How much income must I prove for a family of 4 on the I-864?

When sponsoring an immigrant through a Family Based visa, it is necessary to complete form I-864, known as the Affidavit of Support – a commitment made by the sponsor that their income or assets meet a minimum requirement established at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, considering the size of their household.

In practice, for a family composed of 4 people, the sponsor must prove an annual income equal to or greater than 125% of the poverty level established for that family size. For example, if we consider the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 states and the District of Columbia – which vary from year to year – and if the base amount for a family of 4 is, hypothetically, approximately US$27,750 (a number that can be updated annually), the income requirement would be around US$34,700 annually.

It is important to remember that these numbers are only illustrative; the actual values must be checked in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official table for the relevant year. Additionally, if the sponsor has dependents who are not included in the immigration petition, these members can also affect the calculation of the required income.

Therefore, it is crucial to consider all members of the household to avoid surprises when completing the I-864. It is worth emphasizing that strictly following United States immigration laws is essential for the success of the process. Getting information from official sources, consulting the updated table directly, and, if necessary, seeking advice from qualified professionals in the field can prevent complications and exposure to scams or campaigns promising foolproof solutions.

This commitment to transparency and proper compliance with legal requirements helps ensure the smooth progress of the procedure, always remembering that the guidelines may change and staying up to date is essential to avoid setbacks in the immigration process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.