Why Income Matters for Immigration Sponsorship

When you sponsor a relative for US immigration, you must prove you can financially support them. This is done through Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support. By signing this document, you accept responsibility for the immigrant’s financial well-being. If they receive public benefits, the government can ask you to repay the cost. To ensure sponsors can handle this obligation, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets minimum income guidelines based on federal poverty levels. Our calculator helps you determine whether your income meets or exceeds these requirements, giving you peace of mind before you begin the lengthy application process.

The guidelines vary depending on household size and whether the sponsor is on active military duty. Generally, you need an income equal to at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. If you’re an active-duty military member sponsoring a spouse or child, the threshold drops to 100%. Income can include wages, self-employment earnings, pensions, and certain other sources, but some types—like means-tested public benefits—don’t count. You can also use assets, such as savings or property, to make up shortfalls, but this requires additional calculations and documentation.

Household size is often larger than people expect. You must include yourself, your dependents, anyone you’ve previously sponsored on a still-active Affidavit of Support, and the intending immigrant. If your spouse works and you file taxes jointly, you can combine both incomes, but you may need to complete a separate Form I-864A to document their contribution. These rules aim to ensure new immigrants won’t rely on public assistance and will have a stable financial base.

Our calculator uses the most recent poverty guidelines to estimate the income threshold. Simply enter the number of people in your household—including the person you want to sponsor—and your current income. Choose whether you’re on active military duty, as this affects the percentage multiplier. The calculator then displays the minimum required income and tells you if your current earnings meet or exceed it. If you fall short, the calculator suggests how much additional income or assets you’ll need to qualify.

The Federal Poverty Guidelines Explained

Each year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publishes the federal poverty guidelines. These figures represent the minimum income considered adequate for basic living expenses in the United States. They differ slightly depending on whether you live in the contiguous states, Alaska, or Hawaii. Most sponsors fall under the contiguous states guidelines, which our calculator uses by default. For 2025, for example, the poverty line for a household of two is around $19,720. To sponsor someone under standard conditions, you’d need at least 125% of that amount—about $24,650. If you were on active duty and sponsoring your spouse or child, 100% of the guideline, or $19,720, would suffice.

The poverty guidelines increase with each additional household member. That means larger families must demonstrate higher incomes to sponsor relatives. If you’ve previously submitted an Affidavit of Support for another relative and that obligation hasn’t ended, you still have to include that immigrant when calculating your household size. This ensures you can realistically support everyone you’ve sponsored, not just the new applicant.

Income can come from a variety of sources, but it must be provable with tax returns, W-2s, or other official documents. If your income is irregular—say, you’re self-employed or have fluctuating earnings—you’ll likely need to provide additional evidence, such as bank statements or profit-and-loss statements. The goal is to convince USCIS that you have a stable, reliable income. Without this proof, your application may be delayed or denied.

Using Assets to Supplement Income

If your income alone doesn’t meet the threshold, you can combine it with assets. Assets must be readily convertible to cash within one year and may include savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or property equity. The total value of assets you need is typically five times the shortfall between your income and the required amount. For example, if you fall $5,000 short, you’d need $25,000 in qualified assets to meet the standard requirement. However, if you’re sponsoring a spouse or child of a US citizen, assets only need to be three times the shortfall. For orphan adoptions, the ratio drops to one.

Keep in mind that you must provide documentation proving ownership and value of these assets, such as bank statements or appraisals. Additionally, assets held outside the United States may be less convincing to USCIS because they can be harder to access quickly. If you’re relying heavily on foreign assets, consider consulting an immigration attorney to determine the best approach.

Tips for Strengthening Your Affidavit of Support

If your income barely meets the threshold, it’s wise to gather as much supporting evidence as possible. Provide full tax returns for the past three years, pay stubs for the most recent six months, and a letter from your employer verifying your position and salary. This extra documentation reassures USCIS that your earnings are stable. If you’re self-employed, prepare detailed financial statements and evidence of ongoing contracts or clients.

Consider adding a joint sponsor if your income and assets still don’t meet the requirement. A joint sponsor is someone who also submits an Affidavit of Support, accepting equal responsibility for the immigrant. This person must meet the entire income requirement on their own, without combining it with yours. Joint sponsors are commonly used when a petitioner’s income fluctuates or if they have a large household size. Choose someone trustworthy and willing to provide personal financial documents, as their information will be scrutinized just like yours.

Finally, double-check your household size. Sometimes applicants forget to count dependents who don’t live with them or a previously sponsored relative. An incorrect household size can cause delays or result in a denial. Reviewing each category carefully ensures accuracy and demonstrates to USCIS that you take the sponsorship commitment seriously.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

One common mistake is underestimating how household size affects the income threshold. Even adult children living at home count, as do any other dependents listed on your tax return. Another frequent issue is failing to provide sufficient proof of income. USCIS wants to see consistent earnings over time, so one year of high income may not offset previous years of lower earnings. Be prepared to submit all requested documentation promptly.

Using assets alone can also be challenging if you don’t have clear evidence of their value or if they aren’t easily accessible. For example, home equity can be used, but you’ll need a professional appraisal and proof of ownership. Some sponsors attempt to rely on assets that aren’t truly liquid, which may raise red flags. Stick with straightforward assets like savings or investments whenever possible.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Sponsorship Success

Our Affidavit of Support Calculator demystifies the financial aspect of immigration sponsorship. By calculating the minimum income you need based on household size and military status, you can determine whether you’re ready to sponsor a loved one or if you need to bolster your financial position first. Use this guide to understand the poverty guidelines, how assets can help, and the importance of thorough documentation. Planning ahead ensures a smoother path through the immigration process and reduces the chance of unexpected delays. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to reuniting with your family in the United States.