SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

For Diamond Bar families sponsoring relatives for immigration, the 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines determine whether you qualify as a financial sponsor. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to help families understand and meet these critical income requirements.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

What Are the 2026 I-864 Poverty Guidelines?

The I-864 Affidavit of Support requires petitioners to prove they can financially support immigrants at 125% above the poverty line. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updates these guidelines annually, and the 2026 figures apply to all family-based green card applications filed after March 1, 2026.

For Diamond Bar families with relatives in the Middle East waiting for their visas, understanding these guidelines is essential for a successful immigration case.

2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines by Household Size

Current income requirements for I-864 sponsors in Diamond Bar and throughout the 48 contiguous states:

Household Size	100% Poverty	125% Required (I-864)	150% (Some Programs)
2 persons	$21,150	$26,438	$31,725
3 persons	$26,650	$33,313	$39,975
4 persons	$32,500	$40,625	$48,750
5 persons	$38,000	$47,500	$57,000
6 persons	$43,500	$54,375	$65,250
7 persons	$49,000	$61,250	$73,500
8 persons	$54,500	$68,125	$81,750
Each additional	+$5,500	+$6,875	+$8,250

Calculating Your Household Size for I-864

Your household size for I-864 purposes includes more people than you might expect:

•Yourself (the sponsor/petitioner)
•Your spouse (even if not living with you)
•Your children under 21 (including those not living with you)
•Anyone you claimed as a dependent on your last tax return
•The immigrant(s) you are sponsoring
•Any other immigrants you've sponsored who haven't naturalized or worked 40 quarters

What Income Counts for I-864?

USCIS looks at your total income from all legal sources when evaluating your I-864. For Diamond Bar sponsors, qualifying income includes:

Primary Income Sources:
• Wages and salary (W-2 income)
• Self-employment income (Schedule C)
• Retirement income (pensions, 401k distributions)
• Social Security benefits
• Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
• Rental property income

Income That May Qualify:
• Alimony and child support (if consistent)
• GI Bill or veteran's benefits
• Workers' compensation

Income That Does NOT Count:
• Public benefits (welfare, food stamps, Medicaid)
• Unemployment benefits
• One-time gifts or inheritances

Using Your Most Recent Tax Return

USCIS requires your most recent federal tax return as evidence of income. For I-864 submissions in early 2026, you may use either:

• 2025 tax return (if already filed)
• 2024 tax return (if 2025 not yet available)

Required Tax Documents:
• Complete federal tax return (all pages)
• W-2s from all employers
• 1099s for other income
• Schedule C if self-employed
• IRS tax transcript (recommended)

Diamond Bar sponsors with income in multiple countries should include translated foreign tax documents along with U.S. returns.

What If You Don't Meet Income Requirements?

Many Diamond Bar families initially worry about not meeting the 125% threshold. Here are legitimate solutions:

•Add a joint sponsor who meets the income requirements independently
•Include household member income if they sign Form I-864A
•Use significant assets (worth 3x the income gap for most applicants)
•Document current employment if income increased since last tax return
•Wait until next tax year if income recently increased substantially

Joint Sponsor Requirements

A joint sponsor can help Diamond Bar families who don't independently meet income requirements. Joint sponsor requirements include:

Who Can Be a Joint Sponsor:
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must live in the United States
• Must meet the 125% income requirement for their own household PLUS the sponsored immigrant
• Does NOT need to be related to the petitioner or immigrant

Joint Sponsor Responsibilities:
• Signs their own I-864 form
• Provides their own tax returns and evidence
• Takes on legally binding obligation to support the immigrant
• Obligation continues until immigrant naturalizes or works 40 quarters

Using Assets Instead of Income

Diamond Bar sponsors with significant assets can use them to supplement insufficient income:

Asset Calculation:
• Family-based petitions: Assets must equal 3x the income shortfall
• Orphan or certain family cases: Assets must equal 5x the shortfall

Example:
You need $40,625 but earn $35,000 = $5,625 shortfall
$5,625 x 3 = $16,875 in assets required

Qualifying Assets:
• Cash in bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
• Real estate equity (market value minus mortgage)
• Retirement accounts (with penalties calculated)
• Life insurance cash value

Assets That Don't Qualify:
• Primary residence equity (limited use)
• Vehicles
• Personal property
• Business inventory

Common I-864 Mistakes to Avoid

Diamond Bar families often make these errors that delay their cases:

•Forgetting to count the immigrant in household size
•Not including all dependents (children from prior marriages)
•Using gross income instead of adjusted gross income from tax return
•Missing tax return pages or schedules
•Not getting IRS transcripts to verify income
•Joint sponsor not meeting requirements for THEIR household plus immigrant
•Forgetting previous immigrants sponsored who haven't naturalized
•Using outdated poverty guidelines from previous year

Self-Employed Sponsor Considerations

Many Diamond Bar business owners face unique challenges documenting income:

Self-Employment Documentation:
• Complete tax returns with all schedules
• Schedule C (business income)
• Schedule SE (self-employment tax)
• Business license or registration
• Recent profit and loss statements
• Business bank statements (6 months)
• 1099-NEC forms received

Common Issues:
• Business deductions reducing adjusted gross income
• Income fluctuation between years
• Mix of personal and business finances

We help Diamond Bar business owners properly document self-employment income for I-864 purposes.

I-864 Processing and Timing

Understanding when poverty guidelines apply to your case:

Which Guidelines Apply:
• Use guidelines in effect when I-864 is ADJUDICATED, not filed
• If guidelines change while case is pending, USCIS uses newer figures
• 2026 guidelines typically effective March 1, 2026

Timeline Considerations:
• I-130 approval: Income not verified at this stage
• NVC processing: I-864 submitted and reviewed
• Embassy interview: I-864 verified again
• Adjustment of status: I-864 reviewed by USCIS officer

Legal Obligations of the I-864

The Affidavit of Support creates serious legal obligations:

Duration of Obligation:
• Continues until immigrant becomes U.S. citizen, OR
• Works 40 qualifying quarters (approximately 10 years), OR
• Permanently leaves the United States, OR
• Dies

Sponsor Responsibilities:
• Maintain immigrant at 125% of poverty level
• Reimburse government for means-tested public benefits
• Obligation survives divorce (if sponsoring spouse)

Potential Consequences:
• Government can sue for benefit reimbursement
• Immigrant can sue sponsor for support
• Debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy

Diamond Bar families should understand these obligations before signing the I-864.

Diamond Bar Immigration Support Services

SoCal Immigration Services helps Diamond Bar families navigate I-864 requirements:

•Income calculation and household size determination
•Tax return review and documentation assistance
•Joint sponsor evaluation and matching
•Asset valuation for income supplementation
•I-864 form preparation and review
•Arabic and English language support
•Coordination with overseas family members

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant in 2026?

A: For a household of 2 (you and the immigrant), the minimum is $26,438 per year. Each additional household member adds $6,875 to the requirement. Diamond Bar sponsors must meet 125% of federal poverty guidelines.

Q:Can I use my spouse's income for the I-864?

A: Yes, if your spouse signs Form I-864A agreeing to be jointly liable. Their income then combines with yours to meet the threshold. This is different from a joint sponsor, who takes independent responsibility.

Q:What if my income decreased since my last tax return?

A: If your current income is lower than your tax return shows, USCIS will evaluate your current ability to support the immigrant. Provide current pay stubs and employer letter explaining your current situation.

Q:Do I need a joint sponsor if I use assets?

A: Not necessarily. If your assets are worth at least 3 times the income shortfall, you may qualify without a joint sponsor. However, having a joint sponsor as backup can strengthen your case.

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

A: Your obligation continues until the immigrant naturalizes, works 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years), permanently leaves the U.S., or dies. Even divorce doesn't end this obligation.

Q:Can a joint sponsor be a friend, not a relative?

A: Yes! Joint sponsors don't need to be related to you or the immigrant. They just need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident over 18 who meets the income requirements for their household plus your immigrant.

Q:What happens if I don't meet the poverty guidelines?

A: Your case will be denied unless you add a qualifying joint sponsor or demonstrate sufficient assets. We help Diamond Bar families explore all options to meet I-864 requirements.

Q:Do the poverty guidelines change every year?

A: Yes, HHS updates poverty guidelines annually, usually effective in late January or early February. The 2026 guidelines apply to cases adjudicated after their effective date, regardless of when you filed.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Diamond Bar 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 26, 2026Last Updated: January 26, 2026

Need Help Understanding I-864 Income Requirements?

Our Arabic-speaking team helps Diamond Bar families calculate income, find joint sponsors, and complete I-864 forms correctly. Don't let income requirements delay your family's reunion.

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I-864 Poverty Guidelines 2026 Update in Diamond Bar: Sponsor Income Requirements