4 Steps to Complete Your Carta de Sostenimiento para Residencia

Introduction

Carta de Sostenimiento for residency: The financial documentation that the sponsor of an immigrant foreign national relative offers to prove that he or she can support the relative while they reside in the United States for immigrant status.

Requirements to become a sponsor of an immigrant foreign national relative, and the required documentation to satisfy the requirements to support an immigrant relative for residency, are set by regulations. There are several requirements that must be satisfied, and numerous documents that must be provided in order to become a sponsor of an immigrant foreign national relative to reside in the U.S.

Here are the requirements and the documentation needed in order to become a sponsor of an immigrant foreign national relative for residency:

1. Proof of income
2. Affidavit of support
3. Tax returns
4. Employment verification
5. Bank statements
6. Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency

Identify Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship

Need Help With Your carta de sostenimiento para residencia for Sponsor?

1. Age: The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
2. Residency Status: The Sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card Holder) of the U.S.
3. Domicile: Petitioner must be residing in the U.S. and have a U.S. address.
4. Earnings Criteria: Your earnings for the preceding year must exceed 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size. In general, your family's total annual earnings must exceed the 100% level of the federal poverty level by 25% (for two or more relatives). As of the effective date of the applicable fiscal year, the following are the federal poverty levels for the total household size of:
   • Household size 2: $27,050
   • Household size 3: $34,150
   • Household size 4: $41,250
     Military members are required to provide proof that they meet the minimum Federal Poverty Guidelines for their family size. For spouses and children under the age of 21, the sponsoring family member only needs to prove that they can support their immediate family members.
5. Legal Obligations: The obligations of support that immigrants have with their sponsoring relatives while they are residents in the U.S. are of a financial nature.

While the petitioner’s earnings may not be sufficient to support an immigrant, someone else can sign the Carta de Sostenimiento to support the immigrant(s) as long as the person(s) supporting the immigrant(s) have sufficient earnings and/or assets to support the immigrant(s). The value of assets needed to support an immigrant would need to match at least three times the shortfall in earnings for the spouses of U.S. citizens and five times for all other relatives. Therefore, if the petitioner earns $30,000 per year and the required earnings for a household of 3 are $35,000 per year, the shortfall in earnings would be $5,000 per year. Therefore, someone else could support the immigrant(s) for the value of $15,000 in assets for each $5,000 of shortfall in earnings.

Review of Eligibility Requirements: As USCIS updates the information for eligibility of a sponsor for a relative’s residence, this will be updated also. However, for now, it would be in the best interest of the petitioner to gather the most current and adequate documentation. Typically, this would include the most current Federal tax return, copies of the Petitioner’s W-2 forms, as well as any additional relevant documentation which may prove financial capacity for the sponsorship of a relative’s residence. For assistance with these Carta de Sostenimiento requirements for Sponsorship, please speak with an experienced Immigration Attorney to review and assist with the proper preparation of paperwork and necessary documentation.

Gather Necessary Documentation for Your Application

The Process of Applying for Carta de Sostenimiento for Residencia Application can seem like a ton of work and require a lot of paperwork. We are here to support you and help you in this difficult time. Let’s go over all of the documents needed for Carta de Sostenimiento Application.

1. Proof of Identity: U.S. passport, Green Card, or other ID issued by government (copy of front and back of ID).
2. Financial Documents: These include your income information for the last three years (including copies of tax returns and W-2s and your recent pay stubs) as well as that of your sponsor. He or she must have earnings that are at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for his or her family size. For 2026, for example, a family of two would need to earn at least $27,050 per year while a family of four would need to earn at least $41,250 per year. For a family of three, the minimum required income would be $34,150 per year.
3. Proof of Domicile: We need proof of your current U.S. residence. This can include utility bills, your current lease agreement, etc. with complete addresses listed for each.
4. Affidavit of Support Document (I-864): You can download the latest version of the Affidavit of Support Document (I-864) from USCIS’s website. It is a legally binding contract that your sponsor will be required to sign with all due caution. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the carta de sostenimiento para residencia needed to support the immigrant financially.
5. Family Size Information: Please provide the list of family members including children. For each family member, please indicate their age and relationship to the immigrant (e.g. father, mother, son, daughter, etc.). The age and relationship of each family member will help determine the suitable earnings threshold for completion of immigrant’s residence application for carta de sostenimiento para residencia.
6. Current Earnings Proof: When applying for carta de sostenimiento para residencia, a list of documents that can be used to establish your current earnings level (in addition to copies of your previous years’ tax returns) will also be required. As previously mentioned, in preparing your residence for immigrant relatives application for Carta de Sostenimiento for Residence, USCIS will be scrutinizing all submitted documents for discrepancies or omissions that could result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) being issued if there are discrepancies between tax returns submitted and the applicant’s current earnings. For this reason, supporting evidence of your current earnings (e.g., recent pay stubs, confirmation of employment letter from your HR department) will also be accepted as sufficient proof of your earnings at the time of your application for Carta de Sostenimiento for Residence.
7. Joint Sponsor Information: This information can be included for applicants whose earnings alone will not meet the financial requirements of the immigrant for residence. A joint sponsor with sufficient earnings to meet immigrant’s residence requirements independently can also be included.
8. IRS Tax Transcripts: These may be preferred over copies of tax returns (as evidence of income) to assist USCIS verify information contained within the required documentation.

We hope that everything proceeds smoothly with your permanent residency application. We’ll continue to support you throughout the process with all the relevant documentation.

Complete the Carta de Sostenimiento Form Accurately

Form I-864 - The Immigrant Sponsor Form for Family-Based Immigration to Obtain a Green Card as a Legal Permanent Resident (Immigrant) - I-864 Step by Step. Family-based immigrants use Form I-864 to get legal permanent resident status. The I-864 immigrant sponsor form for family-based immigrants to get legal permanent resident status can be confusing to complete and requires great care in completing all sections of the form.

1. Personal Information: In Step 1 of completing Form I-864, we provide information pertaining to the signor (e.g. sponsor of an immigrant relative for permanent resident status). This Step contains space to enter information including, but not limited to: full name of the sponsor; mailing and home address; mailing and home city, state and zip code; home telephone number(s); date(s) of birth; and, Social Security Number(s) or other government issued identification number(s). In addition, the Sponsor is asked to list additional names(s) by which he/she is known. Such information is required to be accurately and completely completed.
2. Sponsor’s Information: This section collects information about the sponsor’s current immigration status. If the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, the immigrant will be sponsored for residency by this individual. Based on the information the sponsor provides, Form I-864 will determine whether the sponsor is eligible to sponsor an immigrant for residency.
3. Household Size: The number of people that reside with the sponsor (including himself/herself, the immigrant that is being sponsored, and any other dependents for which the sponsor is claiming support). This information is used to establish the required financial support for the sponsored immigrant.
4. Earnings Information: In this section you report how much you make during the course of the year. The relevant documentation is tax returns, W-2s and 1099s, pay stubs from the past 3 years and other relevant information. If you have assets that can easily be liquidated and thus used to support the immigrant relative you are sponsoring, this information should also be included. As noted above, if you are an active military member and using 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, then you must also provide proof of your military status.
5. Signature: Sponsor must sign and date the back of the form I-864. It is very important to remember that Form I-864 will NOT be accepted if it is signed with an electronic signature. Therefore, Sponsor must sign the form with INK. If a signature or date is missing, the form will be denied, and processing of the immigrant’s application will be delayed.

Be sure to enter the proper amount of information and ensure that all information is accurate and complete before sending out the documents. Any errors or missing information could cause for processing to be delayed. In some cases the errors could even result in the denial of your application. If you have any questions it would be a good idea to seek the advice of an immigration attorney.

Submit Your Carta de Sostenimiento Properly

This page will help you learn how to complete the Carta de Sostenimiento for Residencia form.

1. Review Your Application: Review your completed Carta de Sostenimiento for Residencia application and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy. The application must include proof of the applicant’s most recent federal income tax return, proof of current employment and any other documentation required by the relevant authorities. The primary sponsor of the applicant must be at least 18 years old and be able to support the applicant financially.
2. Mailing the Form: You must send the completed and signed Form I-864, and other required supporting documents to the listed address in the USCIS instructions for the Form that you are filing. We recommend that you send the application by certified mail or other tracking mail, so that you can verify that the mail was delivered.
3. Payment of required fees: Are there any fees for the form and documents to be submitted? Payment in full must be made and proof of payment included with the form and documents submitted. There is no separate filing fee for the Form I-864, but the Form does contain requirements concerning the household income of the petitioner. Specifically, the petitioner’s household income must be at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Level for a number of persons equal to the total number of persons in the petitioner’s household. Thus, a carta de sostenimiento para residencia is required when the household income of the petitioner is below the required level.
4. Keep Copies: It is a good idea to keep copies of all the documents that you have sent in order to keep a record of them. These documents will be required as proof of submission and also in the event that any questions are raised in relation to your application for approval. In addition, these documents will be required by the USCIS in the event that any further documentation is required in order to process your family’s case for residency.
5. Follow Up: You can check on the status of your family’s case on the USCIS website and if you have any questions or if the USCIS needs any additional information to process your family’s application for approval, you can contact your local USCIS office.

Completing and submitting the necessary documents for your Carta de Sostenimiento for Residencia form is a vital step in realizing your family’s goals for the future.

Conclusion

Helping with your immigration papers and assisting you with loved ones trying to receive residency in the U.S. can be a complex process that requires you to be familiar with steps like navigating through the Carta de Sostenimiento, learning the eligibility requirements, learning what documents you need to complete and submit in order to successfully have your application for residency processed.

Steps You Can Take to Assist a Loved One’s Application for Residency to Live with You in the U.S. and to Ensure Their Application is Processed in a Timely Manner without Delay or Denial:

• Immigration documents can require special attention to help successfully process the necessary paperwork for residency.
• Because of this, it’s a good idea to work with skilled immigration lawyers to complete and process the needed immigration documents, such as Vasquez Law Firm’s team of knowledgeable lawyers who are able to assist their clients with the corresponding and necessary immigration forms and immigration documents required.
• As part of their bilingual services, we speak the language, so you don’t have to, allowing you to take action today to pave the way for your family’s future together tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age requirements for a sponsor in the sponsorship process?

The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.

What residency status is required for a sponsor?

The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card Holder) of the U.S.

Where must the sponsor reside?

The sponsor must be residing in the U.S. and have a U.S. address.

What are the earnings criteria for a sponsor?

The sponsor's earnings for the preceding year must exceed 125% of the federal poverty level for their household size. For example, for a household size of 2, the earnings must exceed $27,050.

Are there different earnings requirements for military members?

Yes, military members are required to provide proof that they meet the minimum Federal Poverty Guidelines for their family size.

What is the financial obligation of sponsors towards immigrants?

The obligations of support that immigrants have with their sponsoring relatives while residing in the U.S. are of a financial nature.

Can someone else support the immigrant if the sponsor's earnings are insufficient?

Yes, someone else can sign the Carta de Sostenimiento to support the immigrant(s) as long as they have sufficient earnings and/or assets.

How is the value of assets calculated for supporting an immigrant?

The value of assets needed to support an immigrant must match at least three times the shortfall in earnings for spouses of U.S. citizens and five times for all other relatives.

What documentation should a petitioner gather to prove financial capacity for sponsorship?

The petitioner should gather the most current Federal tax return, copies of W-2 forms, and any additional relevant documentation that may prove financial capacity for the sponsorship.

How can someone get assistance with the Carta de Sostenimiento requirements?

It is advisable to speak with an experienced Immigration Attorney to review and assist with the proper preparation of paperwork and necessary documentation.

List of Sources

1. Identify Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
   • Green Card Sponsorship Income Requirements 2026 (https://immigrationhelpla.com/green-card-income-requirements)
   • Immigration Sponsorship Income Requirements for - Alaz Law (https://alazlaw.com/blog/immigration-sponsorship-income-requirements-2026)
   • Green Card Income Requirements for Sponsors: 2026 Poverty Guidelines Explained (https://ilabacalaw.com/blog/immigration-help/green-card-income-requirements-for-sponsors-2026-poverty-guidelines-explained)
2. Gather Necessary Documentation for Your Application
   • I-864 Affidavit of Support Checklist | JLW (https://jlw.law/i-864-affidavit-of-support-the-ultimate-document-checklist)
   • Green Card Income Requirements for Sponsors: 2026 Poverty Guidelines Explained (https://ilabacalaw.com/blog/immigration-help/green-card-income-requirements-for-sponsors-2026-poverty-guidelines-explained)
   • I-864 Affidavit of Support: 2026 Income Rules — Lehigh Valley Immigration Law (https://lehighvalleyimmigrationlawyers.com/blog/i-864-affidavit-of-support-2026-income-requirements)
   • Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: 2026 Filing Guide (https://ellis.com/resources/i-864)
3. Complete the Carta de Sostenimiento Form Accurately
   • The Five Most Common Mistakes in Completing the I-864 | Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) (https://cliniclegal.org/resources/family-based-immigration-law/five-most-common-mistakes-completing-i-864)
   • Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (https://uscis.gov/i-864)
   • The I-864 Form: Your Complete Guide to Affidavit of Support (https://hackinglawpractice.com/is-the-i-864-dead)
   • 5 Critical Mistakes That Could Derail Your Affidavit of Support (https://jqklaw.com/affidavit-of-support-5-critical-mistakes-i864)
4. Submit Your Carta de Sostenimiento Properly
   • Florida's 2026 Guide to the I-864 Affidavit of Support (https://floridaimmigrationlawyers.net/blog/i-864-affidavit-support-florida-2026)
   • I-864 Affidavit Of Support (2026): Income, Assets, Multipliers & Joint Sponsors (https://jrandolphlaw.com/family-based-visas/i-864-affidavit-of-support)
   • ACA submits official comments on proposed rule changes concerning the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) (https://americansabroad.org/aca-submits-official-comments-on-proposed-rule-changes-concerning-the-affidavit-of-support-form-i864)
   • HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support (https://uscis.gov/i-864p)
   • New USCIS Memo May Force More Green Card Applicants to Apply from Abroad, Causing Chaos and Confusion - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/green-card-news-uscis-memo)