Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules, forms, and fee/threshold amounts can change. Always verify requirements in official sources and/or consult a qualified professional before filing. Outcomes are not guaranteed; responsibility and risk remain with the applicant/sponsor.
This page helps sponsors quickly estimate whether documented current income meets the required threshold as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). The baseline is the annual HHS amount (100%), then the applicable multiplier is applied (for Form I-864, most cases use 125%). Some situations can use 100% depending on the category/instructions.
Form I-864 is a legally enforceable contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government. The most common delays come from: incorrect household size, weak proof of current income, and mistakes with joint sponsors, I-864A household members, and assets.
On this page
Note on “which year to use”: HHS publishes new Poverty Guidelines annually (the 2026 values were published on Jan 15, 2026). USCIS may specify an effective date for using a specific set for I-864-related purposes. That’s why the calculator below lets you select 2025 or 2026.
I-864P Mini Calculator (2025/2026)
Select the FPG year, state group, and household size. For Form I-864, most cases use 125%. The calculator shows the 100% baseline plus the 100/125/150/200% thresholds for the same settings.
| Metric | Value | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Settings | — | Year / region / household |
| 100% FPG | $— | HHS baseline |
| 125% FPG | $— | Typical for Form I-864 |
| 150% FPG | $— | Sometimes used in programs |
| 200% FPG | $— | Common screening level |
Thresholds for your settings
Form I-864 most commonly uses 125%.
Chart: 100% vs 125% vs 150% vs 200% (annual income)
If you’re borderline, do this first
- Borderline income often resolves faster with a joint sponsor or a qualifying household member via I-864A.
- Variable income: strengthen proof of current level (employer letter + recent pay stubs).
- Assets can help, but they commonly trigger RFEs (liquidity, ownership, valuation).
2025 & 2026 Poverty Guidelines (100%) + Quick 125% (I-864) Math
The tables below show the 100% FPG baseline. Form I-864 typically uses 125% (multiply by 1.25). For households above 8, add the “each additional over 8” increment.
| 2026 — 48 Contiguous States + D.C. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household size | 100% FPG | 125% (I-864) |
| 1 | $15,960 | $19,950 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 |
| Each add’l over 8 | +$5,680 | +$7,100 |
| 2026 — Alaska | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household size | 100% FPG | 125% (I-864) |
| 1 | $19,950 | $24,938 |
| 2 | $27,050 | $33,813 |
| 3 | $34,150 | $42,688 |
| 4 | $41,250 | $51,563 |
| 5 | $48,350 | $60,438 |
| 6 | $55,450 | $69,313 |
| 7 | $62,550 | $78,188 |
| 8 | $69,650 | $87,063 |
| Each add’l over 8 | +$7,100 | +$8,875 |
| 2026 — Hawaii | ||
|---|---|---|
| Household size | 100% FPG | 125% (I-864) |
| 1 | $18,360 | $22,950 |
| 2 | $24,890 | $31,113 |
| 3 | $31,420 | $39,275 |
| 4 | $37,950 | $47,438 |
| 5 | $44,480 | $55,600 |
| 6 | $51,010 | $63,763 |
| 7 | $57,540 | $71,925 |
| 8 | $64,070 | $80,088 |
| Each add’l over 8 | +$6,530 | +$8,163 |
2026 — 48 + D.C. (100% / 125%)
2026 — Alaska (100% / 125%)
2026 — Hawaii (100% / 125%)
For 2025 values, use the calculator above (select year). It computes 100% and 125% automatically.
Note: The 2026 values are the HHS Poverty Guidelines published in January 2026. The 2025 values are from the January 2025 publication.
Family pathways: I-130 / CR-1(IR-1) / K-1 → AOS and where I-864 appears
Many I-864 mistakes come from mixing stages: for K-1, financial support at the consular stage often involves I-134, while I-864 typically becomes central later during Adjustment of Status (I-485). For CR-1/IR-1, I-864 is usually reviewed at the NVC stage as part of the Affidavit of Support package.
Pathway A: I-130 → CR-1/IR-1 (consular processing via NVC)
The I-130 establishes the family relationship. After approval, the case moves to NVC where fees are paid, civil documents are uploaded, and the financial package is reviewed.
- I-864 is typically submitted at the NVC stage (Affidavit of Support package).
- The threshold is most commonly 125% of FPG for the sponsor’s household size.
- High-risk point: incorrect household size (forgetting dependents and “still-active” I-864 obligations for other relatives).
Pathway B: K-1 → marriage in the U.S. → AOS (I-485) and I-864 inside the U.S.
K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa. After entry and marriage, the applicant files I-485 for a green card, and I-864 becomes a key part of the AOS packet.
- USCIS often focuses on current income (employer letter + recent pay stubs), especially when the job/income changed after the last tax year.
- If you rely on a household member’s income, you typically need I-864A with that person’s supporting documents.
- If income is borderline, a joint sponsor is often more predictable than relying on assets.
Main principle: I-864 is not only about past tax returns — it’s about proving a reliable current income level and ability to support the household. Tax returns matter, but weak current proof commonly leads to RFEs.
For NVC cases, use NVC instructions and current timeframes to avoid avoidable rework and document resubmissions.
Common I-864 RFEs & Mistakes (2026): “have → need” checklist
These are recurring reasons for document requests and delays. The “have → need” format is meant for a fast pre-filing audit of your I-864 package.
1) Household size calculated incorrectly
2) Relying on old tax returns without proof of current income
3) Claiming a household member’s income without I-864A
4) Self-employment: weak stability documentation
5) Assets: missing liquidity and ownership proof
6) Mixing up 100% vs 125%
7) Technical rejection risks: signatures/dates/translations
Pre-filing quick checklist
- Household size calculated and supported with documents.
- Current income ≥ required threshold (usually 125%) using the correct FPG year.
- Tax documents + strong current-income proof (letter + pay stubs / P&L and statements).
- If needed: joint sponsor and/or I-864A completed correctly.
- If using assets: ownership + valuation + liquidity + correct multiplier logic.
- Signatures/dates/translations verified.
Page currency: Jan 17, 2026. Before filing, verify the latest form edition dates, fee schedule, and the currently applicable Poverty Guidelines for I-864 purposes.
