I-864 Income Requirement Calculator

Determine if the sponsor meets the I-864 Affidavit of Support income requirement (125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines).

Results

Visualization

How It Works

The I-864 Affidavit of Support requires the sponsor to demonstrate income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. If income alone is insufficient, qualifying assets (bank accounts, stocks, real estate equity) can be used — counted at 1/3 value for spouse sponsorship or 1/5 for other relatives. A joint sponsor can also help meet the threshold.

The Formula

125% Threshold = (Base Poverty + (HH Size - 2) x Per-Person Amount) x 1.25
Effective Income = Sponsor Income + (Assets / Rate) + Joint Sponsor Income
Rate = 3 (spouse) or 5 (other)

Variables

  • Household Size — Sponsor + all dependents + immigrants being sponsored
  • Assets — Qualifying assets counted at 1/3 (spouse) or 1/5 (other relative)
  • Joint Sponsor — A US citizen or LPR who co-signs the I-864

Example

A sponsor in the lower 48 with household size 4 needs $38,950 (125% of poverty). With $55,000 income and $10,000 in assets (1/5 = $2,000 credit), effective income is $57,000 — a $18,050 surplus.

Tips

  • Use your most recent tax return (1040) to document income.
  • The household size includes EVERYONE: sponsor, dependents, and all immigrants.
  • A joint sponsor must file a separate I-864 and meet the threshold independently.
  • Active duty military only need 100% of poverty guidelines (not 125%).
  • If self-employed, USCIS may scrutinize your income more carefully.

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