Homepage Fill in a Valid USCIS I-864 Template
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The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for family members seeking to become permanent residents in the United States. This form is essential for ensuring that immigrants have adequate financial support and will not become a public charge. It requires the sponsor, typically a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, to demonstrate their ability to financially support the immigrant by providing evidence of income, assets, and tax returns. The sponsor must meet specific income requirements, which are usually set at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Additionally, the I-864 form includes obligations that the sponsor must uphold, including maintaining financial support until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or has worked for 40 qualifying quarters. Understanding the intricacies of this form is vital, as errors or omissions can lead to delays or denials in the immigration process. Proper completion and submission of the I-864 can significantly impact the success of an immigrant's application, making it imperative for sponsors to approach this task with diligence and care.

How to Use USCIS I-864

After obtaining the USCIS I-864 form, it's essential to complete it accurately to support an immigration application. This form requires specific information about your financial situation to demonstrate your ability to support the applicant. Follow these steps to fill it out correctly.

  1. Begin by downloading the latest version of the I-864 form from the USCIS website.
  2. Read the instructions carefully before filling out the form.
  3. In Part 1, provide your personal information, including your full name, address, and contact details.
  4. In Part 2, indicate your relationship to the applicant. Clearly state whether you are their spouse, parent, sibling, etc.
  5. In Part 3, disclose your income. List your current employment details, including your employer's name and address.
  6. Provide your total annual income and attach supporting documents like tax returns and pay stubs.
  7. In Part 4, list any other household members who contribute to your income. Include their names and relationship to you.
  8. In Part 5, check the appropriate box if you are using assets to meet the income requirement. Provide details about those assets.
  9. Complete Part 6 by signing and dating the form. Ensure that your signature matches your name as listed on the form.
  10. Review the entire form for accuracy and completeness before submission.

Once the form is completed, gather all necessary supporting documents and submit them to USCIS as part of the immigration application process. Ensure you keep copies for your records.

Key takeaways

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form can feel overwhelming, but understanding its purpose and requirements is key. Here are some essential takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Purpose of the Form: The I-864, or Affidavit of Support, is designed to show that a sponsor can financially support a family member immigrating to the U.S.
  • Eligibility Requirements: To be a sponsor, you generally need to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and meet specific income requirements.
  • Income Threshold: Your income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. This ensures that the immigrant won't rely on government assistance.
  • Supporting Documents: You must provide evidence of your income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification letters. These documents strengthen your application.
  • Joint Sponsors: If you don’t meet the income requirements, you can enlist a joint sponsor. This person must also fill out a separate I-864 form and meet the same financial criteria.
  • Legal Obligations: Signing the I-864 creates a legally binding contract. As a sponsor, you agree to support the immigrant financially, which can last until they become a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work.

Taking the time to understand these points will help you navigate the I-864 form with confidence. Remember, proper completion and submission can significantly impact the immigration process for your loved one.

Common mistakes

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a critical step in the immigration process. Many applicants make mistakes that can delay their case or even lead to denials. One common mistake is failing to provide accurate income information. Applicants often miscalculate their annual income or overlook additional sources of income, such as bonuses or self-employment earnings. This can create discrepancies that raise red flags for immigration officials.

Another frequent error involves not including the correct number of dependents. When filling out the I-864, it's essential to list all household members, including children and any other dependents. Failing to do so can suggest that the applicant is trying to misrepresent their financial situation. This mistake can lead to complications in the application process.

Many people also forget to sign the form. It may seem trivial, but an unsigned form is considered incomplete and can result in delays. The signature serves as a declaration that the information provided is accurate and truthful. Always double-check to ensure that all necessary signatures are present before submitting the form.

Inaccurate or incomplete documentation is another common pitfall. Applicants must include supporting documents that verify their income, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs. Without these documents, the application may be deemed insufficient. It's advisable to review the requirements carefully and ensure that all necessary paperwork is attached.

Some applicants mistakenly believe that they can submit the I-864 without meeting the income requirements. The form requires sponsors to demonstrate that their income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. If the sponsor's income falls short, they may need to find a joint sponsor or provide additional evidence of financial support.

Additionally, using outdated forms can lead to issues. The USCIS periodically updates its forms, and using an old version can result in rejection of the application. Always check the USCIS website for the most current version of the I-864 before filling it out.

Lastly, many individuals fail to keep copies of their submitted forms and documents. Having a record of what was submitted is crucial in case any questions arise later in the process. It also helps in tracking the application status. Maintaining organized records can simplify future interactions with USCIS and help avoid unnecessary complications.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a critical document for individuals seeking to sponsor an immigrant. Along with the I-864, several other forms and documents are often required to ensure a comprehensive application. Below is a list of these documents, each serving a specific purpose in the immigration process.

  • I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: This form is filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a relationship with the immigrant they wish to sponsor.
  • I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: This document is used by individuals already in the U.S. to apply for a green card.
  • I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence: This form is for individuals who received conditional residency through marriage, allowing them to remove those conditions after two years.
  • I-765 Application for Employment Authorization: This form allows eligible immigrants to apply for a work permit while their immigration application is pending.
  • I-131 Application for Travel Document: This document is used to request permission to travel outside the U.S. while an immigration application is pending.
  • Form G-325A Biographic Information: This form collects personal information about the applicant and is often required for various immigration applications.
  • Form I-864A Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member: This form is used when a household member contributes income to help meet the financial requirements for the I-864.
  • Tax Returns and W-2 Forms: Sponsors must provide copies of their most recent tax returns and W-2 forms to demonstrate their financial ability to support the immigrant.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: This can include a birth certificate, passport, or green card to establish the sponsor's eligibility.
  • Bill of Sale: For transactions involving vehicles or personal property, completing a PDF Documents Hub is essential to provide legal proof of ownership transfer.
  • Proof of Income: This may include pay stubs, employment letters, or bank statements to verify the sponsor's financial situation.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the immigration process, ensuring that all necessary information is provided for a successful application. It is essential to prepare and submit these forms accurately to avoid delays or complications in the immigration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the USCIS I-864 form?

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for certain family-based immigration applications. It serves as a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. The sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant if necessary.

Who needs to submit the I-864 form?

The I-864 form must be submitted by the petitioner (the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) who is sponsoring an immigrant for a green card. This includes spouses, children, and other family members. In some cases, joint sponsors may also need to submit an I-864 if the primary sponsor's income is insufficient.

What are the income requirements for the I-864 form?

The sponsor's income must meet or exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. For active military members sponsoring their spouse or child, the requirement is 100% of the guidelines. The guidelines change annually, so it's essential to check the most current figures when completing the form.

How do I calculate my household size for the I-864?

Your household size includes:

  • Yourself
  • Your spouse (if applicable)
  • Your dependent children
  • Any other dependents listed on your tax return
  • The immigrant you are sponsoring

Ensure that you count everyone accurately to determine the correct income requirement.

What documents do I need to submit with the I-864 form?

Along with the I-864 form, you should submit:

  1. Your most recent tax return (Form 1040)
  2. W-2 forms or 1099s for the last tax year
  3. Proof of current employment, such as a pay stub or an employment verification letter
  4. Evidence of any other income or assets, if applicable

These documents help establish your financial ability to support the immigrant.

Can I use assets to meet the income requirement?

Yes, you can use assets to supplement your income if it falls short of the required level. Generally, assets must be valued at three times the difference between your income and the required amount. Acceptable assets include savings accounts, property, and stocks. Documentation proving the value of these assets will be necessary.

What happens if I do not meet the income requirements?

If you do not meet the income requirements, you may consider finding a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor must submit their own I-864 form and meet the income requirements independently. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of significant assets to make up the difference.

How long does the I-864 obligation last?

The obligation to support the immigrant lasts until one of the following occurs:

  • The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen
  • The immigrant can be credited with 40 quarters of work (approximately 10 years)
  • The immigrant leaves the U.S. permanently
  • The sponsor dies

It's important to understand this commitment, as it is legally binding.