Form I-864 Changes in 2026: Which Edition Must You Use?
USCIS published revised editions of Forms I-864, I-864A and I-864EZ on August 31, 2026. All three forms carry the edition date 08/24/26.
Required for new USCIS submissions beginning October 1, 2026. The transition period for edition 10/17/24 ended September 30, 2026.
USCIS will not process a superseded affidavit submitted after the transition. However, an otherwise filed Form I-485 is not necessarily rejected solely because an outdated I-864 or I-864A accompanies it. USCIS applies the procedures concerning deficient initial evidence under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8).
Consumer reporting authorization
The revised forms authorize USCIS to request information from consumer reporting agencies. This does not create a published universal minimum credit score, and it does not replace the statutory income, asset or domicile requirements.
Before filing, download the current form directly from USCIS. Check the edition date on every page and do not combine pages from different versions.
Who Needs Form I-864 Affidavit of Support?
Form I-864 is generally required for immigrants seeking permanent residence through qualifying family-based petitions. It creates an enforceable financial sponsorship commitment under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Approval of Form I-130 does not remove the I-864 requirement. The petition establishes the family relationship; the affidavit addresses financial sponsorship.
Family immigration
The affidavit is ordinarily required for:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- Parents petitioned for by U.S. citizens aged 21 or older.
- Qualifying children and other family-preference immigrants.
- Adult sons, daughters, and siblings in applicable preference categories.
Certain employment-based immigrants
Most employment-based green card applicants do not need I-864. However, it may be required where a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative filed the employment petition or owns at least 5% of the petitioning business.
Who is exempt?
Recognized exemptions include certain applicants who:
- Have earned or can be credited with 40 qualifying Social Security work quarters.
- Will automatically become U.S. citizens under applicable child citizenship provisions upon admission.
- Qualify as certain VAWA self-petitioners or self-petitioning widow(er)s.
For adjustment of status, eligible applicants claim the applicable exemption through Form I-485 and provide supporting evidence. Consular applicants should contact NVC about an exemption before paying the Affidavit of Support fee.
The initial K-1 fiancé(e) visa generally does not require I-864, but qualifying adjustment of status after marriage ordinarily does. Form I-134 is not interchangeable with Form I-864.
Who Can Be a Financial Sponsor?
A sponsor generally must be at least 18 years old, have qualifying U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, and satisfy the U.S. domicile requirement. Qualifying U.S. nationals may also sponsor in circumstances recognized by the governing rules.
The person's financial resources must satisfy the applicable income or asset requirements, but substantial wealth alone does not overcome a failure to meet the sponsor's legal eligibility conditions.
Which affidavit form applies?
The standard affidavit for most financial sponsorship cases, including those involving joint sponsors and assets.
A simplified affidavit for qualifying I-130 petitioners sponsoring one applicant and relying on eligible salary or pension income. Supporting evidence may include applicable W-2 or pension income records. It cannot be used to qualify through assets or an arrangement requiring I-864A.
A contract for a qualifying household member contributing income or assets. It is not equivalent to a joint sponsor's separate I-864.
A joint sponsor generally does not replace the petitioning sponsor. The original petitioner ordinarily must still submit I-864 and satisfy the age, status, and domicile requirements.
Form I-864 Income Requirements in 2026
Most sponsors must show qualifying annual income of at least 125% of the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines. An exception permitting 100% applies to certain qualifying active-duty military sponsorship cases involving a spouse or child.
The following figures reflect the 2026 I-864P guidelines effective March 1, 2026. These amounts are annual income thresholds, not filing fees.
Household size 2 — contiguous states and Washington, D.C.
48 Contiguous States, D.C. and Covered Territories
| Household size | Annual income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $27,050 |
| 3 | $34,150 |
| 4 | $41,250 |
| 5 | $48,350 |
| 6 | $55,450 |
| 7 | $62,550 |
| 8 | $69,650 |
| Each additional person | +$7,100 |
See Alaska and Hawaii income requirements
Alaska — 125%
| Household | Annual income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $33,813 |
| 3 | $42,688 |
| 4 | $51,563 |
| 5 | $60,438 |
| 6 | $69,313 |
| 7 | $78,188 |
| 8 | $87,063 |
| Additional | +$8,875 |
Hawaii — 125%
| Household | Annual income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $31,113 |
| 3 | $39,275 |
| 4 | $47,438 |
| 5 | $55,600 |
| 6 | $63,763 |
| 7 | $71,925 |
| 8 | $80,088 |
| Additional | +$8,163 |
Official reference: USCIS Form I-864P Poverty Guidelines.
How to Calculate Household Size
Household size is not simply the number of people living at the sponsor's address. Depending on the case, it includes:
- The sponsor and spouse, with applicable children and tax dependents.
- The principal intending immigrant and relevant derivative applicants.
- Previously sponsored immigrants with ongoing I-864 obligations.
- Qualifying household members whose resources are being counted.
A person must not be counted twice. A previously sponsored person who has not yet immigrated is not automatically included under the same rules as someone living in the United States with an active sponsorship obligation.
A U.S. citizen in California sponsors a spouse and has two dependent children. Assuming no additional people must be counted, the household size is four.
Required annual income: $41,250. If qualifying current income is $35,000, the shortfall is $6,250.
What If the Sponsor Does Not Meet the Income Requirement?
Insufficient income does not necessarily end an immigration case. The petitioner may be able to use a qualifying joint sponsor, eligible household-member resources, or qualifying net assets.
Joint Sponsor
A qualifying person submits a separate Form I-864 and independently establishes sufficient financial resources. The person does not need to be related to the immigrant.
The petitioner generally must still submit their own I-864. In limited family-unit circumstances, up to two joint sponsors may cover different immigrants, subject to the applicable rules.
Household Member — Form I-864A
A qualifying household member may contribute income or assets through a signed I-864A contract. Eligibility depends on the household relationship, residence or tax-dependency rules. Sharing an address alone does not make everyone eligible.
Qualifying income of the immigrant may be counted when it will continue from the same lawful source after permanent residence is obtained.
A sponsored spouse may qualify even when not currently living with the petitioner. Form I-864A is not automatically required solely because the sponsored spouse's qualifying income is counted. Different rules apply when the immigrant's income supports accompanying spouse or children.
Using Assets to Cover an Income Shortfall
Qualifying assets may include savings, investments and real estate equity. The value must reflect liabilities and the ability to convert the asset into cash within the required period.
Required Asset Multipliers
General rule for most applicable sponsorship categories.
Qualifying spouse of a U.S. citizen or a qualifying child who has reached age 18, under the statutory conditions. Not every adult son or daughter qualifies.
Certain qualifying orphan adoption cases involving acquisition of U.S. citizenship.
The term child has a specific immigration-law definition, generally referring to an unmarried person under 21 with a qualifying parent-child relationship. For the 3× exception, the child must also have reached age 18. A 25-year-old son or daughter does not qualify merely because their petitioner is a citizen.
Required income: $41,250. Qualifying current income: $37,000.
Annual shortfall: $4,250.
General 5× rule: $21,250 in qualifying net assets.
Qualifying 3× exception: $12,750 in net assets.
Can the Immigrant's Own Assets Be Used?
Potentially, but USCIS and NVC instructions must be considered separately.
Qualifying assets owned by the intending immigrant can be included under the applicable rules without I-864A solely for those assets. Ownership, net value, liquidity and availability must be documented.
Published Department of State FAQs include a separate I-864A instruction for immigrant-owned assets. Applicants should follow the current requirements communicated for their consular case, as the procedural guidance is not expressed identically.
Foreign assets may require evidence that they can be converted into cash and that proceeds can legally be transferred from the relevant country.
What Financial Documents Are Required?
The sponsorship package must establish the sponsor's identity and eligibility, household size, qualifying income or assets, and the required financial commitment.
Generally, the most recent required IRS tax transcript or a complete federal income tax return with supporting schedules and documents. In October 2026, the most recent completed tax year is ordinarily 2025, subject to filing extensions and exceptions.
Recent pay statements, employer verification, salary records and evidence explaining a recent change in employment or compensation.
Relevant federal tax schedules, financial statements, contracts and business-income records. Gross business revenue should not automatically be treated as the sponsor's personal income.
Proof of status and U.S. domicile, asset ownership and liabilities, I-864A contracts where required, and separate financial evidence for any joint sponsor.
A sponsor who earned enough in 2025 but became unemployed in 2026 may need additional qualifying resources. Conversely, a low historical return does not automatically disqualify a sponsor with properly documented current earnings.
Official resource: Department of State Financial Evidence Assistant.
U.S. Domicile: Can a Sponsor Live Abroad?
A qualifying sponsor generally must establish U.S. domicile. Domicile means the principal residence maintained with the intention of remaining there for the foreseeable future.
U.S. citizenship does not automatically establish domicile. A petitioner who has lived outside the United States may need to demonstrate either continued domicile or a qualifying plan to reestablish it.
Relevant evidence may include:
- U.S. housing, property and banking records.
- Voter registration or qualifying voting history.
- State or local tax records.
- Evidence showing the overseas stay was temporary.
- Qualifying employment abroad under the special statutory provisions.
Concrete relocation steps may include obtaining housing, seeking or securing U.S. employment, transferring financial resources and arranging a permanent return. Under the consular rules, domicile may be reestablished ahead of the immigrant or concurrently with the immigrant's admission.
A U.S. citizen who has lived abroad for five years may need documented steps toward reestablishing domicile. Adding a joint sponsor may address insufficient income but does not independently resolve the petitioner's domicile requirement.
How to File Form I-864: USCIS vs. NVC
The filing route depends on whether the immigrant applies for an immigrant visa abroad or adjusts status inside the United States.
- Determine whether an affidavit or exemption applies.
- Identify the primary sponsor and any additional financial participants.
- Calculate household size and the applicable income threshold.
- Prepare the required affidavit forms and evidence.
- Pay applicable fees through CEAC.
- Upload the signed forms and supporting documentation.
- Respond to any NVC checklist requesting corrections.
NVC reviews the completeness of documents. The consular officer ultimately determines whether the relevant visa requirements are satisfied.
For qualifying applicants inside the United States, Form I-864 is generally submitted as supporting evidence for Form I-485. The applicant must use the current edition and include the required financial, tax and domicile evidence.
How Much Does Form I-864 Cost in 2026?
USCIS I-864 filing fee: $0. The affidavit itself has no separate USCIS filing fee.
NVC Affidavit of Support Review Fee: $120. This applies to qualifying cases reviewed domestically by the Department of State.
Immigrant visa application, I-485 and other immigration fees are separate. Exceptions may apply, and NVC generally charges one Affidavit of Support fee per case, subject to the applicable rules.
Official references: Department of State Fee Schedule and NVC Fee FAQs.
Does Form I-864 Expire if an Interview Is Delayed?
A signed affidavit does not automatically expire merely because an immigrant visa interview or adjustment of status examination is delayed.
Under 8 CFR 213a.2(a)(1)(v)(A), the ordinary regulatory assessment generally uses the sponsor's reasonably expected household income for the year when the immigrant visa or adjustment application was filed, with the Poverty Guidelines effective at that time.
If more than a year passes between filing the affidavit or required attachment and the relevant interview, examination or hearing, an authorized officer or immigration judge may request updated evidence when the particular circumstances make it necessary.
For a qualifying written request by USCIS or the Department of State, the immigrant must receive at least 30 days to respond. Updated financial sufficiency is assessed using the relevant income for the year of the request and the guidelines effective when it was issued.
This is not an automatic annual renewal requirement. The Department of State's public FAQs also address ordinary consular validity using the guidelines tied to filing the affidavit. Applicants should distinguish that simplified guidance from the more detailed regulatory rules concerning an authorized request for new evidence.
A sponsor files I-864 in 2025, but the interview takes place in late 2026. The passage of time alone does not invalidate the form. If a qualifying request for updated financial documents is made, current expected income and the poverty guidelines applicable to that request may control the renewed assessment.
Legal reference: 8 CFR 213a.2(a)(1)(v).
What Legal Obligations Does Form I-864 Create?
Form I-864 is an enforceable financial sponsorship commitment under INA Section 213A. After the obligation becomes effective, the sponsored immigrant may be entitled to enforce financial support, and government agencies may seek reimbursement for certain designated means-tested public benefits.
When Does the Obligation End?
- The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
- The immigrant can be credited with 40 qualifying Social Security work quarters.
- The immigrant ceases to hold permanent resident status and permanently departs under the relevant legal conditions.
- Other statutorily specified removal or status events occur.
- The sponsor or immigrant dies, subject to any obligations already accrued.
A sponsor's enforceable financial obligations may continue after the marriage ends. Divorce by itself is not a statutory termination event.
A sponsor with continuing obligations generally must report a change of address to USCIS within 30 days using Form I-865.
Common Form I-864 Mistakes
Financial sponsorship problems often arise because the submitted documents do not establish a consistent, qualifying financial arrangement.
An outdated I-864, I-864A or I-864EZ may require correction and delay processing.
Excluding required dependents or previously sponsored immigrants can understate the income threshold.
A strong historical tax return may not establish current income after unemployment or a material financial change.
The correct legal arrangement requires appropriate signed forms, not merely another person's financial records.
Applying the 3× exception to every adult son or daughter of a citizen can materially understate the asset requirement.
A joint sponsor with sufficient income cannot independently cure the original petitioner's failure to establish U.S. domicile.
What to Do After an RFE or NVC Checklist
Identify the exact requirement questioned in the notice before preparing a response. The solution may involve a corrected household calculation, current income evidence, a legally qualifying joint sponsor, a signed I-864A, or better domicile documentation.
Use the submission method and deadline specified in the actual notice. Unrelated extra documents do not necessarily resolve a substantive legal deficiency.
How Arvian Law Firm Assists With I-864
Financial sponsorship requires more than transferring income figures from a tax return. The documentation must establish a legally coherent relationship between the sponsor, household members, qualifying financial resources and immigration category.
Evaluation of household size, sponsor eligibility, income evidence, applicable form editions and financial documentation.
Analysis of joint sponsors, self-employment, assets, household-member income, multiple beneficiaries and petitioners returning from abroad.
Preparation of targeted responses addressing financial sponsorship deficiencies identified by the reviewing agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum income to sponsor a spouse in 2026?
For a standard two-person household in the contiguous states and D.C., the 2026 amount is $27,050 annually. Larger households require more, and different regional or qualifying military thresholds may apply.
Which I-864 edition is required in October 2026?
Edition 08/24/26 is required for new USCIS submissions of I-864, I-864A and I-864EZ beginning October 1, 2026.
Can I sponsor my spouse if I am unemployed?
Possibly. Qualifying assets, eligible household income or a joint sponsor may address insufficient income. The original petitioner still must satisfy applicable legal sponsorship requirements.
Can a friend serve as a joint sponsor?
Yes. A joint sponsor generally need not be related to the immigrant, but must independently meet the eligibility and financial requirements and sign a separate I-864.
Must my immigrant spouse sign I-864A to count income?
Not automatically. Qualifying continuing income of an intending immigrant may be counted without I-864A solely for that income, subject to the relevant rules and any accompanying family members.
Does the 3× assets rule cover adult children?
Not every adult son or daughter. The exception concerns a U.S. citizen's qualifying spouse or child who has reached age 18 and meets the statutory conditions. Other adults generally fall under the 5× rule unless a specific exception applies.
Does Form I-864 cost $120?
The affidavit has no separate USCIS filing fee. NVC generally charges a $120 Affidavit of Support Review fee in applicable domestically reviewed consular cases, subject to exceptions.
Does I-864 expire after one year?
No automatic one-year expiration applies. A qualifying request for updated financial evidence may be issued if more than one year passes and the specific circumstances warrant it.
Which poverty guidelines apply after an updated-evidence request?
Under the relevant provisions of 8 CFR 213a.2, a qualifying request for additional evidence can require reassessment using expected income for the year of the request and guidelines in effect when the request was issued.
Does divorce terminate the sponsorship obligation?
No. Divorce alone does not end an enforceable Form I-864 obligation. A recognized statutory termination event must occur.
Official Sources and Legal References
The requirements, financial thresholds and procedures are based on U.S. federal statutes, regulations and agency instructions.
- USCIS — Form I-864
- USCIS — Form I-864A
- USCIS — Form I-864EZ
- USCIS — 2026 I-864P Guidelines
- USCIS — Form I-485
- Department of State — I-864 FAQs
- Department of State — Affidavit of Support
- Department of State — Visa Fees
- 8 CFR § 213a.2 — Affidavit of Support Regulations
- 8 CFR § 103.2 — Benefit Request Procedures
- 9 FAM 601.14 — Affidavit of Support
Content updated October 15, 2026.
