Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

A legally binding contract a US sponsor signs promising to financially support a family-based immigrant so they don't become a public charge. Required for most family-sponsored and some employment-based green card applicants, the sponsor must generally show household income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size (100% if the sponsor is active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child) — for 2026, that's roughly $27,050 for a household of two and $34,150 for a household of three in the contiguous US, rising with each extra person. If the sponsor's income falls short, they can add assets, a household member's income via Form I-864A, or bring in a joint sponsor who separately meets the threshold. The obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a US citizen, is credited with 40 quarters of work, leaves the US permanently, or dies.