Do I need to notarize the I-864?

USCIS generally requires a signed affidavit but does not universally require a notary stamp; some consulates or foreign authorities may request notarization. When in doubt, follow specific consular or USCIS instructions and include notarization if requested to avoid processing issues.

Can I e-sign the I-864 electronically?

Electronic signature acceptance depends on USCIS and consular guidance for the specific filing channel. ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA permit electronic signatures, but many immigration filings still expect wet signatures; verify current USCIS filing instructions before relying on e-signatures.

How long does a sponsor’s obligation last?

An I-864 creates an enforceable obligation that typically continues until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, accrues 40 quarters of work history, dies, or permanently departs the United States; consult INA guidance or counsel for case-specific determinations.

What documents prove sponsor income?

USCIS commonly requires federal tax returns, W-2s, and recent pay stubs; IRS tax transcripts may be acceptable. If relying on assets, provide bank statements, appraisals, and evidence of liquidation ability to support the declared values.

Can a sponsor withdraw an affidavit?

A sponsor cannot generally revoke the I-864 once the immigrant has been admitted; withdrawal or cancellation options are limited and fact-specific. Seek legal advice if circumstances change or if termination may apply under statutory exceptions.

What if income is insufficient?

If the sponsor’s income does not meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, secure a qualified joint sponsor or demonstrate sufficient assets. Prepare a joint sponsor’s separate I-864 and supporting tax evidence to meet USCIS requirements.

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Immigration Affidavit of Support I-864

Immigration Affidavit of Support I-864

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

IMMIGRATION AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT I-864

This Affidavit of Support is executed by the undersigned sponsor to demonstrate that the intending immigrant(s) named below have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to become public charges. Sponsor acknowledges the legal obligations set forth in this Affidavit and certifies under penalty of perjury that the information provided is true and correct to the best of the sponsor's knowledge.

Part 1. Sponsor Information

Sponsor full legal name Sponsor current address

Telephone:

Email:

Date of birth:

Part 2. Principal Immigrant

Principal immigrant full legal name

Relationship to sponsor:

Date of birth:

Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any: Country of birth:

Part 3. Persons to be Supported

Number of intending immigrant(s) supported by this Affidavit:

List names of all intending immigrant(s) covered

Part 4. Household Size

Total household size (include sponsor, dependents, and immigrant(s) listed above):

List household members and relationship to sponsor

Part 5. Sponsor's Income and Employment

Employer name and address

Current annual income: $ Source of income:

I have attached evidence of current income (check all that apply):
Last year's federal income tax return(s) (complete) Recent pay stubs Employer letter

Part 6. Use of Assets

If the sponsor's income is insufficient to meet the Federal poverty guidelines for the sponsor's household size, the sponsor offers the following assets to meet the required support obligation. Describe asset, location, and estimated current market value.

Total available assets value: $

Part 7. Sponsor's Contractual Obligations

By signing this Affidavit of Support, the sponsor agrees to provide financial support for the intending immigrant(s) such that the immigrant(s) will not become a public charge. The sponsor's obligations include providing support at an annual income level equal to or above 125% of the Federal poverty guidelines for the sponsor's household size or provide the difference in cash or in-kind support. This obligation is enforceable by the sponsored immigrant, by any Federal, State, or local government agency that provides means-tested public benefits, and by other persons who provide financial support to the immigrant.

The sponsor acknowledges that this obligation may continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work, dies, or until the sponsored immigrant is subject to removal and departs the United States under an order of removal.

Part 8. Certification and Signature

I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that I am the sponsor named in this Affidavit of Support, that the information I have provided in this Affidavit is true and correct, and that I understand my legal obligations under this Affidavit. I understand that knowingly providing false information may subject me to penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Printed name of sponsor:

Signature of sponsor:

Date signed:

Sponsor Social Security Number (if any) Sponsor mailing address (if different from above)

Part 9. Preparer and Interpreter (If applicable)

Preparer full name Interpreter full name

Preparer's certification: I certify that I prepared this form at the request of the sponsor and that the information provided is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Preparer signature: Date:

Governing Law and Entire Agreement

This Affidavit of Support shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the United States of America and any interpretation regarding the sponsor's obligations shall be governed by applicable Federal law. This document constitutes the entire agreement of financial support between the sponsor and any person or entity entitled to enforce this Affidavit and supersedes any prior statements or agreements, oral or written, regarding the sponsor's obligation to support the immigrant(s).

Notice to Sponsor: By signing below you acknowledge that you have read and understand the obligations set forth in this Affidavit of Support, including possible legal responsibility to reimburse public benefits paid to the immigrant(s) and the enforceability of this contract by governmental agencies and the sponsored immigrant(s).

Sponsor Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What the Immigration Affidavit of Support I-864 Is

The Immigration Affidavit of Support I-864 is a U.S. federal form used by sponsors to demonstrate they can financially support a family-based immigrant. Filed to show the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge, the I-864 documents household size, income, and assets and creates a binding sponsorship obligation under U.S. immigration law. The affidavit is submitted with immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications and must be completed by the petitioner or a joint sponsor where primary income is insufficient.

Why the I-864 Matters for Sponsors and Beneficiaries

The I-864 establishes enforceable financial responsibilities and supports adjudicators’ decisions on admissibility and public-charge evaluation. Accurate, complete affidavits help avoid delays, Requests for Evidence, or denials and clarify when a joint sponsor or household income documentation is necessary.

Who Completes and Relies on the I-864

Typical parties involved include the U.S. petitioner (sponsor), any joint sponsor, the sponsored immigrant, and immigration attorneys or accredited representatives who prepare supporting evidence.

Primary Sponsor: a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioning for a family member; signs and accepts legal obligations for support.
Joint Sponsor: a U.S.-based individual who meets income requirements if the primary sponsor’s income is insufficient to meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Attorney or Representative: prepares, reviews, and assembles tax records, proof of income, and household member documentation for submission.

Each party must provide accurate identifying and financial information to meet USCIS and consular processing requirements and to document enforceable obligations.

Role-Specific Signers

Sponsor

Primary filer responsible for income declarations and signature. The sponsor must supply federal tax returns, proof of current employment or assets, and agree to support the sponsored immigrant financially until statutory termination events occur.

Joint Sponsor

An optional co-signer who meets income thresholds independently. The joint sponsor provides separate Form I-864, supporting tax documents, and accepts the same enforceable obligations as the primary sponsor once the affidavit is submitted and the immigrant is admitted.

Required Data Elements on I-864

Sponsor Name: Full legal name

Sponsor Address: Street, city, state, ZIP

Alien Registration: A-number or USCIS number if available

Income Figures: Gross annual income

Household Size: Calculated total persons

Signature and Date: Sponsor signature and signing date

Legal Risks and Consequences to Note

Perjury Exposure: False statements may incur criminal penalties

Enforceable Obligation: Sponsor may be sued for maintenance and support

Application Delay: Incomplete documents cause RFEs and processing delays

Public Charge Findings: Insufficient evidence can affect admissibility

Tax Mismatches: Missing or inconsistent returns trigger requests

Revocation Limits: Affidavit generally cannot be withdrawn after admission

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Mismatched names or dates between I-864 and submitted IDs, causing identity verification problems and potential RFEs.
Failing to include required tax returns, W-2s or pay stubs that substantiate reported income and household size.
Incorrect household size calculations that omit dependents or include non-countable household members, resulting in insufficient income evidence.
Unsigned forms or missing pages from multi-page filings which often lead to outright rejection or a request for corrected submission.

Real-world I-864 Scenarios

Typical case examples show how sponsors and joint sponsors provide evidence to satisfy the affidavit and prevent common processing delays.

Consular Processing Sponsor

A U.S. citizen living in Texas sponsors a spouse overseas and assembles recent federal tax returns and employment verification.

Household size met with joint sponsor contribution.
The combined documentation satisfied the National Visa Center review and avoided an RFE at the consular interview by demonstrating required income and translating foreign documents to English with certified translations.

Adjustment of Status Sponsor

A permanent resident filing I-485 includes I-864 with adjustment package and copies of three years of tax returns.

Joint sponsor used for shortfall.
USCIS accepted the package without additional evidence when signatures matched IDs and all required financial exhibits were included, speeding adjudication for adjustment of status.

Step-by-Step: Completing Form I-864

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a complete affidavit of support for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status submission.

01

Gather Documents: Collect federal tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and proof of assets.
02

Complete Form: Enter sponsor identity, household size, income, and dependent details accurately.
03

Calculate Eligibility: Compare total household income to 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines.
04

Sign and Assemble: Sponsor signs date; include supporting exhibits and retain copies.

Where to Submit the I-864 in Typical Workflows

Submission destination depends on the underlying immigration process: consular processing routes differ from adjustment of status filing at USCIS.

Consular Processing: Send to National Visa Center (NVC) per consular instructions.
Adjustment of Status: Include with Form I-485 package to USCIS filing address.
Supporting Evidence: Attach tax returns, pay stubs, and joint sponsor documents.
Record Retention: Keep originals and copies for sponsor records and enforcement.

Key Sections and Elements to Complete Professionally

A professionally prepared I-864 highlights specific sections, organizes supporting exhibits, and ensures consistency across identification, income, household, and signature fields to reduce risk of RFEs or delays.

Sponsor Identity

Provide full legal name, mailing address, citizenship or immigration status, and a USCIS A-number when available; these details must match government IDs to prevent identity questions during adjudication.

Household Composition

List all persons counted toward household size, including dependents and any immigrants previously sponsored who remain under obligation; incorrect household counts frequently trigger additional documentation requests.

Income Declaration

Report gross income figures consistent with federal tax returns; attach the most recent IRS transcripts or full tax returns to substantiate the values shown on the form.

Use of Joint Sponsor

When primary income is insufficient, include a properly completed I-864 for a joint sponsor along with that person’s tax returns and employment evidence to meet the 125% poverty threshold.

Proof of Assets

If relying on assets instead of income, document ownership, valuation, and liquidation ability with bank statements, appraisals, or certified letters that demonstrate asset sufficiency under USCIS rules.

Signature and Date

Ensure the sponsor signs and dates the form; unsigned affidavits are invalid and may be returned or rejected by USCIS or consular offices.

Supporting Documents Commonly Required with I-864

Organize required exhibits by type and label each attachment so reviewers can quickly verify the sponsor’s financial capacity and identity.

Federal Tax Returns

Provide full copies of federal tax returns for the most recent tax year; IRS tax transcripts may also be acceptable to demonstrate reported income.

Proof of Employment

Include an employment verification letter, recent pay stubs, or employer contract showing salary and continuous employment status.

Asset Documentation

Show bank statements, certificates of deposit, stocks, or property valuations with evidence that assets are available and able to be converted if needed.

Joint Sponsor Package

If used, attach the joint sponsor’s separate I-864, tax returns, proof of domicile, and identification photos or scans.

Practical Tips for Accurate I-864 Preparation

These recommendations reduce errors, avoid RFEs, and clarify when to seek additional help from legal counsel or financial advisors.

Use Recent Tax Records

Provide the most recent year’s federal tax return and, where requested, prior years; ensure numbers on the form match IRS documents to avoid verification issues.

Confirm Household Count

Carefully include all qualifying household members and dependents; miscounts are a frequent cause of requests for additional evidence and processing delays.

Translate Foreign Documents

Submit certified English translations for any foreign-language documents, including tax records or employment letters, to prevent rejection by adjudicators.

Consider Joint Sponsorship Early

If income is marginal, identify and prepare a joint sponsor package in advance; parallel preparation reduces timeline disruption if primary documentation is insufficient.

Timing and Processing Expectations

The I-864 itself has no universal filing deadline but must accompany the immigrant application or adjustment package and meet case-specific timing requirements.

With Immigrant Visa:

Submit I-864 when asked by the National Visa Center during consular processing.

With Adjustment of Status:

Include I-864 when filing Form I-485 if applicable to the petition.

Respond to RFEs:

Timely respond to any Requests for Evidence to avoid application delays.

Processing Variation:

Consular review and USCIS adjudication times vary by office and caseload.

Record Keeping:

Keep copies until statutory obligations end or consult counsel for retention guidance.

Digital Signing and File Format Considerations

Choose a platform that supports common document formats and integrations so I-864 and exhibits are stored and shared securely.

Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, TIFF
Integrations: Salesforce, Google Workspace
Security Standards: AES-256 at rest

Configuring an Online I-864 Workflow

Set up a template, required fields, signer roles, and authentication to simplify repeat filings or batch processing for multiple sponsor packages.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email link or SMS code
Conditional Fields	Show joint sponsor fields when triggered
Template Name	I-864 Sponsor Template
Retention Settings	Auto-archive signed copies

I-864 Versus I-864EZ: Which to Use

The I-864EZ is a shortened affidavit available only under narrow circumstances; choose the correct form based on household and income criteria.

Criteria	I-864	I-864EZ
Who Can Use	general sponsors	sponsors meeting narrow conditions
Household Income	full calculation required	simpler income reporting
Supporting Documents	tax returns typically needed	fewer exhibits if eligible
Use Case	most family sponsors	single-sponsor, simple cases

Key Milestones in an I-864 Case Timeline

The following stages represent typical milestones from petition filing through admission and indicate when the affidavit becomes relevant and enforceable.

01

Petition Filed

Petitioner submits Form I-130 or equivalent; prepare I-864 concurrently.

02

NVC Review

National Visa Center checks exhibits for consular cases prior to interview scheduling.

03

Consular Interview

Signed I-864 and supporting evidence presented at interview when required.

04

Admission

Affidavit obligation activates upon immigrant’s lawful admission to the U.S.

eSignature Vendor Comparison Relevant to I-864 Digital Workflows

Cost and capability comparisons illustrate typical vendor price points and feature differences for securely assembling, signing, and storing I-864 affidavits and attachments.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About the I-864

Answers to common practical questions about notarization, e-signatures, joint sponsors, document retention, and what happens if circumstances change.

Need help? Contact support

Do I need to notarize the I-864?
USCIS generally requires a signed affidavit but does not universally require a notary stamp; some consulates or foreign authorities may request notarization. When in doubt, follow specific consular or USCIS instructions and include notarization if requested to avoid processing issues.
Can I e-sign the I-864 electronically?
Electronic signature acceptance depends on USCIS and consular guidance for the specific filing channel. ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA permit electronic signatures, but many immigration filings still expect wet signatures; verify current USCIS filing instructions before relying on e-signatures.
How long does a sponsor’s obligation last?
An I-864 creates an enforceable obligation that typically continues until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, accrues 40 quarters of work history, dies, or permanently departs the United States; consult INA guidance or counsel for case-specific determinations.
What documents prove sponsor income?
USCIS commonly requires federal tax returns, W-2s, and recent pay stubs; IRS tax transcripts may be acceptable. If relying on assets, provide bank statements, appraisals, and evidence of liquidation ability to support the declared values.
Can a sponsor withdraw an affidavit?
A sponsor cannot generally revoke the I-864 once the immigrant has been admitted; withdrawal or cancellation options are limited and fact-specific. Seek legal advice if circumstances change or if termination may apply under statutory exceptions.
What if income is insufficient?
If the sponsor’s income does not meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, secure a qualified joint sponsor or demonstrate sufficient assets. Prepare a joint sponsor’s separate I-864 and supporting tax evidence to meet USCIS requirements.

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