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Navigating Immigration Law · · 20 min read

Master the I-864 Income Requirement: Steps for Recent Immigrants

Find out the income requirements for Form I-864 and how you can meet them as a recent immigrant.

Master the I-864 Income Requirement: Steps for Recent Immigrants

Introduction

If you’re a recent immigrant to the U.S., the process of I-864 Affidavit of Support for recently arrived immigrants can be confusing and intimidating. To help recently arrived immigrants bring their loved ones to the U.S., it is helpful to understand the income requirements for I-864 process and complete the process and steps to protect your application and complete the process to ensure the best future for your loved ones.

Understand the I-864 Affidavit of Support

The Affidavit of Support (I-864) form is very complex and must be completed carefully in order to properly support a loved one that is seeking immigration to the United States. Essentially, by signing the I-864 form, you are promising that you will be able to assist the immigrant so that they can succeed in their new home. In order to sign the I-864 form, the sponsor will be required to prove that he or she has sufficient resources to support the immigrant(s) for whom he or she is signing. This is generally based upon the sponsor’s gross income and the number of people that reside in the sponsor’s household (also referred to as the sponsor’s household size).

The amount for each household size is specified, so:

  1. For a single person in the household of the sponsor, the amount is $33,813 per year.
  2. For two people in the household, it is $42,688.
  3. For three people, it is $41,250.
  4. For four people, it is $51,563 per year.
  5. For five people, it is $48,350.
  6. For six people, it is $60,438 per year.
  7. For seven people in the household, it is $55,450 per year.
  8. For eight, $69,313.
  9. For nine, $62,550.
  10. And for ten, $78,188 per year.

Immigration forms change frequently. The newest edition of Form I-864 contains a new USCIS Privacy Release that authorizes USCIS to pull information from a variety of consumer reporting agencies. This new edition of Form I-864 is required to be used for all filings (mailing or submission by facsimile or electronically) on or after August 31, 2026. Unfortunately, USCIS has never advised a minimum credit score and therefore it is always wise to pull the sponsor’s credit files before signing the Affidavit of Support for errors as well as for signs of unfair use, including cases of identity theft.

Not knowing your obligations and requirements as a sponsor can cause a lot of stress and may even lead to denial of your filing. Immigration rules and procedures are changing fast, so make sure you have the latest information regarding the requirements and rules for sponsoring an immigrant to the US.

Each slice of the pie shows the income requirement for a specific household size. The larger the slice, the higher the income needed to support that number of people. This helps you see at a glance what is required for different household sizes.

Review the 2026 Income Requirements

When planning for 2026 it is very important that the family of the backer meets the i864 income requirement. This is equal to 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the size of the family including the immigrant that will be sponsored.

So for example:

  1. A family of two would need to show $27,050 in earnings for the previous year.
  2. A family of three would need to show $34,150 in earnings for the previous year.
  3. A family of four would need to show $41,250 in earnings for the previous year.

We require current documentation such as last year’s tax returns as well as current pay stubs to verify the backer’s earnings. In addition, the backer’s unsubmitted assets can be used to meet the i864 income requirement. The net value of unsubmitted assets must equal five times the difference between the required earnings and the poverty level for the backer’s family size plus the immigrant.

A co-signer can complete the Form I-864 as long as the co-signer can meet the i864 income requirement for their own family size plus the immigrant being sponsored. This amount is based on 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the co-signer’s family size plus the immigrant and may vary from state to state.

So it is best to verify the current requirements on the USCIS website or by contacting an experienced immigration attorney. Remember, without adequate documentation to prove the information reported on the Form I-864, there will be delays and your family’s future could be put in jeopardy.

There are several common errors that are found on the Form I-864. Some of these errors include:

  • An incorrect calculation of the number of people in the backer’s household.
  • This affects the required financial amount to support the immigrant being sponsored by the backer.

These errors can cause serious problems for the backer and their family. It is very important to accurately complete the required sections of the Form I-864 and to have sufficient documentation to support the information reported.

Each slice of the pie shows the income requirement for different family sizes. The larger the slice, the higher the income needed. This helps you quickly see how much income is required based on how many people are in the family.

Explore Options to Meet Income Requirements

The income requirement for the I-864 can be very burdensome for many people. The good news is that joint sponsors can complete separate I-864s using the sponsor’s family size. For example, for 2026:

  1. The income required for 2 people is $24,650
  2. For 3 people is $31,075
  3. For 4 people is $37,500
  4. For 5 people is $43,925

Each additional person would then add $6,425. Additionally, to report the income of household members aged 18 and above who are part of your household but not part of your immediate family, you would use Form I-864A to calculate their portion of the total required income.

In addition to your income, you can also use the income of other household members who are 18 years of age or older and who reside with you in determining whether you have sufficient funds to meet the I-864 financial requirement. This would be calculated using Form I-864A and included in your overall calculation of required income. The financial requirements for immigration can appear to be an insurmountable barrier to support the loved ones of a petitioner who are seeking to join them in the US and to assist them in their future. However, there are alternatives and it is worth investigating them to determine which will be most suitable for you and your family.

This mindmap shows the income requirements for the I-864 based on family size. Each branch represents a different family size, and the numbers indicate the income needed. The additional note about adding $6,425 for each extra person helps you understand how the requirements scale.

Avoid Common Mistakes in the I-864 Process

Completing the I-864 Affidavit of Support for relatives can have permanent consequences for the lives of your family members. Simple mistakes can occur when under-reporting income or incorrectly relying on projected income as opposed to reported income from past years, including from tax returns. In order to meet the 125% required amount of the Federal Poverty Level for the sponsor’s family size, accurately determining and documenting the amount required for the sponsor’s household size is crucial. Incorrect calculation of required income (for example failing to include all of the sponsor’s household members in the calculation) can lead to serious problems with the relative’s application.

It is difficult to obtain copies of your tax returns and proof of current income and gather this information and complete the form. If the information reported in line 13a of the I-864 (e.g., from last tax return) does not agree with the information reported on the form, the form will be returned to you for correction. As of August 24, 2026, a new version of the form, I-864 (August 24, 2026) was published. There is a grace period of time for use of the prior version of the form that will end on September 30, 2026. After that date only the August 24, 2026 edition of the form will be accepted.

For the purposes of calculating total individuals from within the sponsor’s household the following people are considered to be part of the sponsor’s household:

  • financial supporter and his or her spouse
  • their unmarried children under age 21
  • other dependents as reported on the sponsor’s last tax return
  • the intending immigrant and all derivatives (such as spouses and children of derivatives) accompanying the principal beneficiary.

Joint sponsors also can assist with the financial requirements for an intending immigrant by collectively contributing more income and/or resources to meet the required amount of financial support by the primary sponsor(s).

By being aware of these potential problems and correcting any errors as needed, completing the application successfully will help bring your relatives to the U.S. permanently.

This flowchart guides you through the I-864 process. Start at the top and follow the arrows to see each step. Be mindful of the common mistakes listed along the way - they can help you avoid pitfalls and ensure your application is successful.

Conclusion

This guide is designed to be a resource for families going through the I-864 process. In it, we explain the I-864 income requirement and delve deeper into information on the Affidavit of Support for the specifics on required income based on household size and what constitutes proper documentation. In addition, we explore joint sponsorship and how it can be used to fulfill the financial obligations of a principal sponsor. We will also identify common mistakes along the way that could negatively affect a family’s ability to immigrate.

Although this guide can provide support to families going through the I-864 process, it can be complex and you will likely need further assistance. Look for bilingual legal services to assist the immigrant family. Vasquez Law Firm has years of experience with Affidavit of Support issues. We provide free initial consultations and work with our clients to establish affordable payment plans. Help an immigrant family to reunite with their loved ones and start building their new lives together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the I-864 Affidavit of Support?

The I-864 Affidavit of Support is a complex form that a sponsor must complete to promise financial support for an immigrant seeking to enter the United States.

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

The income requirements vary based on the sponsor's household size. For example, a single person must have an income of $33,813 per year, while a household of four requires $51,563 per year.

How does household size affect the income requirement for the I-864?

The income requirement increases with the number of people in the household. For instance, a household of two needs $42,688, and a household of eight needs $69,313 per year.

What is the significance of the new edition of Form I-864?

The new edition of Form I-864 includes a USCIS Privacy Release that allows USCIS to access information from various consumer reporting agencies. This edition must be used for all filings after August 31, 2026.

Is there a minimum credit score required to sign the I-864 form?

USCIS has not specified a minimum credit score for sponsors. It is advisable to check the sponsor's credit files for errors and signs of identity theft before signing the form.

What can happen if a sponsor is unaware of their obligations?

Not knowing the obligations and requirements as a sponsor can lead to stress and potentially result in the denial of the immigration filing.

Why is it important to stay updated on immigration rules and procedures?

Immigration rules and procedures change frequently, so staying informed is crucial to ensure compliance with the latest requirements for sponsoring an immigrant to the U.S.

List of Sources

  1. Understand the I-864 Affidavit of Support
    • USCIS Updates Form I-864 to Allow Credit Checks on Green Card Sponsors (https://jeelani-law.com/articles/uscis-updates-form-I-864)
    • New Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) - What You Need to Know (https://brownimmigrationlaw.com/new-form-i-864-affidavit-of-support-what-you-need-to-know)
    • HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support (https://uscis.gov/i-864p)
    • USCIS Releases New Edition of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: What Sponsors and Immigrants Need to Know (https://gunster.com/newsroom/publications/uscis-releases-new-edition-of-form-i-864-affidavit-of-support-what-sponsors-and-immigrants-need-to-know)
  2. Review the 2026 Income Requirements
    • I-864 Poverty Guidelines - Are You Entitled for Financial Support? | Jeelani Law Firm, PLC (https://jeelani-law.com/articles/i-864-poverty-guidelines)
    • The Affidavit of Support Explained: I-864 Income Requirements (https://abogadolozano.com/i864-affidavit-of-support-2026)
    • Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: Income Requirements and When You Need a Joint Sponsor (https://lawofficeimmigration.com/blog/i-864-affidavit-of-support-income-requirements-2026.html)
    • I-864 Income Requirements 2026: $27,050 for 2 People — Lehigh Valley Immigration Law (https://lehighvalleyimmigrationlawyers.com/blog/i-864-affidavit-of-support-2026-income-requirements)
  3. Explore Options to Meet Income Requirements
    • The Affidavit of Support Explained: I-864 Income Requirements (https://abogadolozano.com/i864-affidavit-of-support-2026)
    • Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: Income Requirements and When You Need a Joint Sponsor (https://lawofficeimmigration.com/blog/i-864-affidavit-of-support-income-requirements-2026.html)
    • I-864 Income Requirements 2026: $27,050 for 2 People — Lehigh Valley Immigration Law (https://lehighvalleyimmigrationlawyers.com/blog/i-864-affidavit-of-support-2026-income-requirements)
    • What Is an I-864 Joint Sponsor for a Green Card? (https://boundless.com/immigration-resources/what-is-a-green-card-joint-sponsor)
    • I-864 Affidavit of Support (FAQs) (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition/i-864-affidavit-faqs.html)
  4. Avoid Common Mistakes in the I-864 Process
    • 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)
    • USCIS Releases New Edition of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: What Sponsors and Immigrants Need to Know (https://gunster.com/newsroom/publications/uscis-releases-new-edition-of-form-i-864-affidavit-of-support-what-sponsors-and-immigrants-need-to-know)
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