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Quick Answer

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally binding contract between a financial sponsor and the U.S. government, guaranteeing that the immigrant will not become a public charge. Understanding the income requirements, documentation, and obligations is essential for successful family-based immigration.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Tustin's vibrant Arab and Middle Eastern community includes many families sponsoring relatives for immigration to the United States. The Affidavit of Support is one of the most critical and commonly misunderstood parts of the family-based green card process. SoCal Immigration Services helps Tustin families navigate the I-864 requirements with Arabic-speaking staff who understand both the legal complexities and cultural context of financial sponsorship within Arab families.

What is the Affidavit of Support I-864?

The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a legally enforceable contract between the petitioning sponsor and the U.S. government. By signing this form, the sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant at an income level of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines until the immigrant:

1. Becomes a U.S. citizen (through naturalization)
2. Has earned or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (approximately 10 years)
3. Permanently departs the United States
4. Dies

This obligation is legally binding regardless of changes in the relationship between the sponsor and immigrant. Even in cases of divorce, the sponsor's financial obligation continues until one of the above conditions is met. The I-864 is required for nearly all family-based immigrant visa and adjustment of status applications.

Who Needs to File Form I-864?

The following individuals are required to submit an Affidavit of Support:

•U.S. citizens petitioning for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling
•Lawful permanent residents petitioning for a spouse or unmarried child
•Joint sponsors when the primary sponsor does not meet income requirements
•Household members contributing income to meet the threshold
•Substitute sponsors in cases where the original petitioner has died

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines for I-864

The sponsor must demonstrate household income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% for active duty military sponsoring a spouse or child). The 2026 guidelines for the 48 contiguous states are:

Household Size	100% Poverty Guideline	125% Required (I-864)	150% Recommended
2 persons	$21,150	$26,438	$31,725
3 persons	$26,670	$33,338	$40,005
4 persons	$32,190	$40,238	$48,285
5 persons	$37,710	$47,138	$56,565
6 persons	$43,230	$54,038	$64,845
7 persons	$48,750	$60,938	$73,125
8 persons	$54,270	$67,838	$81,405
Each additional	+$5,520	+$6,900	+$8,280

How to Calculate Your Household Size

Calculating the correct household size for the I-864 is crucial and often confusing. Your household size includes:

•Yourself (the sponsor/petitioner) - always counted
•The immigrant you are sponsoring
•All dependents listed on the immigrant's visa petition (spouse and children)
•Your own spouse and children who live with you, even if they are U.S. citizens
•Any other dependents you claimed on your most recent tax return
•Any immigrants you previously sponsored on an I-864 who are still receiving support
•Any other persons on a previous I-864 whose obligations have not terminated

Required Documentation for the I-864

Sponsors must provide comprehensive financial documentation to prove they meet the income requirements:

1
Federal Tax Returns
Most recent year's federal income tax return (IRS Form 1040) with all schedules and W-2s. USCIS requires the most recent tax year. If not yet filed, include the prior year's return with an explanation.
2
Proof of Current Employment
Current employment letter on company letterhead stating position, salary, and start date. Include recent pay stubs covering the last 6 months to demonstrate ongoing income.
3
Evidence of Assets (if needed)
If income alone does not meet the threshold, assets worth at least 3 times the difference can supplement income (5 times for siblings). Include bank statements, property appraisals, investment account statements.
4
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Status
Copy of U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card to establish the sponsor's immigration status.
5
Prior I-864 Obligations
If you previously sponsored other immigrants, disclose those obligations. Each prior I-864 increases your household size and the income threshold you must meet.
6
Joint Sponsor Documentation
If using a joint sponsor, they must submit a separate I-864 with their own complete set of financial documentation, tax returns, and employment proof.

Joint Sponsors and Household Members

When the primary sponsor cannot meet the income requirements alone, there are two options to supplement the financial showing:

Option	Joint Sponsor	Household Member
Who qualifies	Any U.S. citizen or LPR age 18+	Person living with sponsor who is a relative
Relationship required	No relationship to sponsor required	Must live in sponsor's household
Own I-864 required	Yes, separate complete I-864	No, uses I-864A contract
Income counted	Their own income independently	Added to sponsor's household income
Legal obligation	Independently liable for support	Jointly liable with sponsor
Common scenario	Friend or other family member with sufficient income	Working spouse or adult child in the home

Using Assets Instead of Income

If your household income falls below the required threshold, you can use assets to make up the difference. USCIS applies a specific formula:

- For spouses and children: Assets must equal at least 3 times the difference between your income and the required amount
- For siblings and parents: Assets must equal at least 5 times the difference

Qualifying assets include:

- Cash in savings and checking accounts (fully counted)
- Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts (current market value)
- Real estate equity (appraised value minus mortgages and liens)
- Life insurance cash value (not face value)
- Personal property of significant value with documentation

The immigrant's own assets can also count, but must be accessible and convertible to cash within 12 months. Assets located outside the United States require additional documentation including appraisals and proof of transferability.

Common I-864 Mistakes to Avoid

The Affidavit of Support is one of the most common reasons for Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and visa denials. Avoid these frequent errors:

•Using the wrong year's Federal Poverty Guidelines - always use the most current guidelines
•Miscalculating household size by forgetting to include previously sponsored immigrants
•Submitting tax transcripts instead of complete tax returns with all W-2s and schedules
•Failing to sign the form - the I-864 must be signed in ink and witnessed
•Not including all pages of the form even if they contain no information
•Using outdated forms - USCIS rejects forms that are not the current edition
•Listing gross income instead of adjusted gross income from the tax return
•Forgetting to include evidence when using assets to meet the income requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Affidavit of Support:

•Q: How long does the I-864 obligation last? A: The obligation continues until the immigrant naturalizes, earns 40 work quarters (about 10 years), permanently leaves the U.S., or dies. Divorce does not end the obligation.
•Q: Can I withdraw my Affidavit of Support? A: You cannot withdraw the I-864 after the immigrant has been admitted or adjusted status. Before that point, you can withdraw the underlying petition which would make the I-864 moot.
•Q: What if I lose my job after filing? A: USCIS evaluates income at the time of the interview or visa issuance. If your income has changed, you must provide current evidence. Consider finding a joint sponsor as backup.
•Q: Can a joint sponsor be someone I do not know? A: Yes, a joint sponsor does not need to be related to either the petitioner or the immigrant. They must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident age 18 or older willing to accept legal responsibility.
•Q: Is self-employment income accepted? A: Yes, but self-employed sponsors must provide additional documentation including business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and business licenses.
•Q: What if the immigrant uses public benefits? A: The sponsor can be held liable to reimburse the government for means-tested public benefits the immigrant receives. Government agencies can sue the sponsor for repayment.

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Tustin

The Affidavit of Support requires careful attention to detail and proper documentation. Our team helps Tustin families succeed:

•Arabic-speaking staff who can explain complex financial requirements in your language
•Thorough review of your financial situation to determine the best strategy for meeting income requirements
•Help identifying and preparing joint sponsor documentation when needed
•Asset calculation assistance for families using property, savings, or investments to qualify
•Document organization and review to prevent RFEs and delays
•Free initial consultation to evaluate your financial eligibility and sponsorship options

Contact SoCal Immigration Services

For expert help with your Affidavit of Support I-864 in Tustin, call SoCal Immigration Services at (714) 421-8872. Our Arabic-speaking team assists families throughout Orange County including Tustin, Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and surrounding cities with financial sponsorship documentation, joint sponsor arrangements, and complete I-864 preparation. We ensure your financial package is complete and accurate before submission to avoid costly delays.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does the I-864 obligation last?

A: The obligation continues until the immigrant naturalizes, earns 40 work quarters (about 10 years), permanently leaves the U.S., or dies. Divorce does not end the obligation.

Q:Can I withdraw my Affidavit of Support?

A: You cannot withdraw the I-864 after the immigrant has been admitted or adjusted status. Before that point, you can withdraw the underlying petition which would make the I-864 moot.

Q:What if I lose my job after filing?

A: USCIS evaluates income at the time of the interview or visa issuance. If your income has changed, you must provide current evidence. Consider finding a joint sponsor as backup.

Q:Can a joint sponsor be someone I do not know?

A: Yes, a joint sponsor does not need to be related to either the petitioner or the immigrant. They must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident age 18 or older willing to accept legal responsibility.

Q:Is self-employment income accepted?

A: Yes, but self-employed sponsors must provide additional documentation including business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and business licenses.

Q:What if the immigrant uses public benefits?

A: The sponsor can be held liable to reimburse the government for means-tested public benefits the immigrant receives. Government agencies can sue the sponsor for repayment.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Tustin and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 14, 2026Last Updated: February 14, 2026

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Affidavit of Support I-864 in Tustin: Financial Sponsorship Guide for Arab Families