Visa Sponsor Income Calculator
Calculate the minimum income needed to sponsor an immigrant visa based on household size and Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
To sponsor an immigrant, the petitioner must show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the total household size (100% for active-duty military). The household includes the sponsor, their current dependents, and all immigrants being sponsored. Income is based on the most recent federal tax return.
The Formula
Total Household = Current Household + Immigrants
Poverty = Base + (HH Size - 1) x Per-Person
Threshold = Poverty x 1.25 (or 1.00 for military)
Poverty = Base + (HH Size - 1) x Per-Person
Threshold = Poverty x 1.25 (or 1.00 for military)
Variables
- Household Size — Everyone who will depend on the sponsor's income
- Poverty Guidelines — Updated annually by HHS; varies for Alaska and Hawaii
- Military — Active-duty members only need 100% of poverty level
Example
A sponsor with 2 existing household members sponsoring 1 immigrant (total HH = 4) in the lower 48 needs $38,950/year ($3,246/month, $18.73/hour).
Tips
- Poverty guidelines are updated every January — check for current figures.
- Include all people listed as dependents on your tax return.
- Previous immigrants you sponsored still count toward household size.
- A joint sponsor can file separately if the primary sponsor falls short.
- Self-employment income may require additional documentation.