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.
