How many years of tax returns does the sponsor need to submit?

When initiating a Family Based process in the United States, one of the important steps is to demonstrate the sponsor”s financial ability to support the immigrant, which involves submitting income verification documents. One of the essential items is the income tax return (tax return).

As a rule, the sponsor must submit the tax return for the most recent tax year to show that they have sufficient income to meet the requirements of the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). However, it is common that, to strengthen the financial analysis, tax returns from the last three consecutive years are requested.

This practice aims to demonstrate a stable and consistent financial situation in case there is any doubt about the income shown with only the most recent year”s document. It is important to remember that the requirement may vary depending on the case, and immigration officers have some discretion in evaluating the documents presented.

For this reason, it is highly recommended to follow the laws and guidelines of the United States government, seek clarifications from official sources, and be cautious with information obtained through unverified channels or campaigns promising miraculous solutions. Always prioritize obtaining information directly from USCIS guidelines and, if necessary, consult trusted specialists to ensure that all requirements are being met.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.