I-864

Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

Agency
USCIS
Revision
Edition 08/24/26
Fillable fields
219
Pages
12
Official source
USCIS form page
Checked
October 14, 2026
Fill I-864 online
Page 1 of form I-864

Form I-864: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

Form I-864 is a financial promise a sponsor makes to the U.S. government. Most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants need one to show they will not rely on public benefits. The sponsor, usually the relative who filed the immigrant petition, signs a contract agreeing to support the immigrant if it becomes necessary.

USCIS calls it a legally binding contract. If the sponsored immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits, the agency that paid them can ask the sponsor for repayment and can sue if the money is not repaid.

USCIS published a new 08/24/26 edition, which adds a privacy release allowing it to request information from consumer reporting agencies. It will process only that edition starting Oct. 1, 2026, so a credit freeze on the sponsor can slow a case.

The title area of Form I-864 (edition 08/24/26) with the form name, agency and OMB number

What's on Form I-864

Part 1: Basis for filing

Why this affidavit is filed, such as being the petitioner, a joint sponsor or a substitute sponsor.

Part 2: Information about you, the sponsor

Your name, address, citizenship or status, and domicile in the United States.

Part 3: Information about the principal immigrant

The person you are sponsoring.

Part 4: Immigrants you are sponsoring

Any family members sponsored on the same affidavit.

Part 5: Sponsor's household size

Everyone counted in your household.

Part 6: Sponsor's employment and income

Employer, current income and tax return details.

Part 7: Use of assets

Optional, used to supplement income that is too low.

Parts 8 to 11: Contract, signature and extras

Part 8 is the sponsor's contract and signature, Part 9 an interpreter, Part 10 a preparer, and Part 11 additional information.

How to fill out Form I-864

  1. 1

    Confirm the edition

    Use the 08/24/26 edition. USCIS says it will not process the 10/17/24 edition postmarked or submitted on or after Oct. 1, 2026, though it does not reject a Form I-485 because the I-864 inside is an older edition.

    The bottom of a Form I-864 page showing the edition date 08/24/26
  2. 2

    Count your household in Part 5

    Include yourself, your spouse, dependent children under 21, other dependents on your tax return, everyone you are sponsoring, and immigrants you previously sponsored and still must support.

    Part 5 of Form I-864 with household members counted, including a spouse and dependent children
  3. 3

    Report income in Part 6

    Use your most recent tax return and W-2s. You may also send the last three years, recent pay stubs or an employer letter if it helps you qualify.

    The start of Part 6 of Form I-864 with the employed box checked and a sample employer and annual income entered
  4. 4

    Meet the 125 percent test

    Your income must be at least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, or 100 percent if you are on active duty and sponsoring a spouse or child. The current table is on Form I-864P.

    Item 12 of Part 6 on Form I-864 with a sample current annual household income entered for comparison with the poverty guidelines
  5. 5

    Add help if income is short

    Use household members with Form I-864A, the immigrant's own income if it continues, assets in Part 7, or a joint sponsor.

    The start of Part 7 of Form I-864 noting the assets table is optional when income already meets the guidelines
  6. 6

    Read and sign the contract in Part 8

    You submit one affidavit per intending immigrant, with photocopies allowed when several are listed together. You can fill the form online free on this page, then print it for a handwritten signature.

    The sponsor signature and date lines in Part 8 of Form I-864 with a sample signature entered

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Where to file, obligation and fees

Where to file

Use the USCIS lockbox filing chart for certain family-based forms. If the immigrant files Form I-485 online, they can upload the I-864 and related papers with it. Filing with the Department of State has separate instructions.

Fee

If filed with USCIS, see the Fee Schedule page. For the State Department, see its visa services fees page.

Evidence for all sponsors

A federal income tax return with W-2s and 1099s for the most recent year, or an explanation if you were not required to file. Self-employed sponsors add the relevant Schedule C, D, E or F.

Other evidence

Proof of citizenship or permanent residence for joint or substitute sponsors, and documentation of assets showing location, ownership, date acquired, value and any liens.

How long the obligation lasts

Until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or earns credit for 40 qualifying quarters of work. It also ends on the death of the sponsor or immigrant, or if the immigrant stops being a permanent resident. Divorce does not end it.

Common mistakes

Using an old edition, forgetting Form I-864A for a household member whose income counts, and not realizing the contract can lead to repayment demands.

Related forms

Who needs to fill out Form I-864?

  • Sponsors of family-based immigrants

    The petitioner completes it for the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and for all family-based preference immigrants, to get an immigrant visa overseas or adjust status in the United States.

  • Sponsors of K-1 and K-2 immigrants

    It is required when a K-1 fiance(e) or K-2 child adjusts status on that basis.

  • Some employment-based cases

    Required when a relative filed the Form I-140 for the immigrant, or owns 5 percent or more of the business that filed it.

  • Joint and substitute sponsors

    A joint sponsor can add income or assets when the main sponsor falls short. A substitute sponsor steps in when the petitioner has died and the case is reinstated.

  • Household members

    Anyone whose income is counted completes a separate Form I-864A.

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Questions about Form I-864

Is Form I-864 a contract?

Yes. USCIS describes it as a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government.

How much income do I need?

At least 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, or 100 percent for qualifying active duty sponsors. Form I-864P lists the guidelines.

Can someone else sign if I do not qualify?

A joint sponsor with enough income or assets can submit a separate affidavit.

Does divorce end my obligation?

No. USCIS says divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation.

Do I need a separate form for each family member?

You submit an affidavit for each intending immigrant, though photocopies work for others listed on the same affidavit. Different petitions need separate originals.