Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: Your Complete Checklist for Success

Affidavit of Support Checklist – Form I-864

The Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, is a crucial document in the U.S. immigration process. It is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to sponsor a family member or relative seeking to immigrate to the United States. The Affidavit of Support is intended to demonstrate that the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge and that the sponsor has the financial means to support them.

Here’s Form I-864 checklist of the key items you should have and steps to follow when completing the Affidavit of Support:

• Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements to be a sponsor, including being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, being at least 18 years old, and having a domicile in the United States.
• Choose the Correct Affidavit of Support Form: Make sure you are using the correct version of Form I-864, as USCIS periodically updates its forms. You can typically find the latest version on the USCIS website.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary supporting documents, which may include:
  • Your most recent federal income tax return (Form 1040).
  • W-2 forms for the most recent tax year.
  • Pay stubs or proof of employment.
  • If self-employed, business tax returns and financial statements.
  • If using assets to meet the income requirement, include documents proving ownership and value of the assets.
  • Proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status (copy of passport, birth certificate, or green card).
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate of prior spouses (if applicable).
  • Proof of any other income or financial resources.
• Complete Form I-864: Carefully fill out Form I-864, following the instructions provided on the USCIS website. Be sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
• Provide Affidavit of Support for Each Family Member: If you are sponsoring multiple family members, you will need to complete a separate Form I-864 for each intending immigrant. Ensure that each form is correctly filled out.
• Include the Correct Fees: Check the USCIS website for the current filing fee for Form I-864. Include a check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
• Mail the Affidavit of Support Package: Send the completed Form I-864, along with all required supporting documents and the filing fee, to the appropriate USCIS address as specified in the form instructions.
• Retain Copies: Make copies of all documents for your records. This includes copies of the completed Form I-864 and all supporting financial documents.
• Follow Up: After submitting the Affidavit of Support package, USCIS will process the application. Be prepared to respond to any requests for additional information or documentation if needed.
• Keep Your Information Current: If there are any significant changes in your financial situation or contact information before the intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident, you are required to update USCIS with this information using Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address.

How to Fill Out Affidavit of Support – Form I-864

Filling out the Affidavit of Support Form I-864 correctly is crucial for sponsoring an immigrant family member for their immigration to the United States. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form I-864:

• Obtain the Correct Form:
  • Download the most recent version of Form I-864 from the USCIS website.
• Read the Instructions:
  • Before you start, carefully read the instructions for Form I-864 provided by USCIS. Understanding the requirements and guidelines is essential.
• Complete Your Personal Information:
  • In Part 1, provide your personal information:
    • Full name
    • Address (where you live)
    • Date of birth
    • Social Security Number (if applicable)
    • USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable)
  • Sponsor’s Household Size (Part 2):
    • Indicate the number of people living in your household. This includes yourself, your spouse (if married), any dependent children, and any other dependents you have claimed on your most recent federal tax return.
  • Sponsor’s Employment and Income (Part 3):
    • Provide information about your employment and income:
      • Employer’s name and address
      • Your job title
      • Employment start date
      • Annual income (based on your most recent federal income tax return)
    • If you’re not employed but have income from other sources (such as retirement, investments, etc.), provide details.
  • Sponsor’s Contact Information and Declaration (Part 4):
    • Provide your contact information, including your phone number and email address.
    • Sign and date the form in the presence of a notary public (if required).
  • Sponsor’s Statement (Part 5):
    • Read the sponsor’s statement carefully and check the appropriate boxes to confirm your understanding and agreement.
  • Intending Immigrant’s Information (Part 6):
    • Provide information about the intending immigrant (the person you are sponsoring):
      • Full name
      • Relationship to you
      • Alien registration number (if applicable)
      • Mailing address (if different from your address)
    • Household Member Information (Part 7):
      • If you have additional household members who are not sponsored immigrants, provide their names and relationship to you.
    • Sponsor’s Contract Enforceability (Part 8):
      • Read and understand the contract enforceability statement. Check the box to confirm that you understand.
    • Additional Information (Part 9):
      • Use this section to provide any additional information or clarifications, if necessary.
    • Sponsor’s Signature and Contact Information (Part 10):
      • Sign and date the form again in Part 10, and provide your contact information once more.
    • Interpreter’s Contact Information (Part 11):
      • If you used an interpreter to complete the form, provide the interpreter’s information.
    • Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit if Other Than the Sponsor (Part 12):
      • If someone other than the sponsor completed the form, they should provide their information and sign it.
    • Review and Assemble Documents:
      • Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness.
      • Gather all required supporting documents, including your most recent federal income tax return (Form 1040) and W-2 forms.
      • Make photocopies of all documents for your records.
    • Notarization:
      • Depending on your specific case and the instructions provided by USCIS, you may need to get the Form I-864 notarized. If required, take the form to a notary public, sign it in their presence, and have them notarize it.
    • Submission:
      • Mail the completed and signed Form I-864, along with all supporting documents and the appropriate filing fee, to the address specified in the form instructions or on the USCIS website.