I-864 Income Requirements in Upland: Affidavit of Support Income Guide 2026
Meeting financial requirements to sponsor a family member
Quick Answer
The I-864 Affidavit of Support requires sponsors in Upland to demonstrate income at 125% of federal poverty guidelines. Understanding how to calculate household size, qualifying income sources, and what to do if you don't meet requirements is essential for successful family immigration.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Sponsors in Upland and the Inland Empire must prove financial ability to support immigrant family members. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance with I-864 preparation, income calculation, and alternative solutions when sponsors need help meeting requirements.
What Is the I-864 Affidavit of Support?
• Support the immigrant at 125% of federal poverty guidelines
• Reimburse the government if the immigrant receives means-tested public benefits
• Maintain this obligation until the immigrant becomes a citizen, works 40 quarters, dies, or permanently departs the US
This is not just paperwork—it's a serious financial obligation that can be enforced in court.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (125%)
| Household Size | 100% Poverty | 125% Required | Active Military 100% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $20,440 | $25,550 | $20,440 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $32,275 | $25,820 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $39,000 | $31,200 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $45,725 | $36,580 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $52,450 | $41,960 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $59,175 | $47,340 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $65,900 | $52,720 |
| Each additional | +$5,380 | +$6,725 | +$5,380 |
Calculating Your Household Size
- •Yourself (the sponsor)
- •Your spouse (even if not living with you)
- •Your dependent children under 21
- •Anyone you claimed as a dependent on your last tax return
- •Any immigrants you've previously sponsored still under I-864 obligation
- •The principal immigrant you're sponsoring
- •Any family members immigrating with them (derivatives)
Qualifying Income Sources
Primary Income:
• Employment (wages, salary, tips)
• Self-employment income (net from Schedule C)
• Retirement income (Social Security, pensions)
• Rental income (net after expenses)
Additional Income:
• Interest and dividends
• Child support or alimony received
• Disability benefits
• Unemployment benefits (currently receiving)
NOT Counted:
• Means-tested public benefits (SSI, TANF, food stamps)
• One-time windfalls or gifts
• Income from illegal activities
Using Assets to Supplement Income
For most immigrants: Assets valued at 3x the income shortfall
For spouses and children of USC: Assets valued at 5x the income shortfall (more favorable)
Example for Upland Sponsor:
Household size: 4 (requires $39,000)
Your income: $30,000 (shortfall of $9,000)
Sponsoring spouse: Need $9,000 × 5 = $45,000 in assets
OR sponsoring sibling: Need $9,000 × 3 = $27,000 in assets
Qualifying Assets:
• Savings and checking accounts
• Stocks, bonds, CDs
• Real estate equity (current value minus mortgage)
• Cash value of life insurance
• Business assets that can be liquidated
What If You Don't Qualify?
- 1Joint Sponsor
Another person (any USC or LPR) can file I-864 as joint sponsor. They take on full financial responsibility. Joint sponsor must independently meet 125% poverty guidelines.
- 2Household Member Income
A household member (living with you) can add their income using Form I-864A. They must be related or on your tax return.
- 3Combine Assets and Income
Use the asset conversion formula to supplement inadequate income.
- 4Use Immigrant's Income
The immigrant's own income can count if they're currently living in the US with work authorization and the income will continue.
Required Documents for I-864
- •Most recent federal tax return (complete with all schedules and W-2s)
- •Tax transcripts from IRS (recommended to prove accuracy)
- •Three years of tax returns if self-employed or irregular income
- •Recent pay stubs (last 6 months)
- •Employment verification letter
- •Bank statements (3-6 months)
- •Asset documentation (property assessments, investment statements)
- •Proof of US citizenship or LPR status
- •Evidence of relationship to the immigrant
Common I-864 Mistakes to Avoid
- •Wrong household size calculation (forgetting previous sponsors)
- •Using gross income instead of adjusted gross income from tax return
- •Not including complete tax returns with all schedules
- •Unsigned forms or missing signatures
- •Math errors in income calculation
- •Not updating if income changes before interview
- •Using assets without proper documentation of ownership
- •Joint sponsor not meeting independent income requirement
Self-Employment Considerations
• Must provide three years of tax returns (not just one)
• Net income from Schedule C is what counts (after business expenses)
• May need business license, financial statements, contracts
• Inconsistent income requires explanation
• IRS tax transcripts strongly recommended
We help self-employed sponsors present their income clearly and address USCIS concerns.
Duration of I-864 Obligation
• The immigrant becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen
• The immigrant works 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years) in the US
• The immigrant dies
• The immigrant permanently leaves the United States
Does NOT End With:
• Divorce from the immigrant
• The immigrant becoming employed
• Your own change in financial circumstances
• The immigrant's remarriage
This is why the I-864 is such a serious commitment.
Why Upland Sponsors Choose Us
• We accurately calculate household size and income requirements
• Arabic-speaking staff explain complex financial rules clearly
• We identify potential problems before submission
• We help find joint sponsors when needed
• We organize documents for clear presentation
• We prepare sponsors for interview questions about finances
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I sponsor someone if I'm receiving unemployment benefits?
A: Unemployment can count as current income, but USCIS may question its sustainability. You may need a joint sponsor or strong assets to supplement. Be prepared to explain your employment prospects.
Q:My income dropped this year. Which year's income matters?
A: USCIS looks at your most recent tax return as primary evidence, but current income matters too. If income decreased, provide explanation and evidence of current earnings. A joint sponsor may be needed.
Q:Can a joint sponsor be a friend or must they be family?
A: A joint sponsor can be anyone who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, meets income requirements, and is willing to take on the legal obligation. Family relationship is not required.
Q:What if the immigrant will work immediately after arrival?
A: The immigrant's future income cannot be counted unless they already have work authorization and current employment that will continue. An offer letter for future employment doesn't count.
Q:I'm sponsoring my spouse. Does their income count?
A: If your spouse is in the US with work authorization and their income will continue after getting the green card, it can be counted. Include their income documentation with your I-864.
Q:What happens if I can't support the immigrant later?
A: The I-864 is legally enforceable. If the immigrant receives means-tested public benefits, the government can sue you for reimbursement. The immigrant can also sue for support. This obligation survives divorce.
Need Help with I-864 Preparation?
If you're unsure whether you meet income requirements or need help organizing your financial documents, contact us for expert I-864 assistance.