Immigration Documents
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
The affidavit of support is the document where a sponsor takes on financial responsibility for an immigrant — and it's one of the most common places an otherwise solid petition gets held up.
What Form I-864 is for
Form I-864 is a legally enforceable contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government, committing the sponsor to financially support the immigrant so they don't need to rely on public benefits. It's required for most family-based green card applications.
What you'll need to put it together
- • Proof of the sponsor's U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- • Most recent federal tax return or an IRS tax transcript
- • Proof of current income — pay stubs or an employer letter
- • A joint sponsor's complete I-864 and documentation, if needed to meet the income threshold
Why this form causes so many delays
A missing signature, an outdated tax transcript, or income that's close to the threshold without a clear explanation are all common reasons USCIS sends the whole petition back. See the most common mistakes that get immigration petitions rejected →
Common Questions
I-864 Affidavit of Support FAQ
- A sponsor filing an I-864 Affidavit of Support is typically required for most family-based green card applications, and some employment-based ones, to show the immigrant won't need to rely on public benefits.
Get help with your affidavit of support
A licensed attorney on our team reviews your I-864 and supporting documentation before you file, so a preventable error doesn't delay your petition.
This is general information, not legal advice for your specific petition. Immigration requirements change — confirm current USCIS requirements before filing.