When applying for a family-based green card, one of the essential steps is ensuring that the petitioner—whether it’s your spouse, child over 21, or sibling—can meet the financial requirements set by USCIS. These requirements are part of a process that helps prove the petitioner can support you once you become a lawful permanent resident, so you don’t rely on government assistance.
What is the Affidavit of Support?
The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a key document in your green card case. This form is essentially a contract between the petitioner (your sponsor) and the U.S. government, showing that your sponsor has enough income to support you and prevent you from becoming a public charge (i.e., someone who depends on government assistance). This step is required for most family-based green card applications.
How is Household Size Calculated?
The household size plays a crucial role in determining whether your sponsor meets the minimum income requirements. Household size includes:
- The petitioner (your sponsor)
- Any dependents living with the sponsor
- You, the intending immigrant
- Any other sponsored immigrants
For example, if I am petitioning for my brother, and my household already consists of five people, I would need to add him, making the household size six. Based on USCIS poverty guidelines, I would need to show an income of $52,450 annually. If I serve in the military, this amount would be reduced to $41,960.
What if the Sponsor Doesn’t Meet the Income Requirement?
If the petitioner doesn’t earn enough to meet the poverty guidelines, they can count their spouse’s income or the income of others living in the household. For instance, if I earn $40,000 annually, I could include my husband’s income in the total to meet the required threshold.
Joint Sponsors: How Do They Work?
If the petitioner still doesn’t meet the income requirements, they can ask someone else to be a joint sponsor. The joint sponsor must meet the same income and household size guidelines. Whether you’re the primary sponsor or a joint sponsor, the rules are the same: you must show that you have enough income to support the immigrant and ensure they won’t need government assistance.
It’s common for family members or friends to ask others to be joint sponsors when they don’t meet the income requirements on their own. If you’ve ever been approached for this, the same rules apply to you as a joint sponsor.
Conclusion
The Affidavit of Support is a vital part of the green card process, and understanding how income and household size are calculated is key to a successful application. Make sure to check the USCIS poverty guidelines and confirm that you or your joint sponsor meet the necessary income thresholds. This is the foundation for supporting your loved one’s green card journey.
