OUR IMMIGRATION SERVICESForm I-864 Affidavit of Support

Author: Attorney Vitaly Malyuk. License: MO No. 73573

Expert Form I-864 Support Services

Navigating the U.S. immigration process requires precision, especially with critical documents such as the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This legally binding form ensures that sponsored immigrants have financial support and don’t rely on public benefits. At Arvian Immigration, we specialize in guiding sponsors and immigrants through the Form I-864 process. This article provides a brief overview of our Form I-864 support services, sponsor eligibility requirements, and practical steps for successfully completing the form.

Form I-864 is a cornerstone of family-based immigration and is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to demonstrate that an immigrant has adequate financial support. By signing this form, a sponsor agrees to support the immigrant at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. At Arvian Immigration, we offer comprehensive assistance to make this process seamless.

Our services include

Personalized counseling: We assess your financial situation and eligibility to determine if you qualify as a sponsor or need a co-sponsor.
Document Preparation: Our team helps collect and organize required documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and proof of residency.
Form Completion: We ensure that Form I-864 is completed accurately to avoid delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Ongoing Support: From filing to USCIS approval, we provide expert guidance to keep your case on track.

Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, parent or child, our customized approach minimizes errors and maximizes efficiency. Trust Arvian Immigration to simplify your Form I-864 journey.

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Important Details for Form I-864 Sponsorship

Sponsor Eligibility and Responsibilities

Serving as a sponsor for Form I-864 involves meeting strict USCIS criteria and accepting significant financial obligations. Understanding these requirements is critical to a successful application.

Who can sponsor?

To qualify, a sponsor must

Be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Reside in the U.S. or a U.S. territory (or plan to re-establish residency if abroad).
Have an income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, including the immigrant.

If the primary sponsor’s income is insufficient, a joint sponsor who meets the same criteria may be added.

Financial and Legal Requirements

Sponsors must demonstrate financial means through tax returns, pay stubs, or assets (such as savings or property). For example, in 2025, a sponsor with a household of four must have an income of at least $37,500. Assets must be worth five times the income shortfall if used to qualify.

By signing Form I-864, sponsors agree to

Support the immigrant financially until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, works 40 qualifying quarters, leaves the U.S., or dies.
Reimburse the government if the immigrant uses means-tested public benefits such as Medicaid.

Our team at Arvian Immigration will help you evaluate your eligibility and navigate these responsibilities with confidence.

Completing and Filing Form I-864

Accurately completing Form I-864 is essential to avoid delays in the immigration process. This section outlines the key steps and documentation required for successful filing.

How to Complete Form I-864

Form I-864 requires detailed information about the sponsor and the immigrant, including

Sponsor’s citizenship, income, and household size.
Immigrant’s personal information and visa category.
Documentation of income or assets to meet the financial threshold.
A signed commitment to sponsor obligations.

We recommend downloading the latest form from the USCIS website to ensure compliance. Our experts at Arvian Immigration review each section to eliminate errors.

Required Documents

Supporting documents include

Recent federal tax returns with W-2s or 1099s.
Proof of income (such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer).
Proof of assets, if applicable (e.g., bank statements or title deeds).
Proof of U.S. citizenship or residency (e.g., passport or green card).

Filing Process

Form I-864 is submitted with the immigrant’s visa petition (through the National Visa Center) or adjustment of status package (through USCIS). Missing documents or inaccuracies can result in RFEs and delay your case. Our team will ensure that your submission is complete and meets USCIS standards.

Answers to FAQs

What is the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support?

Form I-864 is a legally binding document required by the USCIS for family-based immigration. It ensures that a sponsored immigrant has financial support at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, preventing reliance on public benefits. Professional assistance can help ensure accurate completion.

Who must file Form I-864?

Form I-864 is required for most family-based immigrants, including spouses, parents, or children, and certain employment-based immigrants sponsored by a relative. Exceptions may apply for those with 40 qualifying quarters of employment or in certain humanitarian cases. Consultation with an immigration professional may clarify applicability.

Who can sponsor a Form I-864?

A sponsor must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the U.S. They must have an income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. Eligibility assessments can help ensure compliance.

What are the financial requirements for a sponsor?

Sponsors must have an income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (e.g., $37,500 for a family of four in 2025). If income is insufficient, assets such as savings or property valued at five times the income shortfall may be used. Proper documentation is essential for approval.

What are the sponsor's obligations after signing Form I-864?

Sponsors agree to financially support the immigrant until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, works 40 qualifying quarters, leaves the U.S., or dies. They may also be required to reimburse the government for any means-tested public benefits used by the immigrant. It is important to understand these responsibilities.

What documents are required to support Form I-864?

Required documents include recent federal tax returns, W-2s or 1099s, proof of income (e.g., pay stubs), proof of assets (if applicable), and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency (e.g., passport or green card). Organizing these documents thoroughly will help you meet USCIS requirements.

How can professional assistance with Form I-864 help?

Expert assistance includes personalized eligibility assessments, document preparation, accurate form completion, and guidance through the filing process to avoid delays or requests for evidence. Professional services streamline the process, ensuring compliance with USCIS standards and a smoother immigration journey.