Definition
A legally binding promise from a sponsor saying they'll financially support the immigrant — proving they won't need government benefits.
The Affidavit of Support is a legally binding contract between the sponsoring family member and the U.S. government. By signing Form I-864, the sponsor promises to financially support the immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. It's the government's way of making sure immigrants won't need to rely on public benefits.
And "legally binding" isn't just a figure of speech here. If the sponsored immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits (like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI), the government can sue the sponsor to recover those costs. The obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work (roughly 10 years), permanently leaves the country, or dies.
The I-864 is required for virtually every family-based green card case. No Affidavit of Support, no green card — it's that simple. USCIS will deny or delay your case if the form is missing, incomplete, or shows insufficient income.
The income threshold trips people up. For 2024, a sponsor in a household of two needs to show at least $24,650 in annual income. That number changes each year and goes up with household size. "Household size" includes the sponsor, any dependents they already support, and the person they're sponsoring — plus anyone else on their tax return.
If the sponsor's income falls short, there are options. They can count assets (at one-third or one-fifth of their value, depending on the relationship), or bring in a joint sponsor — someone else willing to take on the same legal obligation. The joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meet the income threshold independently.
The I-864 is required in:
related terms
The Affidavit of Support — a legally binding promise from your sponsor that they'll financially support you so you won't need government benefits.
The person (usually your petitioner) who signs the Affidavit of Support promising the government they'll financially support you.
A test USCIS uses to decide if you're likely to depend on government benefits — it can affect whether you're approved for a green card.
The specific regulation USCIS follows when deciding if someone is likely to rely on public benefits — and whether that makes them inadmissible.
The process of getting a green card through a family member who's a U.S. citizen or permanent resident — the most common path to immigration.
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