My LPR spouse does not earn enough. Can we combine the beneficiary”s income?

When it comes to family-based immigration processes in the United States, one of the important requirements is to prove that the sponsor (in this case, your LPR spouse) has sufficient income to support the beneficiary and not become a burden on the U.S. government. This proof is provided through the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which sets an income standard based on the federal poverty line and other factors.

It is essential to understand that, generally, the beneficiary”s income (the person being sponsored) cannot be combined with the sponsor”s income to meet the financial requirement. The purpose of the affidavit is to ensure that the sponsor assumes financial responsibility, and the beneficiary”s own income is often not considered because they are the person seeking residence and therefore do not yet have the same means of proving stable income as the sponsor does.

If your LPR spouse”s income is not sufficient to meet the required level, there are some alternatives to consider. One option is to include income from additional household members who are willing to contribute – provided these members are eligible and willing to sign the affidavit of support, becoming co-sponsors. Another alternative is to use a joint sponsor, who can be any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, as long as they meet the income requirements.

However, we emphasize that the beneficiary”s income, as the person immigrating, cannot be used to fill this gap. It is important to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and always seek updated information. In such a delicate scenario, beware of promises of quick solutions or unfounded guarantees, as there are many scams and marketing campaigns that can jeopardize your process.

Considering consulting specialized professionals – or companies with proven credibility – can help clarify doubts and evaluate the best strategy for your case, always remembering that no result guarantees can be offered.

I hope this information has helped clarify your doubt and guide the next steps of your 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.