SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services releases updated poverty guidelines each year, directly impacting Menifee families sponsoring relatives for green cards through the I-864 Affidavit of Support. Understanding these 2026 income thresholds is essential for successful family-based immigration petitions in Riverside County.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding the I-864 Affidavit of Support

Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is a legally binding contract between an immigration sponsor and the U.S. government. When you sign this document, you accept financial responsibility for the immigrant you are sponsoring. This obligation is enforceable in court, meaning the government or the sponsored immigrant can sue you for support if necessary.

The I-864 requirement applies to most family-based immigration cases, including:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, parents)
• Family preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4)
• Some employment-based immigrants when a family member filed the petition
• Diversity visa lottery winners

For Menifee residents sponsoring family members, meeting the income requirements is a critical step that determines whether your petition moves forward or faces delays and potential denial.

2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines for I-864 (125% Level)

The 2026 federal poverty guidelines require sponsors to demonstrate income at 125% of the poverty level. Active duty military members sponsoring spouses or children only need to meet 100% of the guidelines. Below are the 2026 income thresholds for the 48 contiguous states, including California:

Household Size	100% Poverty Level	125% Poverty Level (Required)	Monthly Income Needed
2	$20,440	$25,550	$2,129
3	$25,820	$32,275	$2,690
4	$31,200	$39,000	$3,250
5	$36,580	$45,725	$3,810
6	$41,960	$52,450	$4,371
7	$47,340	$59,175	$4,931
8	$52,720	$65,900	$5,492
Each additional person	+$5,380	+$6,725	+$560

How to Calculate Your Household Size for I-864

Calculating household size for the I-864 is different from counting who lives in your home. You must include specific individuals regardless of where they physically reside. Accurate household size calculation directly affects whether you meet income requirements.

1
Start with Yourself
The sponsor (you) always counts as 1 person in the household size calculation, regardless of your living situation.
2
Add Your Spouse
Include your spouse even if they live separately, are not a U.S. citizen, or will not contribute income to the sponsorship.
3
Add Your Dependents
Count all children and other dependents you claimed on your most recent federal tax return, whether they live with you or not.
4
Add the Immigrant You Are Sponsoring
The principal beneficiary of your petition counts in your household size. This is the person named on Form I-130.
5
Add Accompanying Family Members
Include any spouse and unmarried children under 21 who will immigrate along with the principal beneficiary (derivative beneficiaries).
6
Add Previously Sponsored Immigrants
Count anyone for whom you previously signed an I-864 who has not yet become a U.S. citizen, completed 40 quarters of work, died, or permanently departed the U.S.
7
Add Other I-864 Obligations
Include anyone for whom you signed an I-864 as a joint sponsor, even if you were not the petitioner.

Household Size Calculation Example for Menifee Families

Consider this common scenario: A U.S. citizen in Menifee is sponsoring her mother from Jordan. The sponsor is married with two children.

Household size calculation:
• Sponsor: 1
• Sponsor's husband: 1
• Sponsor's two children: 2
• Mother being sponsored: 1
• Total household size: 5

With a household size of 5, this sponsor needs to demonstrate annual income of at least $45,725 (the 2026 threshold at 125% of poverty guidelines). If the sponsor's annual income is $42,000, she has a shortfall of $3,725 and must use assets or a joint sponsor to qualify.

Joint Sponsor Requirements for I-864

When a primary sponsor does not meet income requirements, a joint sponsor can file a separate I-864 to support the immigration petition. Joint sponsors are common in Menifee and throughout Riverside County, particularly when sponsors are recently employed, self-employed with variable income, or supporting large households.

•Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
•Must be at least 18 years old at time of signing
•Must be domiciled (have principal residence) in the United States
•Must independently meet the 125% poverty guideline income threshold
•Must accept joint and several liability with the primary sponsor
•Does not need to be related to the sponsor or immigrant
•Cannot be the same person as the primary sponsor
•Must be willing to submit their own I-864 with complete financial documentation

Joint Sponsor Income Calculation

Joint sponsors calculate their household size differently than primary sponsors. The joint sponsor includes:

• Themselves (the joint sponsor)
• Their spouse (if any)
• Their dependents claimed on tax returns
• The immigrant being sponsored (and any derivatives)

Importantly, joint sponsors do not count the primary sponsor's household members. A joint sponsor with a household of 2, sponsoring one immigrant, has a total household size of 3 and needs $32,275 in annual income for 2026.

Multiple joint sponsors can be used if sponsoring multiple immigrants on the same petition, but each immigrant can only have one joint sponsor. You cannot split sponsorship responsibility for a single immigrant between two joint sponsors.

Using Assets When Income is Insufficient

If your income falls short of the 125% poverty guideline requirement, you can supplement with assets. The asset calculation follows specific rules that Menifee sponsors must understand:

Relationship to Sponsor	Asset Multiplier	Example Calculation
Spouse or child of sponsor	3x the income shortfall	Shortfall of $5,000 = $15,000 in assets needed
Parent, sibling, or other relative	5x the income shortfall	Shortfall of $5,000 = $25,000 in assets needed
Joint sponsor's beneficiary	5x the income shortfall	Shortfall of $5,000 = $25,000 in assets needed

Qualifying Assets for I-864

Not all assets qualify for the I-864 affidavit. USCIS requires that assets be readily convertible to cash within 12 months. Acceptable assets include:

•Cash in checking and savings accounts (fully counts)
•Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds (current market value)
•Certificates of deposit (CD value)
•Individual retirement accounts (IRA) - consider early withdrawal penalties
•401(k) and pension accounts - consider early withdrawal penalties
•Real estate equity (appraised value minus mortgage balance minus 10% selling costs)
•Life insurance cash surrender value (not death benefit)
•Personal property with documented resale value (vehicles, jewelry, etc.)

Assets That Do Not Qualify

The following cannot be used to meet I-864 asset requirements:

•Primary residence (your personal home where you live)
•Retirement accounts if you cannot access funds within 12 months
•Business assets that cannot be liquidated without destroying the business
•Property with liens or encumbrances that prevent sale
•Assets located outside the United States (generally)
•Items without clear documentation of value
•Expected future income or inheritance

I-864A vs I-864: Understanding the Difference

Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member) serves a different purpose than the I-864 or a joint sponsor arrangement. Understanding when to use each form is essential for Menifee families navigating the affidavit of support process.

Feature	I-864A (Household Member)	I-864 Joint Sponsor
Who files	Household member living with primary sponsor	Any qualifying person, anywhere in U.S.
Income combination	Combined with primary sponsor's income	Must meet requirement independently
Residence requirement	Must live with the sponsor	No residence requirement
Relationship requirement	Must be on sponsor's tax return or lived together 6+ months	No relationship required
Form used	I-864A attached to sponsor's I-864	Separate complete I-864 package

When to Use Form I-864A

Form I-864A allows household members to combine their income with the primary sponsor to meet income requirements. This is useful when:

•The sponsor's adult child lives at home and works full-time
•The sponsor's spouse has significant income
•An extended family member resides in the household and contributes financially
•The intending immigrant already lives with the sponsor legally and has work authorization
•Multiple household members want to contribute income

Requirements for I-864A Household Members

To qualify as a household member using Form I-864A, the person must:

1
Live with the Sponsor
The household member must currently reside at the same address as the primary sponsor. Proof includes shared lease, utility bills, or mail at the same address.
2
Meet Relationship or Duration Requirements
The household member must either be listed as a dependent on the sponsor's most recent tax return OR have lived with the sponsor for at least 6 months.
3
Have Lawful Immigration Status
The household member must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have another lawful immigration status that permits residing in the U.S.
4
Accept Legal Responsibility
By signing I-864A, the household member becomes jointly and severally liable with the sponsor for supporting the immigrant financially.

What Income Counts for the I-864

USCIS evaluates your income based on your most recent federal tax return and current employment. Understanding what qualifies as income helps Menifee sponsors prepare accurate documentation.

•Wages and salary from employment (W-2 income)
•Self-employment income (reported on Schedule C or K-1)
•Rental property income (Schedule E)
•Social Security benefits (retirement or disability)
•Pension and retirement distributions
•Unemployment compensation
•Interest and dividend income
•Alimony received (if consistent and documented)
•Child support received (if consistent and documented)
•Military pay and allowances
•Veterans benefits

Self-Employment Income Considerations

Self-employed sponsors in Menifee face additional scrutiny when filing the I-864. USCIS reviews net self-employment income, not gross revenue. Tax deductions that benefit you during tax season reduce your qualifying income for immigration purposes.

Self-employed sponsors should provide:

• Complete tax returns for the past 3 years (not just 1 year)
• All schedules, particularly Schedule C (sole proprietors) or K-1 (partnerships/S-corps)
• Year-to-date profit and loss statements
• Business bank statements showing current revenue
• Contracts or invoices demonstrating ongoing income

If your tax returns show low income due to business deductions, consider working with a tax professional to understand your true qualifying income and whether amendments or additional documentation would help your case.

Employment Income Documentation

For sponsors working as employees, USCIS requires proof of current employment and income consistency. Required documents include:

•Employment verification letter on company letterhead stating position, start date, salary, and hours
•Most recent federal tax return with all W-2 forms
•Pay stubs from the past 6 months showing year-to-date earnings
•For new employment: offer letter showing salary and start date
•For variable income (overtime, commissions, bonuses): documentation of typical earnings

Domicile Requirements for Sponsors

Both primary sponsors and joint sponsors must be domiciled in the United States. Domicile means your principal residence is in the U.S. and you intend to maintain it as your permanent home. This requirement affects Menifee sponsors who:

• Work abroad temporarily
• Travel frequently for business
• Maintain homes in multiple countries
• Recently returned from living overseas

Proving domicile requires showing your center of life is in the United States. Evidence includes:

• Property ownership or lease in the U.S.
• U.S. driver's license
• U.S. bank accounts
• U.S. voter registration
• Children enrolled in U.S. schools
• Membership in local organizations
• Filing U.S. tax returns as a resident
• Maintaining minimal ties to other countries

Common Mistakes in the Affidavit of Support

USCIS returns or denies I-864 forms with errors, causing significant delays. Menifee sponsors should avoid these frequent mistakes:

•Incorrect household size calculation (forgetting previously sponsored immigrants or derivatives)
•Using gross income instead of adjusted gross income from tax returns
•Missing signatures or dates on the form
•Failing to include all required tax schedules
•Not providing tax transcripts when requested
•Submitting expired documents (tax returns must be from the most recent filing year)
•Joint sponsor not meeting income requirement independently
•I-864A household member not living at the same address
•Missing proof of immigration status for joint sponsors or household members
•Incomplete asset documentation when supplementing income
•Not accounting for all derivatives when calculating household size
•Sponsor who lives abroad not demonstrating U.S. domicile

Duration of Sponsor Obligation

Signing the I-864 creates a long-term legal obligation. Your responsibility continues until one of these events occurs:

•The sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen
•The sponsored immigrant earns 40 qualifying quarters of work (approximately 10 years)
•The sponsored immigrant permanently departs the United States
•The sponsored immigrant dies
•The sponsor dies (obligation does not transfer to sponsor's estate)

What Does Not End the Sponsorship Obligation

Many sponsors mistakenly believe certain events release them from I-864 liability. The following do not end your obligation:

•Divorce from the sponsored immigrant
•Separation from the sponsored immigrant
•The sponsored immigrant becomes self-sufficient
•The sponsored immigrant moves out or relocates
•The sponsored immigrant marries someone else
•You lose your job or income decreases
•You file for bankruptcy
•You move to a different state or country

Public Benefits and Sponsor Liability

If the sponsored immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits, the agency providing benefits can seek reimbursement from the sponsor. Benefits that trigger potential sponsor liability include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
• Medicaid (with some exceptions)
• State Cash Assistance programs

The sponsored immigrant can also sue the sponsor directly for support if the sponsor fails to provide income at the 125% poverty level. Courts have enforced these obligations, ordering sponsors to make ongoing support payments.

Special Situations for Menifee Residents

Certain circumstances require special attention when preparing the I-864 in Menifee and Riverside County:

•Military families stationed at March Air Reserve Base (100% vs 125% threshold)
•Agricultural workers with seasonal income fluctuations
•Families with mixed immigration status members
•Sponsors who recently naturalized and are petitioning parents
•Widows and widowers sponsoring children from prior marriages
•Sponsors receiving disability benefits as primary income
•Multi-generational households with complex living arrangements

I-864 Services for Menifee Families

SoCal Immigration Services assists Menifee and Riverside County families with all aspects of the Affidavit of Support process. Our Arabic-speaking staff provides comprehensive support including:

•Household size calculation and verification
•Income requirement analysis based on 2026 poverty guidelines
•Asset evaluation and documentation when income is insufficient
•Joint sponsor identification and qualification
•I-864A preparation for household members
•Tax return review and income verification
•Document checklist preparation specific to your case
•Form completion and accuracy review
•Response to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
•Interview preparation for consular processing cases

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the minimum income to sponsor someone for a green card in 2026?

A: For a household size of 2 (sponsor plus one immigrant), you need $25,550 annual income at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Each additional household member increases the requirement by $6,725.

Q:Can I use my spouse's income on the I-864 if they are not a U.S. citizen?

A: Yes. If your spouse lives with you and is willing to sign Form I-864A, their income combines with yours regardless of their immigration status. They must have lawful status in the U.S., but do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident.

Q:How do I find a joint sponsor if I do not meet the income requirements?

A: A joint sponsor can be any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who meets the income requirement independently. This includes friends, relatives, employers, or community members. They do not need to be related to you or live near you.

Q:What happens if my joint sponsor backs out after I submit the application?

A: If your joint sponsor withdraws before USCIS adjudicates the case, you must find a replacement joint sponsor and submit new I-864 documentation. This will cause delays. If withdrawal happens during consular processing, the immigrant may receive a denial unless new sponsorship is provided.

Q:Can I use my 401(k) or IRA as assets for the I-864?

A: Yes, retirement accounts can count as assets, but you must subtract any early withdrawal penalties and taxes that would apply if you liquidated the account. The net accessible value is what counts toward the asset requirement.

Q:Do I need 3 years of tax returns if I just started working this year?

A: USCIS requires tax returns for the most recent tax year. If you have fewer than 3 years of returns, provide what you have along with current employment evidence. New employment is acceptable if you can document your salary and position.

Q:What if my tax return shows lower income than I currently earn?

A: Include your tax return along with current employment verification showing your new, higher income. Provide an employment letter stating your salary, recent pay stubs, and an explanation of the income change. USCIS considers current employment when income has increased.

Q:Can I sponsor multiple family members on one I-864?

A: Each principal beneficiary requires their own I-864. However, derivative family members (spouse and children under 21 traveling with the principal) are included on the principal's I-864. You will have one I-864 per I-130 petition.

Q:Does child support I pay reduce my qualifying income?

A: Child support obligations do not automatically reduce qualifying income on the I-864, but USCIS may consider your available income if support payments significantly impact your ability to support the sponsored immigrant. Disclose any court-ordered obligations.

Q:What is the difference between domicile and residence for I-864 purposes?

A: Domicile is your permanent home where you intend to live indefinitely, while residence is simply where you currently live. You can have temporary residence abroad while maintaining U.S. domicile if you intend to return and keep ties to the U.S.

Q:How long does the I-864 obligation last after the green card is approved?

A: The obligation continues until the sponsored immigrant naturalizes, earns 40 work quarters (about 10 years), permanently leaves the U.S., or dies. The obligation does not end upon divorce, separation, or the immigrant becoming financially independent.

Q:Can USCIS deny my case if I meet the income requirement?

A: Meeting income requirements does not guarantee approval. USCIS can deny or return the I-864 for missing documents, incomplete forms, inaccurate information, or failure to prove domicile. Accuracy and completeness are essential.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Menifee 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: January 30, 2026Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Need Help with Your I-864 in Menifee?

Navigating the 2026 poverty guidelines and Affidavit of Support requirements does not have to be overwhelming. Let our experienced team help you prepare a complete, accurate application.

Serving Menifee and all of Southern California

Schedule Your Consultation (714) 421-8872

family•Whittier

Family Preference Wait Times in Whittier: Understanding Visa Bulletin Priorities for Arab Families

Complete guide to family preference category wait times for Arab families in Whittier including F1-F4 categories, Visa Bulletin updates, and strategies to reduce waiting periods.

work•San Marcos

J-1 Waiver Services in San Marcos: Two-Year Home Residency Requirement Help for Arab Professionals

Expert J-1 waiver assistance in San Marcos for Arab professionals subject to the two-year home residency requirement including all five waiver bases and application process.