Affidavit of Support I-864

The affidavit of support is a form that is required in most family visas and for some employment visas. This affidavit is a contract between you the applicant and the US government. You are telling the government that you will financially help support the individual who is the beneficiary of the application. Certain categories of immigrants need not fill out this form, but in general assume you will have to fill it out.

This form helps the government determine if you the applicant make more than 125% of the federal poverty level for your household size. If you make more than that you may apply for the beneficiary. If you make less than the 125% amount, you may have to get affidavit of supports from other family members, friends or other individuals to meet the requirement. This is to ensure that the immigrant does not become a ward of the state or a pauper. Furthermore, this contract is good until the immigrant becomes a US citizen or they have 40 qualifying quarters of work.

You will need to provide your tax returns or other forms of information relating to your income. If you are self-employed the requirements are slightly different as you need to provide an income and expense report, capital gains or other forms. Each individual (if more than one is needed) will need to provide this information for the immigration services.