Form I-864EZ – Simplified Affidavit of Support

TITLE: Form I-864EZ – Simplified Affidavit of Support

WHAT IT IS:

Form I-864EZ is a simplified version of the Affidavit of Support. It is a legally binding contract between you (the sponsor) and the U.S. government. You promise to financially support the immigrant so they will not need to rely on certain U.S. public benefits (known as “means-tested public benefits,” like cash welfare). If the immigrant later receives those benefits, the government can ask you to repay the money — and even sue you. Use this form only if it shows that the immigrant has enough financial support and is unlikely to need government help.

WHO NEEDS IT:

You need this form if you are:

- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder),

- Sponsoring a family member (or certain other immigrants) applying for permanent residence (a green card), and

- You meet the specific requirements to use the simplified version.

To find out if you qualify for this simplified form, read the official Form I-864EZ instructions carefully.

HOW TO FILE:

1. Complete the form. Fill out all required fields. Print it if filing by mail. Make sure the edition date (10/17/24) and page numbers are on every page — missing or mixed editions can cause rejection.

2. Gather the required documents:

- Proof that you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.

- Your IRS tax transcript or a copy of your most recent federal individual income tax return. If you send a copy, you must include every Form W-2 and Form 1099 linked to that return. (You may also send returns for the last three years if it helps show your income.)

- If you were not required to file a tax return under U.S. tax law, write and attach a typed or printed explanation, including evidence of the exemption and how you qualified.

- If any document is in a foreign language, include a full English translation and a signed certification from the translator stating the translation is accurate and that they are competent to translate.

- Do not send original documents unless the instructions specifically ask for them.

3. Sign the form. An unsigned form will be rejected.

4. Give the completed and signed affidavit, along with all supporting documents, to the immigrant you are sponsoring.

5. The immigrant must file your Form I-864EZ together with:

- Form OF-230 (Application for Immigrant Visa), if applying at a U.S. consulate abroad, or

- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), if applying for a green card from inside the United States.

FEES:

- If you file outside the United States: There is no fee when filing with USCIS or the Department of State.

- If you file within the United States: You must file with the Department of State, and they charge a fee. For the exact amount, check the Department of State website or the USCIS Fee Schedule page (no fee number is given on this page). We strongly recommend you visit the official Fee Schedule page for the latest information.

CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES:

The form edition date is 10/17/24. You must use only this edition. There is no specific filing deadline mentioned beyond following the instructions and the latest edition. Check the official page for any updates before you file.

COMMON MISTAKES:

1. Forgetting to sign the form – Any unsigned form will be rejected. Always sign before giving it to the immigrant.

2. Using an old or incomplete edition – Make sure every page shows the correct edition date (10/17/24) and no pages are missing. Do not mix pages from different form editions.

3. Missing or incorrect supporting documents – Always include proof of your citizenship/status and the required tax documents (transcript or return with all W-2s and 1099s). If a document is in a foreign language, provide a complete certified translation.

WHERE TO GET THE FORM:

Always download the form directly from the official USCIS website: www.uscis.gov/i-864ez. Do not use forms from unofficial sources.

SOURCE:

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.