Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Quick answer
Most family-based green card applicants need Form I-864. The sponsor shows income at or above the required level, usually 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size, and accepts a legal obligation to support the immigrant.
USCIS fee
- USCIS fee
- $0
Cases processed abroad pay a separate State Department fee.
Source: USCIS fee schedule, Form G-1055
- Who files
- The petitioner, and a joint sponsor if needed
- For whom
- Most family-based immigrants
- How to file
- With Form I-485 inside the U.S., or through the National Visa Center for cases abroad.
- What happens next
- The officer reviews it with the green card application.
Checklist: what to gather
Check what you already have. Nothing you check is sent or saved.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Counting household members wrong, which changes the required income.
- Leaving out tax documents or using an old year.
Questions people ask
What if I do not earn enough?
A joint sponsor who meets the requirement can sign a separate I-864. Assets can also count in some cases.
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Official form
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uscis.gov/i-864Related forms
Sources: the USCIS Form I-864 page and the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055). Checked November 6, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Every case is different.