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- Reviewer
- Reviewed by the attorney responsible for site content at Abiiden Immigration (NEEDS_FIRM_INPUT — attorney name)
What it does
In most family-based cases and some employment cases, the petitioner must file an affidavit of support demonstrating the ability to maintain the intending immigrant at the income level required by statute.
The affidavit is a contract enforceable against the sponsor, and its obligations continue until a terminating event defined by law occurs.
Income, household size, and joint sponsors
The required income level depends on household size and is published annually by USCIS in the poverty guidelines used for this purpose. Where a sponsor's income is insufficient, a joint sponsor or qualifying assets may be considered under the rules in the form instructions.
Because the required figures are updated each year, always use the current version published by USCIS rather than a figure quoted on a third-party site.
Documentation
Sponsors typically provide tax return transcripts or copies with schedules, evidence of current income, and proof of status. Missing or inconsistent financial documentation is a frequent cause of requests for evidence.