Form I-864 Preparation
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is used in many family-based immigration cases to show that the intending immigrant has adequate financial sponsorship.
Global Apostille Group provides administrative assistance completing Form I-864 using financial, household, and sponsorship information supplied by the client.
Fees & Processing Time
The applicable fee and review process depend on whether the Affidavit of Support is being submitted through consular processing or as part of another immigration filing.
$120
For applicable immigrant visa cases processed through the National Visa Center, the current Affidavit of Support review fee is $120 per case.
Varies by Case
Form I-864 does not have a separate processing timeframe. It is reviewed as part of the underlying adjustment-of-status or immigrant visa case.
For National Visa Center cases, document review times change regularly. Applicants should rely on the current NVC timeframe when preparing or submitting an Affidavit of Support package.
Documents That May Be Required
Required evidence depends on the sponsor's household size, employment, income, tax history, and whether a joint sponsor, household member, or qualifying assets are being used.
Federal Tax Records
The sponsor generally provides the most recent federal tax return or IRS tax transcript. Additional years may be submitted when appropriate.
Proof of Current Income
Recent pay statements, an employment letter, or other records may be used to document the sponsor's current income.
Proof of U.S. Status
Evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status may be required from the petitioner or joint sponsor.
Household Information
Information regarding dependents, intending immigrants, household members, and previously sponsored immigrants may be needed to determine household size.
Joint Sponsor or Household Member Records
Additional financial records and Forms I-864 or I-864A may be necessary when another qualifying sponsor or household member's income is being used.
Asset Documentation
Bank accounts, investments, real property, or other qualifying assets may be relevant when income alone does not meet the applicable sponsorship requirement.
Global Apostille Group provides administrative form-preparation assistance only. We can organize information supplied by the client, but questions regarding sponsor eligibility, household-size rules, qualifying income, domicile, or legal sponsorship obligations may require review by a licensed immigration attorney.
Form I-864 FAQs
Common questions about administrative preparation of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
What is Form I-864?
Form I-864 is a legally enforceable Affidavit of Support used in many family-based immigration cases. By signing it, the sponsor agrees to accept certain financial responsibilities for the intending immigrant.
Is there a filing fee for Form I-864?
Form I-864 does not generally have a separate USCIS filing fee when submitted as supporting evidence with another USCIS filing. For applicable immigrant visa cases reviewed by the National Visa Center, the current Affidavit of Support review fee is $120 per case.
How long does I-864 processing take?
Form I-864 does not have an independent processing timeframe. It is reviewed as part of the underlying immigration case. National Visa Center document-review times and USCIS case processing times vary.
Does the petitioner still need an I-864 if there is a joint sponsor?
Generally, yes. The petitioner ordinarily must submit an Affidavit of Support even when the petitioner's income is insufficient and a qualifying joint sponsor submits an additional Form I-864.
What if the sponsor's income is not high enough?
Depending on the circumstances, qualifying household-member income, the intending immigrant's qualifying income, assets, or a joint sponsor may potentially be used. Determining whether a particular financial arrangement satisfies the legal requirements may require legal review.
Do I need to submit tax returns?
The sponsor generally must provide the most recent federal income tax return or IRS transcript. Additional tax years may also be submitted when helpful or requested.
Is the Affidavit of Support legally binding?
Yes. Form I-864 creates a legally enforceable financial sponsorship obligation. The obligation generally continues until a terminating event recognized under immigration law occurs.
Does Global Apostille Group determine whether I meet the income requirement?
We can assist administratively with organizing the household, income, and financial information supplied by the client. We do not provide legal opinions regarding sponsor eligibility, domicile, household-size disputes, or whether a particular financial arrangement satisfies immigration law.
Does Global Apostille Group provide legal advice?
No. Global Apostille Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Our service is limited to administrative form preparation using information and documents supplied by the client.