Official USCIS I-864 Form in PDF

Official USCIS I-864 Form in PDF

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document that U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete to demonstrate their ability to financially support a family member seeking a visa or green card. This form is crucial in ensuring that immigrants do not become reliant on public benefits. By signing the I-864, sponsors commit to providing financial support to their sponsored relatives, thereby reinforcing the importance of self-sufficiency in the immigration process.

Open USCIS I-864 Online

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for many individuals seeking to become permanent residents in the United States. This form is a legally binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. It requires the sponsor to demonstrate their financial ability to support the immigrant, typically by providing proof of income, assets, and tax returns. The I-864 form also outlines the responsibilities of the sponsor, including the obligation to support the immigrant financially until they become a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work. Additionally, the form must be completed accurately and submitted alongside other immigration applications, making it essential for both the sponsor and the immigrant to understand its requirements and implications. Overall, the I-864 serves as a vital component in the journey toward obtaining a green card, emphasizing the importance of financial stability in the immigration process.

Key takeaways

  • The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals sponsoring immigrants to the United States.

  • It demonstrates the sponsor's ability to financially support the immigrant, ensuring they will not rely on government assistance.

  • Eligibility to sponsor requires the individual to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, and they must meet specific income requirements.

  • When filling out the form, it is essential to provide accurate and complete information, as errors can delay the application process.

  • The sponsor must include their household size, which affects the income threshold needed to qualify.

  • Supporting documentation, such as tax returns and proof of income, should accompany the form to substantiate the sponsor's financial claims.

  • Once submitted, the I-864 form remains legally binding, meaning the sponsor is responsible for supporting the immigrant financially until they become a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work.

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Purpose The I-864 form is used to demonstrate that a sponsor has enough income to support an immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
Who Files The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is sponsoring the immigrant must file the form.
Income Requirement The sponsor must show that their income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.
Supporting Documents Along with the I-864, the sponsor must provide proof of income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or employment letters.
Joint Sponsors If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirement, a joint sponsor can also file an I-864 to help meet the threshold.
State-Specific Laws The I-864 is governed by federal law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), but state-specific requirements may apply in certain situations.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document in the immigration process. It demonstrates that a sponsor can financially support an immigrant. Alongside the I-864, several other forms and documents are often required to ensure a complete application. Below is a list of these essential forms and documents, each serving a specific purpose in the immigration journey.

  • 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 immigrant. It is often the first step in the immigration process.
  • Form I-485: This is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. It allows eligible individuals already in the U.S. to apply for a green card.
  • Form I-864A: This is the Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member. It is used when a household member contributes to the sponsor's income, thus strengthening the financial support claim.
  • Form I-693: This is the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. It documents the immigrant's health status and vaccination history, which is necessary for adjustment of status.
  • Aaa International Driving Permit Application: Applying for this permit can enhance your travel experience, providing peace of mind when on the road abroad. For more details, visit Fast PDF Templates.
  • Form I-765: This is the Application for Employment Authorization. It allows immigrants to request permission to work in the U.S. while their application is pending.
  • Form I-797: This is the Notice of Action. It serves as a receipt notice from USCIS, confirming that an application or petition has been received and is being processed.
  • Tax Returns: Recent tax returns or transcripts are required to verify the sponsor's income. This documentation helps establish the financial ability to support the immigrant.
  • Proof of Citizenship or Residency: Documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card are necessary to confirm the sponsor's legal status in the U.S.
  • Proof of Relationship: This may include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers to verify the familial relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the immigration process. By ensuring all required forms are completed accurately and submitted together, applicants can help facilitate a smoother transition to permanent residency in the United States.