Free USCIS I-864 PDF Form

• Purpose of the Form: The I-864 form is used to demonstrate that a sponsor has sufficient income or assets to support an immigrant applying for a green card.
• Eligibility: To file the I-864, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and must be at least 18 years old.
• Income Requirements: The sponsor’s income must meet or exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.
• Household Size: Accurately calculate household size, which includes the sponsor, their dependents, and any immigrants being sponsored.
• Assets: If the sponsor's income does not meet the requirement, they can use assets to supplement their income. Assets must be valued at five times the difference between the sponsor's income and the required amount.
• Supporting Documents: Include proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification letters.
• Signatures: The form must be signed by the sponsor and, if applicable, by the joint sponsor or household member.
• Submission: The completed form should be submitted with the immigrant's application for a green card, typically the I-485 form.
• Updates: If there are changes in income or household size, the sponsor must notify USCIS and may need to submit a new I-864 form.

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form can be a daunting task. Many people make mistakes that can delay their immigration process. One common error is failing to provide accurate income information. When reporting income, it's crucial to include all sources, such as wages, bonuses, and even rental income. Omitting any part of your income can lead to complications.

Another frequent mistake is not including the correct number of dependents. Applicants often miscount their household members, which can affect the financial requirements. Ensure that every person who lives with you and relies on your income is accounted for in the form.

Many individuals also forget to sign the form. A missing signature can lead to automatic rejection. It’s essential to double-check that all required signatures are present before submitting the application.

Inaccurate or outdated financial documents can create issues as well. Applicants sometimes submit bank statements or tax returns that do not reflect their current financial situation. Always use the most recent documents to provide a clear picture of your finances.

Another mistake is not following the instructions carefully. The I-864 form has specific guidelines that must be adhered to. Failing to follow these instructions can result in delays or denials. Take the time to read the guidelines thoroughly.

Some people also underestimate the importance of providing supporting documents. Many applicants submit the I-864 without the necessary proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns. These documents are vital for verifying your financial stability.

Lastly, not keeping copies of submitted documents is a common oversight. Always retain copies of everything you send to USCIS. This practice can save you time and effort if you need to reference your submission later.

Steps to Using USCIS I-864

Filling out the USCIS I-864 form is an important step in the immigration process. After completing this form, you will need to submit it along with your application package to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form ensures that the immigrant has adequate financial support and will not become a public charge.

1. Begin by downloading the latest version of the I-864 form from the USCIS website.
2. Read the instructions carefully before starting to fill out the form.
3. In Part 1, provide your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details.
4. In Part 2, indicate your status as a sponsor. Specify whether you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
5. In Part 3, list the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring. Include their names, relationship to you, and any other required information.
6. Move to Part 4 and provide your income details. Include your total annual income and any additional income sources.
7. In Part 5, report your household size, which includes yourself, the immigrant(s), and any dependents.
8. Part 6 requires you to provide information about your assets. List any savings, property, or investments that could support the immigrant.
9. In Part 7, answer questions about any previous I-864 forms you have submitted.
10. Finally, review the form for accuracy and completeness. Sign and date the form at the end.

Once the form is filled out, gather any necessary supporting documents and prepare to submit your application to USCIS. Be sure to keep copies of everything for your records.

• Form I-130: This form is used to establish a family relationship for immigration purposes. Like the I-864, it is part of the process for bringing family members to the U.S.
• Form I-485: This is the application to register permanent residence or adjust status. It often requires the I-864 to show that the applicant will not become a public charge.
• Form I-751: This petition is for removing conditions on residence. It may require financial support documentation similar to the I-864 to ensure the spouse will not rely on government assistance.
• Form I-864A: This is a contract between the sponsor and a household member. It supplements the I-864 by including additional income from other household members.
• Form I-864EZ: This is a simplified version of the I-864 for certain sponsors. It is used when the sponsor meets specific criteria and is easier to complete.

• Bill of Sale Form: For proper ownership transfer of personal property, refer to the detailed bill of sale guidelines that ensure all sales are legally documented.

• Form I-134: This affidavit of support is often used for non-immigrant visa applicants. It also demonstrates the financial ability to support the applicant.
• Form N-400: This is the application for naturalization. Applicants must show they can financially support themselves, similar to the requirements in the I-864.
• Form I-864P: This is the poverty guidelines form. It provides the income thresholds used in the I-864 to determine if the sponsor meets the financial requirements.

When filling out the USCIS I-864 form, it's essential to approach the task with care. Here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do provide accurate and complete information.
• Do include all required supporting documents.
• Don't leave any fields blank unless instructed otherwise.
• Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor a family member for a green card. Along with this form, several other documents are often required to ensure a complete application. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that accompany the I-864.

• Form I-130: This is the Petition for Alien Relative. It establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and the family member seeking a green card. This form must be approved before the I-864 can be submitted.
• Employment Verification Form: To confirm your employment status, consult the necessary Employment Verification documentation required by employers to validate work history.
• Form I-485: Known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, this form is used by individuals already in the U.S. to apply for a green card. It is often submitted alongside the I-864 during the adjustment of status process.
• Form I-864A: This is the Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member. If a household member contributes income to help meet the financial requirements, this form is necessary to include their income as part of the sponsor's total household income.
• Tax Returns: Copies of the sponsor's most recent federal tax returns are required to demonstrate financial stability. These documents help establish that the sponsor meets the income requirements set by the government.
• Proof of Income: This may include pay stubs, employment letters, or bank statements. These documents provide additional evidence of the sponsor's financial situation and ability to support the immigrant.

Submitting these forms and documents alongside the I-864 ensures that the application is thorough and meets the requirements set forth by USCIS. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in the processing of the application.

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 immigrants. This form is used to demonstrate that the immigrant has adequate financial support and will not become a public charge. The sponsor, typically a family member or a close friend, must complete this form to show that they have the financial means to support the immigrant at a level above the federal poverty guidelines.

Who needs to file the I-864 form?

The I-864 form must be filed by a sponsor who is petitioning for an immigrant visa or adjusting the status of an immigrant already in the United States. This includes family-based immigrants, such as spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. In some cases, co-sponsors may also be required to ensure that the financial requirements are met.

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

To successfully complete the I-864 form, the sponsor must demonstrate that their income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. For active-duty military sponsors, the requirement is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. The income can come from various sources, including wages, self-employment, and certain government benefits. It is important for the sponsor to provide accurate documentation, such as tax returns and pay stubs, to support their claims.

What happens if the sponsor's income does not meet the requirements?

If the sponsor's income does not meet the required threshold, they may still be able to provide support through a joint sponsor or by including assets. A joint sponsor is another individual who meets the income requirements and is willing to take on the financial responsibility for the immigrant. Additionally, the sponsor can count certain assets, such as savings accounts, real estate, or investments, to meet the requirement. The total value of these assets must equal five times the difference between the sponsor's income and the required amount.

What are the consequences of failing to meet the obligations of the I-864?

Once the I-864 form is signed, the sponsor is legally obligated to provide financial support to the immigrant. If the immigrant applies for government benefits, the sponsor may be required to reimburse the government for any costs incurred. Furthermore, if the sponsor fails to uphold their financial commitment, the immigrant may have the right to take legal action against the sponsor to enforce the support obligation.

How long does the obligation last?

The financial obligation established by the I-864 form generally lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked for 40 qualifying quarters (approximately 10 years), or leaves the United States permanently. It is important for sponsors to understand the duration of their commitment, as it can have long-term implications for both the sponsor and the immigrant.