The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a document that sponsors must submit in certain family-based immigration cases to show that they have the financial means to support the intending immigrant. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the Affidavit of Support:
Step 1: Obtain the Form I-864
You can download the latest version of Form I-864 from the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at.
Step 2: Read the Instructions
Before filling out the form, carefully read the accompanying instructions provided by USCIS. The instructions will guide you through each section of the form and provide important information about eligibility requirements and supporting documentation.
Step 3: Complete the Form
Follow the instructions to complete each section of the form accurately. Some key sections of the Form I-864 include:
- Part 1: Information About You (the Sponsor): Provide your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
- Part 2: Information About the Principal Immigrant: Enter the information about the person you are sponsoring (the intending immigrant).
- Part 3: Household Size: Provide information about the number of people living in your household and their relationship to you. This information is used to determine your household size for income calculation.
- Part 4: Sponsor’s Income and Employment: Provide details about your income, employment, and other sources of financial support. You may need to attach proof of income, such as tax returns and W-2 forms.
- Part 5: Sponsor’s Contract Obligations: Sign and date the form, certifying that you understand and accept the legal obligations of being a sponsor.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
In addition to the completed Form I-864, you will need to provide supporting documents to demonstrate your financial eligibility. This may include recent tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and other relevant financial documents.
Step 5: Submit the Form and Supporting Documents
Include the completed Form I-864 and all required supporting documents in the immigration petition or application package that you submit to USCIS. Make sure to keep copies of all documents for your records.
Form I-130A – How to Fill Out
Form I-130A, officially known as the “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary,” is a supporting document for the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The I-130A is typically used in conjunction with the I-130 when sponsoring a spouse for a U.S. green card. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form I-130A:
Step 1: Download the Form
You can download the most recent version of Form I-130A from the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 2: Read the Instructions
Before filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided by USCIS. The instructions will provide important information about who should use the form, where to file it, and how to complete each section.
Step 3: Complete the Form I-130 First
Before completing Form I-130A, you should fill out the primary petition, Form I-130. The information you provide in the I-130 serves as the basis for the I-130A, and it includes details about the petitioner and the beneficiary (the spouse).
Step 4: Basic Information (Part 1)
Provide basic information about the beneficiary (spouse), including their full name, date of birth, and place of birth. This section also requires information about the beneficiary’s address, marital history, and employment history.
Step 5: Information About the Beneficiary’s Parents (Part 2)
Provide details about the beneficiary’s parents, including their full names, dates of birth, and places of birth. If the beneficiary’s parents are deceased, indicate this on the form.
Step 6: Biographic Information (Part 3)
Complete the biographic information section, including details about the beneficiary’s physical appearance, nationality, and other identifying information.
Step 7: Interpreter’s Contact Information and Signature (Part 4)
If the form was completed with the help of an interpreter, provide the interpreter’s contact information. The interpreter must also sign and date the form.
Step 8: Certification and Signature (Part 5)
Read the certification statement carefully and sign and date the form. The petitioner (U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse) should sign in Part 5.
Step 9: Submit the Form
Include the completed Form I-130A along with the Form I-130 in the immigration petition package. Submit the entire package to the appropriate USCIS address, as indicated in the Form I-130 instructions.
What documents must a petitioner submit with Form I-864?
When a petitioner submits Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, as part of an immigration application, they are required to include certain supporting documents to demonstrate their financial ability to support the intending immigrant. The specific documents may vary depending on the petitioner’s income source. Here’s a general list of documents that may be required:
- Tax Returns:
- Copies of the petitioner’s federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year.
- If the petitioner has not yet filed the most recent tax return, they may need to provide evidence of income and a statement explaining why.
- W-2 Forms:
- Copies of the petitioner’s W-2 forms for the most recent tax year.
- Proof of Current Employment:
- Pay stubs or other proof of current employment for the petitioner.
- If self-employed, the petitioner may need to provide business tax returns and evidence of income.
- Proof of Assets:
- If the petitioner relies on assets to meet the income requirements, they should provide evidence of these assets. This could include bank statements, property valuation documents, or other proof of ownership.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency:
- A copy of the petitioner’s U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or green card.
- Proof of Relationship:
- Documentation proving the relationship between the petitioner and the intending immigrant. This could include a marriage certificate, birth certificates (if applicable), or evidence of a qualifying family relationship.
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate:
- If either the petitioner or intending immigrant was previously married, provide the divorce decree(s) or death certificate(s) to demonstrate the termination of previous marriages.
- Form I-864A (if applicable):
- If the petitioner’s income is combined with that of other household members, they may need to submit Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.
- Form I-864W (if applicable):
- If the petitioner’s income is not required to meet the minimum income requirements, they may submit Form I-864W, Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support.
- Civil Documents:
- Any other civil documents that USCIS may require to establish eligibility and authenticity of the information provided.
