Form I-864: Affidavit of Support (Sponsor’s Financial Promise)
TITLE: Form I-864: Affidavit of Support (Sponsor’s Financial Promise)
WHAT IT IS:
Form I-864 is a legally binding contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. The sponsor promises to financially support the immigrant so the immigrant does not need certain public benefits. If the immigrant later receives means‑tested public benefits, the government can ask the sponsor to repay the cost and may even sue the sponsor.
WHO NEEDS IT:
You need this form if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsoring a family member for a green card. Some employment‑based immigrants also use it. The sponsor (the person who filed the immigrant petition) fills out and signs Form I-864 — the immigrant does not fill out this form.
HOW TO FILE:
1. Prepare your documents. Gather your most recent federal income tax return (with W‑2s), any Forms 1099, and if helpful, tax returns for the last three years, pay stubs from the last six months, or a letter from your employer. If you are self‑employed, include your Schedule C, D, E, or F.
2. Get the right form. Download Form I-864 and its instructions from the official USCIS website. Check the edition date at the bottom of every page (must be 10/17/24) and make sure all pages are from the same edition.
3. Complete and sign. Fill out the form completely. You, the sponsor, must sign it. An unsigned form will be rejected.
4. Find the filing address.
- If you are filing with USCIS, use the USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family‑Based Forms (link on the I‑864 page) to find the address based on where you live.
- If you are filing with the Department of State (consular processing), follow the instructions on the Department of State’s I‑864 FAQs page.
5. Mail or submit. Do not send original documents unless the instructions specifically ask for them. If any document is in a foreign language, include a full English translation and a translator’s certification.
Before you file, you may use the optional Sponsor Eligibility Tool on the USCIS website to estimate whether your income and assets meet the guidelines. The tool does not guarantee a decision.
FEES:
The filing fee is not listed on this page. (Check the official USCIS Fee Schedule if you file with USCIS, or the Department of State’s Fees for Visas Services page if you file with DOS.)
CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:
Current edition date: 10/17/24 (you can find it at the bottom of every form page). Always use the latest version from the USCIS website. There is no specific deadline for the form itself, but you must submit it at the time required by your immigration case — follow your case instructions.
COMMON MISTAKES:
- Using an outdated form or mixing pages from different editions. Every page must show the same edition date (10/17/24).
- Forgetting to sign the form. The sponsor’s signature is required.
- Not including required financial documents, such as the most recent federal tax return and W‑2s. If you submit foreign‑language documents without a certified English translation, your form may be rejected.
WHERE TO GET THE FORM:
Always download the form and instructions from the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864. Never use third‑party sites that may host old versions.
SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864
DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.