SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

Sponsors must meet minimum income requirements (125% of federal poverty guidelines) to sponsor family immigrants. The 2026 guidelines determine if you qualify to file an Affidavit of Support.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

For Pico Rivera residents sponsoring family members for immigration, meeting income requirements is essential. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab families understand and document their financial eligibility with Arabic-speaking support.

What is the I-864 Affidavit of Support?

Form I-864 is a legally binding contract where you promise to:

• Financially support the immigrant at 125% of poverty level
• Maintain support until they become a citizen or work 10 years
• Reimburse the government for any means-tested benefits used

This is required for most family-based green card applications.

2026 Poverty Guidelines (125%)

Minimum income required to sponsor (125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines):

Household Size	100% Poverty	125% Required	Military (100%)
2 persons	$20,440	$25,550	$20,440
3 persons	$25,820	$32,275	$25,820
4 persons	$31,200	$39,000	$31,200
5 persons	$36,580	$45,725	$36,580
6 persons	$41,960	$52,450	$41,960
7 persons	$47,340	$59,175	$47,340
8 persons	$52,720	$65,900	$52,720
Each additional	+$5,380	+$6,725	+$5,380

Calculating Your Household Size

Include these people in household size:

•Yourself (the sponsor)
•Your spouse (even if not living with you)
•Your dependent children (even if not living with you)
•Any other dependents you claim on taxes
•The immigrant(s) you are sponsoring
•All immigrants in the same petition
•Anyone else you've sponsored who hasn't naturalized or worked 10 years

What Income Counts

Income that can be counted toward I-864:

• Wages, salary, and tips
• Self-employment income
• Interest and dividends
• Social Security benefits
• Retirement pension income
• Child support (received)
• Rental income
• Any income reported on tax return

Using Assets Instead of Income

If your income is below the requirement, assets can help:

Situation	Asset Multiplier	Example
Most sponsors	3x the difference	$10,000 short = need $30,000 assets
Sponsoring spouse/child	3x the difference	Same calculation
Immigrant becoming citizen's spouse	3x the difference	Same calculation

Qualifying Assets

Assets that can be counted:

•Bank accounts (savings, checking)
•Stocks, bonds, investments
•Real estate equity (appraised value minus mortgage)
•Life insurance cash value
•Vehicle equity (value minus loan)
•Assets owned by immigrant can count
•Must be easily converted to cash

If You Don't Qualify Alone

Options when your income is too low:

1
Joint Sponsor
Find U.S. citizen or green card holder to co-sponsor
2
Household Member
Have family member combine income with yours
3
Use Assets
Show assets worth 3x the income shortfall
4
Immigrant's Income
Count immigrant's income if continuing same job

Joint Sponsor Requirements

Joint sponsors must:

• Be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be 18 years or older
• Live in the United States
• Meet 125% income requirement on their own
• Complete separate Form I-864
• Accept full financial responsibility

Required Documentation

Documents to prove income for I-864:

•Most recent federal tax return (transcripts acceptable)
•Three most recent pay stubs
•Employment letter with salary
•Form W-2s from past year
•Evidence of assets if using
•Self-employment: Schedule C and business records
•Social Security: Award letter

How Long Does Sponsorship Last

Your I-864 obligation continues until:

• Immigrant becomes U.S. citizen (naturalizes)
• Immigrant works 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years)
• Immigrant dies
• Immigrant permanently leaves the United States

Divorce does NOT end your obligation.

Pico Rivera Affidavit of Support Services

SoCal Immigration Services helps Pico Rivera sponsors with:

•Calculating household income and size
•Reviewing income documentation
•Asset calculation when needed
•Joint sponsor coordination
•I-864 form preparation
•Arabic and English speaking support

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What if I just started a new job?

A: You can use your new job income with an employment letter stating your salary. You'll also need any tax returns from the previous year, even if they show less income.

Q:Can I sponsor if I'm unemployed?

A: It's difficult but possible if you have sufficient assets (3x the income shortfall) or a joint sponsor who meets the income requirements on their own.

Q:Does my spouse's income count?

A: Yes, if they complete Form I-864A and live with you. Their income is added to yours to meet the requirement, though your household size also increases.

Q:What if I don't file taxes?

A: You must generally have tax returns. If your income was below filing threshold, you may need to explain this. Having no income is a problem for sponsorship.

Q:Can the immigrant I'm sponsoring use their own income?

A: Yes, if the immigrant will continue the same job after getting their green card. Their income can be counted toward the requirement.

Q:What happens if I can't support them later?

A: You remain legally obligated. If the immigrant uses means-tested public benefits, the government can sue you for reimbursement. This is a serious commitment.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Pico Rivera 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 14, 2026Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Questions About Sponsor Income Requirements?

We can help you calculate whether you meet the income requirements and prepare your Affidavit of Support documentation.

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I-864 Poverty Guidelines 2026 in Pico Rivera: Income Requirements for Sponsors