Did you know that every family-based green card applicant must have a financial sponsor? Whether it’s a spouse, parent, sibling, or even a joint sponsor, the U.S. government requires proof that the immigrant will not rely on public assistance. This proof comes in the form of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Form I-864 — from who needs to file it, to the responsibilities of a sponsor, exemptions, and common FAQs.

What is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support?

Form I-864 is a legally binding document used in most family-based green card applications. Its purpose is simple: it shows that the U.S. sponsor has enough financial stability to support the immigrant once they arrive in the country.

By signing the Affidavit of Support, the sponsor agrees to take financial responsibility for the immigrant. This obligation lasts until one of the following occurs:

• The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen
• The immigrant is credited with 40 quarters of work (about 10 years of employment)
• The immigrant permanently leaves the United States and abandons their green card
• The immigrant or sponsor passes away

💡 Important Note: Divorce does not end your financial responsibility. If you sponsored your spouse, you are still financially liable even after separation.

Who Needs to File Form I-864?

The primary sponsor is usually the U.S. citizen or green card holder who filed the Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. But in some cases, additional sponsors may be required:

1. Joint Sponsor

If the main sponsor doesn’t meet the income requirement (125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines), a joint sponsor can step in. A joint sponsor must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Meet the income threshold independently
• Live in the United States

2. Substitute Sponsor

If the original petitioner passes away, a substitute sponsor may take over. They must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in the U.S.
• Be related to the immigrant (spouse, parent, sibling, in-law, grandparent, etc.)
• Meet the income requirements under INA 213A

Immigrant Categories That Require Form I-864

Form I-864 is mandatory for most family-based immigration categories:

• Immediate Relatives: Spouses, parents, and unmarried children of U.S. citizens
• Family Preference Categories:
  • First Preference: Unmarried adult children (21+) of U.S. citizens
  • Second Preference: Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders
  • Third Preference: Married children of U.S. citizens, plus their spouses and kids
  • Fourth Preference: Siblings of U.S. citizens, plus their spouses and kids
• Certain Employment-Based Green Cards: If the petitioning employer is owned 5% or more by a U.S. citizen or green card holder relative

Who is Exempt from Filing Form I-864?

Not everyone is required to file an Affidavit of Support. You may be exempt if you:

• Have worked (or can be credited with) 40 quarters of qualifying employment in the U.S. (approximately 10 years)
• Are a child of a U.S. citizen and automatically acquire U.S. citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000

Final Thoughts

Form I-864 is one of the most important documents in the green card process. It ensures that immigrants will not become dependent on government aid and that sponsors understand their long-term financial obligations.

If you’re preparing to file, make sure you:
✅ Review income requirements carefully
✅ Consider whether a joint sponsor is needed
✅ Understand that divorce does not end your responsibility

With the right preparation, the I-864 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s simply one more step toward reuniting families and building a future in the United States.