Sponsorship Requirements

Yes, you can use assets to help meet the income requirement for a marriage-based green card if your income alone doesn’t meet the threshold. Assets can include cash, savings accounts, property, stocks, or other valuable resources that can be easily converted into cash within a year. To determine if your assets are enough, their combined value must equal at least three times the difference between your income and the required 125% of the federal poverty level. For example, if you’re $5,000 short of the income requirement, you’ll need assets worth at least $15,000. For spouses of green card holders, the requirement is higher—assets must be five times the shortfall. Proper documentation of the assets’ value and proof of ownership is crucial when using this option.

Yes, you can use a household member to help meet the income requirement for sponsoring your spouse for a marriage-based green card. This is known as using a “household member co-sponsor,” and they must be willing to contribute their income or assets to meet the 125% of the federal poverty level requirement. The household member must be living with you and willing to sign Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, which legally commits them to financially support the sponsored immigrant if necessary. Common household members used for this purpose include parents, siblings, or adult children living at the same address. This is a helpful option if the primary sponsor doesn’t meet the income requirement on their own.

Yes, a joint sponsor can help if your spouse doesn’t meet the income requirement for a marriage-based green card. A joint sponsor is a U.S. citizen or green card holder who agrees to take on the financial responsibility for your application, just like your spouse. The joint sponsor must meet the income requirement of at least 125% of the federal poverty level for their household size, which can include their own family and anyone else they have previously sponsored. They will need to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, just like your spouse. Using a joint sponsor is a common solution for couples where the petitioner’s income alone isn’t enough to meet the requirement.

To sponsor a spouse for a marriage-based green card, the U.S. citizen or green card holder must meet certain financial requirements to demonstrate they can support their spouse and prevent them from becoming a public charge. The primary requirement is to have an income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size. This income requirement can change each year, depending on the federal poverty guidelines, so it’s important to check the current figures. If the sponsoring spouse does not meet the income threshold, they can use assets, such as savings or property, to make up the difference.

Additionally, you can have a joint sponsor—another U.S. citizen or green card holder—help meet the income requirements by completing a separate Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

If your spouse doesn’t meet the income requirement to sponsor you for a marriage-based green card, there are still options. To sponsor a spouse, the petitioner must demonstrate an income at least 125% above the federal poverty line. If they fall short, you can use assets to make up the difference or find a joint sponsor.

A joint sponsor is typically a U.S. citizen or green card holder who meets the income requirement and is willing to share the financial responsibility for your application. This person will also need to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and meet the same financial standards. Using a joint sponsor is a common solution when the petitioner’s income alone isn’t enough.