the guidelines that were in effect on the date the form was received.
Consequences of Not Meeting the Requirements
If you don’t meet the income or asset threshold and cannot obtain a joint sponsor, your application may be denied. This can result in delays, re-filings, or outright denials of the immigrant’s green card or visa petition. It’s crucial to double-check your calculations and documents before submitting.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Certain categories may be exempt or subject to different criteria:
- Asylees and refugees do not require Form I-864
- Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may be exempt
- VAWA self-petitioners are also not required to submit Form I-864
Tips for a Successful Sponsorship
- Start gathering documents early
- Use official USCIS poverty guideline charts
- Consider hiring an immigration attorney for complex cases
- Always provide complete and truthful information
Conclusion
Sponsoring an immigrant is a powerful gesture of commitment and support, but it comes with a structured set of legal obligations—most notably the financial responsibility outlined in the Affidavit of Support. Understanding how income requirements are determined, what counts as income, and how you can meet those thresholds is vital to a successful immigration process. Whether through earned income, assets, joint sponsorship, or household contributions, there are several paths to meeting the requirements and helping a loved one begin their new life in the United States. Always refer to the most recent USCIS guidance and consider professional legal help if you’re unsure about your eligibility.
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