I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

Go to our USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations Chart for Certain Family-Based Forms page for the filing address based on where you live.

For additional information, see the Special Instructions section below.

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-864. The checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

Filing Checklist

Did you provide the following?

For ALL sponsors: 

• A copy of your individual federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of every Form 1099, schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. You may submit this information for the most recent three tax years, pay stubs from the most recent six months, and/or a letter from your employer if you believe any of these items will help you qualify. 

For SOME sponsors: 

• If you are currently self-employed, a copy of your Schedule C, D, E, or F from your most recent federal income tax return which establishes your income from your business. 
• If you are sponsoring more than one intending immigrant listed on the same affidavit of support, photocopies of the original affidavit of support may be submitted for any additional intending immigrants listed. Copies of supporting documentation are not required for these family members. 
• If you are the petitioning sponsor and on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or U.S. Coast Guard and are sponsoring your spouse or child using 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, provide proof of your active military status.
• If you are using the income of people in your household or dependents to qualify, a separate Form I-864A for each person whose income you will use. However, an intending immigrant whose income is being used must complete Form I-864A only if their spouse and/or children are immigrating with them. 
• Proof of each household member's residency in your household and relationship to you if they are not the intending immigrants or are not listed as dependents on your federal income tax return for the most recent tax year. 
• Proof that the intending immigrant’s current employment will continue from the same source if their income is being used. 
• A copy of each household member's individual federal income tax return, including W-2s and 1099s, for the most recent tax year, or evidence that they were not required to file. You may submit this information for the most recent three years if you believe it will help you qualify. 
• If you use your assets or the assets of a household member to qualify, documentation of assets establishing location, ownership, date of acquisition, and value. Evidence of any liens or liabilities against these assets. 
• A separate Form I-864A for each household member using assets other than for the intending immigrant. 
• If you are a joint sponsor, substitute sponsor, or the relative of an employment-based immigrant requiring an affidavit of support, proof of your U.S. citizenship status, lawful permanent resident status, or U.S. national status. 
• For U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. 
• For lawful permanent residents, a copy of both sides of your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card).

If your legal guardian is signing this Form I-864 for you, the legal guardian must present: 

• Proof of an appointment as legal guardian of your estate; and 
• A copy of an order from the appointing court or agency specifically allowing the legal guardian to make your income and assets available for the support of the sponsored immigrant.

To ensure your Form I-864 is accepted at a lockbox, fill out the form completely and accurately, particularly these required fields:

• Sponsor’s Family name
• Sponsor’s Address
• Sponsor’s Social Security Number
• Sponsor’s Signature

Filing Tips: Review our Tips for Filing Forms by Mail page for information on how to ensure we will accept your form.

Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.

• Give the completed form and supporting documents to the immigrant you are sponsoring to file with their Form OF-230 or Form I-485.
• If the National Visa Center mailed you this form to complete, please follow the instructions they provided.