What is the minimum income required for the IR-1?

When it comes to the IR1 visa, which is intended for spouses of American citizens, it is essential to understand that income proof is part of the process to demonstrate that the sponsor (usually the American citizen) has sufficient financial means to support the couple without relying on public benefits. The requirement is not limited to a fixed amount but rather to prove that the sponsor’s income is equal to or greater than 125% (or 100% in the case of active military personnel) of the poverty level established by the United States government – the so-called Federal Poverty Guidelines – for the size of the household.

For example, if you and your spouse form a two-person household, the minimum amount required is around US$ 22,887, according to the most recent guidelines. It is important to remember that this amount may vary annually, as the guidelines are periodically updated.

It is always worth stressing the importance of strictly following immigration laws and seeking updated information from official sources, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Additionally, caution is recommended when encountering offers that guarantee miraculous results-always verify the reliability of the service and avoid scams or marketing campaigns that promise outcomes without legal basis.

Staying well informed and having specialized assistance (respecting legal recommendations) is a very healthy practice to conduct any immigration process. This way, you ensure that procedures will be followed according to current regulations and will have more security at each stage of your IR1 visa application.

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.