Who needs to sign Form I-864 when applying for a marriage green card?
When applying for a marriage-based green card in the U.S., the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is required to be submitted by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse who is sponsoring the immigrant beneficiary (the spouse seeking the green card). The purpose of the I-864 is to demonstrate that the sponsoring spouse has the financial means to support the intending immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
The sponsoring spouse, known as the “sponsor” on the I-864 form, needs to sign the form. The sponsoring spouse is legally obligated to provide financial support to the intending immigrant and to reimburse any government agencies for means-tested public benefits the immigrant receives.
If the sponsoring spouse’s income does not meet the required minimum, a joint sponsor can also be used to meet the financial requirements. The joint sponsor is typically another U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is willing to provide financial support and meet the income threshold. The joint sponsor also needs to complete and sign their own Form I-864.
It’s important to ensure that the Form I-864 is filled out accurately and completely, including all necessary signatures. If there are any discrepancies or missing information, it could delay the processing of the green card application.
As immigration processes and requirements can change over time, it’s recommended to refer to the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information when completing and submitting the Form I-864.
What is the minimum income required for a marriage green card application?
The minimum income required for a marriage green card (Form I-864, Affidavit of Support) varies based on factors such as the size of the household and the federal poverty guidelines established by the U.S. government. The sponsoring spouse (U.S. citizen or green card holder) needs to demonstrate that their income meets or exceeds 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.
The federal poverty guidelines are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The guidelines take into account the number of people in the household and the state of residence.
The minimum income requirements for the I-864 were approximately as follows:
For a household of two people (the sponsoring spouse and the immigrant beneficiary), the minimum income requirement is generally around 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for a household of two in the sponsor’s state of residence.
For larger households, the required income increases based on the number of people in the household.
Keep in mind that the above figures are approximate and can vary based on changes to federal poverty guidelines and specific circumstances. It’s important to refer to the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the minimum income requirements for a marriage-based green card application.
If the sponsoring spouse’s income does not meet the minimum requirements, a joint sponsor or other financial assets can be used to supplement the income and meet the eligibility criteria. It’s recommended to seek professional advice to navigate the affidavit of support requirements accurately.
Form I-864 checklist of required documents
When submitting Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, as part of a green card application, there are several documents and pieces of information that you need to provide to demonstrate your financial ability to sponsor the intending immigrant. Here’s a general Form I-864 checklist of the typical documents required:
- Completed Form I-864: Ensure that all sections of Form I-864 are accurately completed, including information about the sponsor, intending immigrant, and household members.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Provide documentation to prove your U.S. citizenship (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate) or permanent residency (e.g., green card).
- Income Documents:
- Copies of your most recent federal income tax returns (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) including all schedules and W-2s.
- If required, include copies of your tax transcripts from the IRS.
- If you were not required to file taxes, provide an explanation and alternative documentation of your income.
- Proof of Current Employment:
- Recent pay stubs or employment verification letter detailing your job, income, and hours worked.
- If self-employed, provide proof of self-employment income (such as business tax returns and profit/loss statements).
- Additional Income Documentation:
- If you have additional sources of income (e.g., rental income, pensions, alimony), provide documentation to verify these sources.
- Proof of Assets:
- If you are using assets to meet the income requirement, provide documentation of ownership and their value (e.g., bank statements, property appraisals, stock certificates).
- Recent Letter of Employment:
- A letter from your current employer on company letterhead, confirming your position, income, and duration of employment.
- If You Have Dependents:
- If you have dependents (spouse, children, etc.) who are not applying for a green card with the intending immigrant, provide documentation of their relationship to you and their immigration status.
- Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member):
- If you are including income from a household member, you may need to provide Form I-864A along with supporting documentation for their income.
- Translation of Documents: If any documents are in a language other than English, include certified translations.
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Any additional documentation that supports your financial stability and ability to provide financial support to the intending immigrant.
Remember, the specific requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies. Always consult the most up-to-date instructions on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and consider seeking professional assistance, such as consulting an immigration attorney, to ensure that your Form I-864 submission is accurate and complete.