Paperwork & USCIS
Preparing financial evidence: I-134 and I-864 affidavits of support
Many US immigration paths require someone to demonstrate that the applicant will not become a 'public charge.' This guide explains the two affidavits of support that do that work: the I-134 (used in nonimmigrant and some consular contexts) and the legally enforceable I-864 (required in most family-based green card cases).
What you’ll learn
- I-134 vs I-864: which applies in your situation
- Calculating the income requirement against the federal poverty guidelines
- Counting household size correctly
- When you need assets or a joint sponsor, and how those work
- The supporting documents each affidavit requires (tax transcripts, pay records)
- How long the I-864 obligation lasts and what it legally commits you to
- Common reasons affidavits are rejected or questioned
It explains who must file, how the income thresholds are calculated against the federal poverty guidelines, how household size is counted, when assets or a joint sponsor are needed, and exactly which supporting documents, tax transcripts, pay records, employment letters, accompany each form. It also clarifies how long the I-864 obligation lasts and what it commits the sponsor to.
Educational content only, these guides are not legal advice.Read the full disclaimer →
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