When you file a petition for a relative to get a green card, you must become their sponsor. Sponsorship comes with a commitment to the individual’s financial stability in the United States. This commitment means you’ll have to file an Affidavit of Support with the U.S. government. Here, we’ll talk about what this document is, why you must file it, and when.
An Affidavit of Support, which is Form I-864 that you file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), indicates your responsibility for the financial wellbeing of the person you’re sponsoring for a green card. Your financial support is to prevent them from becoming a public charge, which is someone who depends on the U.S. government for financial help.
A person who is a public charge may require the use of federal public benefits, like food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid.
A green card applicant who may become a public charge may have their application rejected by USCIS.
Once an immigrant is granted a green card, you—the petitioner—officially become their financial sponsor. If they later make use of public assistance benefits, you will be responsible for repaying the U.S. government.
The requirements for sponsorship include being:
There are certain income requirements that you must meet to become a financial sponsor. Those requirements include having a household income that’s equivalent to or higher than 125 percent of the U.S. poverty level (pertaining to the size of your household, and the state where you live).
If you’re on active duty in the United States Armed Forces and the intending immigrant is your spouse or child, the income requirement decreases to 100 percent of the U.S. poverty level for the size of your household.
As proof of your income, you’ll need to submit documents and evidence that include:
