How to fill out Form I-693 (For the Applicant)

The I-693 includes 10 parts. As the Applicant you only need to fill out Part 1 before your doctor appointment. You will also need to write your name and Alien Number (when you have one) at the top of each page of the form. This should be an 8 or 9 digit number starting with the letter A and can be found on any letters or notices you may have received from the Department of Homeland Security.To fill out Part 1 you will need:

• Your full name (your legal name)
• Your address – the place you live, PO boxes will not work
• Your sex
• Your date of birth
• The city, town, or village in which you were born
• The country you were born in
• Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if you have one
• Your USCIS online account number, if you have one

As the Applicant you will also need to fill out Part 2. This part is where you give some contact information and sign the form. You MUST fill out this section with the civil surgeon present to witness you filling it out. Form I-693 is included in Green Card Application Builder

Doctor Appointment

To find a USCIS certified surgeon:

• Go to uscis.gov‍
• Select “Find a Doctor”
• Enter your ZIP Code
• Click “Search"

A list of doctors in your area should appear. Select one and make an appointment by calling the number next to it.

How to fill out Form I-693 (For the Interpreter

You will be required to fill out Part 3. This includes:

• Your name
• The name and address of the business or organization (when applicable)
• Your daytime telephone number
• Your mobile telephone number (if you have one)
• Your email address (if you have one)
• Your signature and the date

How to fill out Form I-693 (For the Civil Surgeon)

As a USCIS certified civil surgeon you are required to report true and accurate results from your examination.To do this you will need to take down the information from the Applicant’s government-issued identification. You will also be responsible for witnessing that the Applicant fills out and signs Part 2.You will need to follow the most recent Department of Health and Human Services regulations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Those guidelines can be found here.You may also be asked to make referrals and file case reports. These processes can also be found in the CDC guidelines.When filling out the I-693 you will need to:

• Verify the Applicant’s Identification Information
• Give a summary of the medical examination, after the exam and any follow-ups necessary are completed
• Give your contact information and sign the form after the examination is complete, certifying that you are a legal civil surgeon. (If you are performing the assessment for a refugee adjustment applicant you will need to include the licensed physician that was present during the examination and the official stamp or raised seal of the health department. If you are a military physician performing the examination for a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard or certain eligible dependents, the licensed military physician’s signature – who is operating under the blanket civil surgeon – is required as well as the official stamp or raised seal of the military treatment facility.)
• Fill out the worksheet included in the I-693
• Include the results of any lab work or other studies that were required to determine whether the Applicant is inadmissible to the U.S. on health-related issue
• If a referral is required, fill out Item 5 in the worksheet found in Part 7. The physician referred will then need to fill out Part 8. (If a referral is not necessary, leave Item 5 in the worksheet blank.)

Is there a filing fee?

There is no filing fee for the I-693.

How to file the I-693

• Make an appointment with a civil surgeon certified by USCIS.
• Fill out Part 1. In your I-693. (Do not sign it yet. You must sign the form in front of the civil surgeon.)
• Keep your appointment with the civil surgeon. If more visits are necessary, attend all of those as well. Make sure to bring proof of your identity and any medical records you may have with you to your appointment. For proof of identity bring a valid government-issued photo identification (i.e. valid passport or driver’s license). If you are under 14 documents must show your name, place of birth, parents’ full names, and any other information that can identify you (i.e. birth certificates or affidavits, include translations when necessary).
• The civil surgeon should complete the I-693, witness you signing it, and make a copy. The civil surgeon should seal the original I-693 in an envelope and give it to you to submit to USCIS and give you the copy they made.
• You should then submit the sealed letter to USCIS. If you are filing the I-693 because you are applying for and adjustment of status you may do this in one of three ways:
• Mail it with your Form I-485 to the address that matches your reason for filing the I-485. A list of reasons for filing the I-485 and the address needed can be found here.
• Mail the I-693 after you’ve mailed the I-485 to the address specified in your latest communication with USCIS.
• Submit the I-693 in person when you go in for an interview at a USCIS field office.

If you are not applying for an adjustment of status, follow the instructions given by the office requesting the medical examination.

Ways to fill out the Form I-693

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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You need to submit the Form I-131 when you are applying for: a Reentry Permit, a Refugee Travel Document, or an Advance Parole Document. In addition to the form, you also need to submit various supporting documents. This form I-131 checklist will help figure out which documents you need to include.

There are some basic items you will need to include when submitting the Form I-131 regardless of your situation. There are also some additional items you may need to submit based on the reason for your application (Reentry Permit, Refugee Travel Document, or Advance Parole Document).

Let's get started with the basic form I-131 checklist you need to include:

Basic Form I-131 Checklist:

• A copy of your filled out Form I-131
• Identity documentation: a copy of an official document which shows your photo, name, and date of birth. For example, a current Employment Authorization Document, a valid driver’s license, the passport identity page, Form I-551, or a Permanent Resident Card.
• Photographs
• Biometrics Services (Please note: there is a biometrics services fee for those applicants between 14-79 seeking Reentry Permits and/or Refugee Travel Documents..)
• Filing Fee

Reentry Permit Checklist:

You need to attach a copy (front and back) of your Form I-551.

If you do not have your I-551 you have 2 options:

• Include a copy of the biographic pages of your passport and the visa page that shows your initial admission as a lawful resident; OR
• A copy of your Form I-797

Refugee Travel Document Checklist:

Attach a copy of the document showing your refugee (or asylee) status. This document should have been issued to you by the USCIS. It should include the expiration date of your refugee status.

If you are younger than 16 your filing fee will be $105. If you are 16 or older it will be $135.

Note: The application fee may not be required. This is true if you payed the fee and filed Form I-485 on or after 30 July 2007 and your I-485 is still pending. You must also now hold US refugee or asylee status.

Advance Parole Document Checklist:

The following requirements only apply for individuals who are currently in the US. You will need to attach:

• A copy of a document showing your current status in the US, issued to you by USCIS
• An explanation (or evidence) for the circumstances that prove why you qualify for an Advance Parole Document; OR
  • If you are seeking an adjustment of status – a copy of the receipt from USCIS. This receipt proves you filed the adjustment application; OR
  • If you are traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa – a copy of the appointment letter from the US consular; OR
  • If your case has been deferred – under DACA by USCIS, include a copy of your I-797. If your case has been deferred by ICE, include a copy of your approval order, notice, or letter issued by ICE.
• You must also complete Part 4 for the I-131, and include evidence to support your claim. There are 3 accepted purposes:
  • Educational: include a letter from the school describing the purpose of travel and why your travel is necessary. OR include a document showing your in enrollment in a program that requires travel.
  • Employment: include a letter from your employer or conference host describing the need for travel.
  • Humanitarian: include a letter from your physician explaining your medical condition, the treatment you are seeking, and why your travel is medically necessary. OR include documentation of a family member’s illness or death.
• Your filing fee will be $575.

If you are seeking an Advance Parole Document and you are outside the US you have a couple of options. You make file under a Family Reunification Parole policy or not.

• Under one of the Family Reunification Parole policies you will need to attach:
  • For HFRP: the completed document described by the HFRP Program in the application instructions of their invitation letter
  • For CFRP: the completed document described by the CFRP Program in the application instructions of their invitation letter
  • For the FWVP Program:
    • A copy of your I-797 or a printout from Case Status Online
    • Your completed Form I-134
    • Evidence that the WWII service from the Filipino veteran was previously recognized by the US Army. This service is to be defined by section 405 of the Immigration Act of 1990, as it is amended.
    • Evidence of your marriage and a copy of your spouse’s death certificate. If you are the surviving spouse of the Filipino WWII veteran
  • If you are not filing under one of the Family Reunification Parole polices listed above you will need to include:
    • For humanitarian or significant public benefit reasons:
      • A detailed description of why such a situation requires an Advance Parole Document
      • An explanation of the length time for which you are requesting the parole
      • Copies of evidence that show the basis of your request.
    • Your Form I-134
    • A statement explaining why you cannot obtain a US visa. This statement should include when and where you have tried to obtain a visa. Or an explanation for why you did not seek a visa when entering the US.
    • If it applies to you, include a statement explaining why a waiver of inadmissibility cannot be obtained. Include when and where you a have attempted to obtain a waiver, and a copy of any DHS decisions about your waiver request. Or an explanation for why you have not sought a waiver.
    • A copy of any decision on an immigrant or non-immigrant petition or application and evidence regarding a pending petition or application.
    • And, unless the evidence submitted showing your photo, name, and date of birth was your passport, you will need to include:
      • A copy of the biographical page of your beneficiary’s passport. If their passport is not available, provide an explanation for why and include a different government-issued identity document that shows the beneficiary’s citizenship.
      • Copies of your and your Form I-134 sponsor’s official identity documents and evidence of your sponsor’s citizenship or US immigration status. This could be a copy of a US passport, lawful permanent resident card, or birth certificate.

Note: If you are filing for an Advance Parole Document, the application fee may not be required. This is true if, you payed the fee and filed Form I-485 on or after 30 July 2007 and it is still pending. You must also be returning to the US after temporary foreign travel. In this case, you may file your I-131 with your I-485. Or you can submit your I-131 later. You will then need to submit a copy of your I-797 to show you paid your I-485 fee.

Ways to fill out and submit Form I-131:

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Last Updated: July 9, 2020.

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What is Form I-765?

Form I-765 is the application for employment authorization.

What is employment authorization?

Employment authorization is when USCIS gives temporary authorization for employment to non-citizens. Immigrants can use Form I-765 to request an employment authorization document (EAD). This document grants the non-citizen temporary employment authorization in the United States.

Do I have to submit the Form I-765?

You must apply for an EAD with Form I-765 if you:

• Are approved to work in the United States due to your immigration status (asylee, refugee, or nonimmigrant) and need evidence of that employment authorization.
• Need to apply for permission to work, or to request employment authorization. You may have a:
  • pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
  • pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
  • a nonimmigrant status that does not allow you to work in the United States without first seeking permission from USCIS (such as an F-1 or M-1 student).

You do NOT need to apply for an EAD if you are a lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, or nonimmigrant. Your Green Card provides sufficient proof of your employment authorization. You also do NOT need to apply for an EAD if you possess a nonimmigrant visa that authorizes you to work for a specific employer (for example, an H-1B, L-1B, O, or P visa).

Can I work while my Green Card application is processing?

Processing Timeline: USCIS previously issued work authorization within 90 days, but their current processing time averages 4-7 months. While it can be frustrating to wait that long to receive work authorization, these processing times are shorter than the current green card wait times and are meant to make the wait time for the green card a little easier.

Required Supporting Documents

You will need the following documents in order to submit I-765:

• Your application with the filing fee.

If you are mailing your application to USCIS, you must also submit the following documentation, according to USCIS:

• A copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record (front and back), if available. If you are filing Form I-765 under the (c)(9) category, Form I-94 is not required.
• A copy of your last EAD (front and back). If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a government-issued identity document, such as a passport showing your picture, name, and date of birth; a birth certificate with photo ID; a visa issued by a foreign consulate; or a national ID document with photo and/ or fingerprint. The identity document photocopy must clearly show the facial features of the applicant and the biographical information. If you are filing under the (c)(33) category, additional documentation is not required.
• You must submit two identical color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of filing your application. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and un-retouched. The passport-style photos must be 2” by 2”. The photos must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1” to 1 3/8” from top to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8’ to 1 3/8” from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious order of which you are a member. Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and Alien Receipt Number on the back of the photo.”

What is the Form I-765 filing address?

If you're filing the form directly, the address depends on the eligibility category you entered in Question 16 of Form I-765. If you are filing I-765 with another form, file both documents at the location required by the other form. Use the addresses found on the USCIS website only when you are not submitting I-765 with another form.

How much is the Form I-765 filing fee?

There are multiple different fee categories for Form I-765 depending on the circumstances of the filing. In general, the filing fee of Form I-765 ranges from $0-$520.

If an applicant submits the Form I-765 with a family-based green card application (Form I-485), then typically it would cost $520 for paper filing and $470 for online filing. Subsequent Form I-765 renewals associated with the pending Form i-485 have a fee of $260, whether filed by paper or online method.

Can I get the fee waived?

You may qualify for a fee waiver if you provide documentation for any of the following eligibility criteria:

• You, your spouse, or the head of household living with you, are currently receiving a means-tested benefit.
• Your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Check the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for this year to see if your household income qualifies.
• You are currently experiencing financial hardship that hinders you from paying the filing fee, such as unexpected medical bills, emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.

You may file for a fee waiver by filling out Form 912 (Request for a Fee Waiver).

• There is no filing fee for this form.
• You cannot file online if you are requesting a fee waiver. You will need to file paper versions of the fee waiver request and the form for which you are requesting a fee waiver, together. Do not file the two forms separately.
• Each person applying for a fee waiver must sign and date the Form I-912.

Instead of filing Form-912, you may also file for a fee waiver by writing a letter with all the necessary information that states your request for a fee waiver, is signed by everyone requesting the fee waiver, and includes all the necessary supporting evidence.

For further information on proof of documentation and eligibility, check the USCIS Fee Waiver information sheet.

How do I renew my I-765?

If your EAD has expired or will be expiring soon, you can submit a new Form I-765 and filing fee (unless a fee waiver has been requested and granted) to file for a renewal EAD. Do not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your initial EAD expires.

How do I request a replacement EAD?

You may follow the renewal process listed above to request a replacement EAD for lost, stolen, or destroyed documents. If your EAD contains incorrect information that is not due to a USCIS error, you must submit a new I-765 form, a filing fee, the required documentation, and the card containing the error.

If your EAD contains incorrect information that is due to a USCIS error, you do NOT need to submit a new I-765 form or a filing fee. USCIS will process your replacement request at no cost. In this case, you must send the original card containing the error, a detailed written explanation of the card error, and supporting documentation on the correct information. Submit this information to the service center or National Benefit Center that approved your latest Form I-765.

What if my documentation is in a language other than English?

Any document containing foreign language must be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate. You must also include the translator’s certification that he or she is adequately able to translate from the foreign language into English.

Do I receive updates when USCIS has accepted my Form I-765?

Yes. To do so, fill out Form G-1145 (E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance) and attach it to the first page of your I-765 application.

Don't Forget:

1. You must complete all sections of the form. The form will be rejected if any of these fields are missing:
   • Number 1 – Full Name
   • Number 3 – U.S. Mailing Address
   • Number 6 – Date of Birth
   • Number 20 – Eligibility Category
2. Remember to sign your form! USCIS will reject and return any unsigned form.
3. Biometrics Services Appointment: After receiving your application and ensuring completeness, USCIS will inform you in writing when to go to your local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for your biometrics services appointment. This appointment is to gather physical data by which a person can be uniquely identified. At your biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, take your photo, and have you sign your name for electronic capture. If you do not attend the appointment, your application may be denied.

People ask us all the time how to fill out the I-864 as a joint sponsor. So we decided to help answer this question in this detailed guide. Most immigrants enter the country on a family-sponsored visa. In this case, a family member who is a lawful permanent or U.S. citizen will file a visa petition for the hopeful applicant. In order to enter the U.S., the applicant must not be inadmissible. One way an immigrant can be inadmissible is if she is a “public charge.” If an immigrant is a public charge then, generally speaking, she or he is viewed by the government as being at risk of becoming a burden on society. An applicant must prove that they will not be a public charge.This is done by acquiring financial sponsors, and in some cases joint sponsors, and having your sponsors file an I-864 verifying that you will not be a public burden. Joint sponsors are very similar to regular sponsors. First we'll discuss regular sponsors, and then we'll discuss  joint sponsors.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support

Section 213(a) of the INA requires an affidavit of support. USCIS has created this affidavit in the form of the I-864. This is a form filled out by the sponsors of a hopeful immigrant and is submitted with most family-sponsored applications. Its purpose is to show that there is sufficient financial support for the immigrant and that there will not be a need for financial assistance from the U.S. Form I-864 is supported and included with SimpleCitizen.

Ways To Fill Out Form I-864

The I-864 comes with its own instructions, but those can be confusing. There are a few ways this form can be tackled:

Fill Out On a Computer

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Get Started *Includes Attorney Review

Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.Print PDF

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What is a Sponsor?

Obligations of an I-864 Sponsor

To become a sponsor is to accept a legal obligation with the U.S. government and with the intending immigrant. A sponsor agrees to financially support the intending immigrant. Essentially, the sponsor agrees to provide the difference between the wages earned by the immigrant and 125 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).This has a couple legal implications. First, if the immigrant does not make 125% FPL on their own, they can request or even sue a sponsor for that amount. Second, if the immigrant receives financial public assistance from a government agency, the sponsor may be requested to provide or sued for the amount equal to that assistance. This assistance may take the form of welfare, public housing, non-emergency Medicaid but does not include emergency Medicaid and short-term, non-cash emergency relief.Additionally, a sponsor must inform USCIS within 30 of any changes of address after the application until the obligation ends.

Qualifying as a Sponsor

To qualify as a sponsor, there are four basic requirements. A sponsor must:

• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be living in the US
• Have an annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level

Oftentimes, the main discussion regarding sponsorship focuses on whether a sponsor’s income is sufficient, specifically, whether it’s 125 percent of the FPL. As shown, This is dependent on two factors:

• Household size,
• Location, and
• Income.

These income requirements vary based on the size of one’s household and other factors like location. The exact income levels for 2025 for the contiguous US can be found in the following table:

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Please note that active duty military need only meet 100 percent of the federal poverty level, and the levels are different for Alaska and Hawaii.(These numbers come from the Form I-864P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support. Take a look if your household is larger than 8 people.)

Determining household size

The basic idea of household size is determining the number of people in your home. It seems simple, but it can become technical. To determine household size count:

• You
• Your spouse
• Any children you have under the age of 21
• Any other dependents you claimed on your most recent Federal income tax return
• All lawful permanent residents you are currently sponsoring
• All lawful permanent residents you are applying to sponsoring
• (Optional) Other relatives living in your residence. Only include other relatives if you need to include their income.

Calculating Income

Again, the basic idea behind income is simple: it’s how much money a sponsor makes in a year. But it can become technical quick. To calculate a sponsor’s income add:

• Annual income earned by the sponsor
• Annual income earned by spouse
• Annual Income earned by other dependents in the household
• (Optional) Annual income earned by other relatives living in the sponsor’s residence
• (Under limited circumstances)  Annual income earned in the U.S. by the intending immigrant and joined by a "Contract with Household Member."

Income can include:

• Wages
• Salaries
• Tips
• Taxable interest
• Ordinary dividends
• Alimony or child support
• Business income
• Capital gains
• Taxable IRA distributions
• Taxable pensions and annuities
• Rental income
• Unemployment compensation
• Workers compensation and disability
• Taxable Social Security benefits

Means-tested public benefits like food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, TANF and CHIP can not be included.In order to include the other relatives living at the sponsor’s residence, those members must complete a Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.  Each one of these individuals must be over 18 years of age.

Last resort: Assets

If, after adding together all the incomes of all the household members of the sponsor, the income is still insufficient, then assets can be considered.To qualify, an asset must be convertible into cash within one year without being too difficult for the owner. Substantial evidence is required for assets to qualify. The net value of a house can be considered an asset; this equal to the appraised value of the home, minus all loans. The net value of a car may also be included, but the sponsor must show they own another car that is not included as an asset.For assets to work, they must equal at least five times the difference between a sponsor’s total household income and the 125 percent mark.Note: if your sponsor who filed the visa petition died, then you need to get a substitute sponsor to fill out I-864.If your sponsor does not have sufficient funds to sponsor you financially, you need to find a joint sponsor.

Adding a Joint Sponsor with Form I-864

So, once financial sponsors have counted the people in their household, added up their annual income, and made the calculation to determine whether their income is at least 125 percent of the federal poverty level, they might find that their income just isn’t over 125 percent, no matter how it’s calculated.If that’s the case, it is time to find a joint financial sponsor.A joint sponsor is very similar to a regular financial sponsor. A joint sponsor must:

• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be living in the US
• Have annual income of at least 125% of the federal poverty level (FPL)

A joint sponsor does not need to be a relative of the primary sponsor or of the intending immigrant. The joint sponsor must fill out an additional I-864.A joint sponsor’s income must independently be equal to 125 percent of the federal poverty level. The sum of the primary sponsor’s income and the joint sponsor’s income is unimportant. However, there can be up to two joint sponsors if more than one immigrant is coming; in that case, the incoming immigrants can be divided between the household sizes of the sponsors.In most ways, a joint sponsor is treated very similarly to a sponsor. Joint Sponsor forms are supported by SimpleCitizen.Applying for a Green Card? Read this.

The end of the obligation

Financial sponsors aren’t obligated to care for the immigrant for the rest of existence. The obligation ends when the sponsored immigrant:

• has worked ten full years
• becomes a U.S. citizen
• leaves the U.S. and no longer has permanent residence
• dies
• is deported and returns under a different sponsor.
• Or, the sponsor dies.

What happens if my sponsor becomes unemployed after submitting the I-864?

If your sponsor or joint sponsor becomes unemployed after submitting the I-864 and before the intending immigrant's approval, that is unfortunate. Technically, if after unemployment, the sponsored income is no longer above 125 percent, then USCIS will deny the application because the intending immigrant would become a public charge.But don’t despair yet; if income is no longer sufficient because of a change, the intending immigrant can ask for additional time to find additional income or for the sponsor to find a new job. The Consulate or USCIS will generally give an additional six months to a year before an application is declared dead.So, if possible, keep your job as a sponsor. Ideally, a sponsor will be able to show a stable work history, one suggests a sufficient income for the next 3-5 years. Switching jobs frequently or losing a job will place the intending immigrant in a “high risk” category, which may lead to a request for evidence or simply a denied visa.

Last Updated: Feb. 7, 2020.

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Do you have a family member that is applying for legal permanent residency?

Are you going to be the sponsor? Do you meet all the requirements to be a sponsor?

This guide will help you figure out if you meet the requirements for being a sponsor.

What is a financial sponsor?

Being a financial sponsor to an immigrant means the U.S. Government will consider your income and assets (such as checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or property) as available to support the potential immigrant.

Who can sponsor? Who needs a sponsor?

You may sponsor a relative, an employee, or a prospective or currently adopted child wishing to immigrate to the United States. If you filed an immigrant visa petition for your relative, you must be the sponsor.

Anyone applying to be a permanent resident through a family member must have a financial sponsor. A sponsor is also required for a family member coming to work for a relative, or for a company in which a relative owns 5 percent or more of the company.

Am I eligible to become a sponsor?

To qualify to be a financial sponsor for a green card applicant, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
2. You must have a domicile in either the U.S. or a U.S. territory or possession (i.e. you must live there).
3. You must prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level (100 percent for active duty military personnel).
4. You must submit an affidavit of support, which can be done by submitting Form I-864.

Income requirement to be a financial sponsor?

You must prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level. (For active duty military personnel, the income requirement is 100 percent of the poverty level when sponsoring a husband, wife, or children.) Federal poverty levels are updated each year by the Department of Health and Human Services.

You can check current minimums at their website at www.aspe.hhs.gov.

What is Form I-864?

Form I-864 acts as an affidavit of support, which is a document an individual signs to accept financial responsibility for another person, usually a relative, who is coming to the United States to live permanently. The form proves that the immigrant has the financial means to live in the United States without needing welfare or financial benefits from the U.S. government. The person who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor of the relative (or other individual) coming to live in the United States. The sponsor is usually the petitioner of an immigrant petition for a family member.

As the sponsor, you should fill out Form I-864 when your relative is about to submit an application for adjustment to permanent resident status with the USCIS or with an Immigration Court in the United States.

What if I don't meet the financial requirements?

If your income alone does not meet the requirement, your assets (such as checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or property) may be considered in determining your financial ability. You may also submit the I-864 as a joint sponsor or a substitute sponsor.

What is a joint sponsor?

A joint sponsor is someone who is willing to accept legal responsibility for supporting your immigrating family member with you. A joint sponsor must meet all the same requirements as you; however, the joint sponsor does not need to be related to the immigrant.

The joint sponsor (or his or her household) must reach the 125% income requirement alone. You cannot combine your income with that of a joint sponsor to meet the income requirement.

Does a joint sponsor also need to fill out I-864?

Yes, a joint sponsor must also fill out Form I-864. Additionally, if you are using the income of other household members to qualify, then each household member must complete a separate Form I-864A.

What documentation do I need to fill out Form I-864?

You must provide the following documentation to fill out Form I-864:

• Your U.S. federal income tax return for the most recent tax year.
• Proof of current employment.

How do I submit Form I-864

Upon completing Form I-864, compiling the necessary documentation, and having the affidavit (or form I-864) notarized in the United States or before a U.S. consular or immigration officer, you should provide this packet of information to your relative to submit with his or her application for permanent resident status. If you are given specific instructions to file your affidavit of support directly with the National Visa Center, you should follow those instructions.

What is the cost to submit Form I-864?

There is no filing fee. However, the National Visa Center (NVC) does send the sponsor a processing fee before the case will be processed.

How long am I responsible for the immigrant?

The sponsor's legal financial responsibility usually lasts until the immigrant either becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years), leaves the U.S. permanently, or dies.

Do I need to inform USCIS if I move or change addresses as a sponsor?

Yes, by legal requirement. If you change your address, you will need to file a Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address, within 30 days after the date of your move.

What if I fail to provide financial support?

An affidavit of support is legally enforceable against a sponsor. If a sponsor does not provide basic support to the immigrants they sponsor, the individuals sponsored may receive “means-tested public benefits.” If the individual you sponsored receives any of these public benefits, you are responsible for repaying the cost of those benefits to the agency that provided them. If you do not repay the debt, the agency or sponsored immigrants can sue you in court to receive the money owed. When the immigrant sues, he or she can collect enough money to bring his or her income up to 125% of the amount listed in the U.S. government’s Poverty Guidelines.

Additionally, bankruptcy does not necessarily terminate a sponsor’s I-864 obligations. While most debts and contractual obligations are dischargeable in bankruptcy, “domestic support obligations” are not dischargeable. Such obligations are defined as alimony, maintenance, or support owed to or recoverable by one’s spouse, former spouse, or child. By United States court decisions, these also include I-864 support obligations.

Forms for Financial Sponsorship

• Form I-864 | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
• Form I-864A | Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
• Form I-864EZ | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
• Form I-864P | HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support
• Form I-864W | Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support

Additional Facts and Data

• Of all 2015 accepted Green Card applicants, 44% were immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, 20% were other family members of citizens and lawful permanent residents, 14% were individuals in employment-related cases, 11% were refugees, and 3% were individuals granted asylum, according to a Pew Research Center study.
• Each year, the USCIS receives and processes about 6 million immigration applications from individuals and employers. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United States issued green cards to nearly 1 million applicants in 2013. This number has remained relatively constant throughout the following years.

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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If you're applying for a green card, chances are you're going to need the sponsor Form I-864.

To prove that your sponsor meets all the requirements, you need to submit the Form I-864 along with your application.

According to USCIS, the official purpose of the form is:

"This form is required for most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants to show that they have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to rely on the U.S. government for financial support."

- USCIS.gov

Mistakes made on this form are one of the most common reason why applicants get RFE's (Request for Evidence) from USCIS. To avoid an RFE, it's very important to make sure that your sponsor meets all the requirements and that you fill out the form correctly.

Do you know what the requirements are for a sponsor? Are you sponsoring an applicant? This article will provide answers to some of the most common questions about financial sponsors, income requirements, and submitting the right forms.

Scroll to the bottom to learn how to actually fill out the form and attach it to your application.

Most Common Questions About Form I-864

Do I need to attach the Form I-864 to my application?

The Form I-864 should be attached to the application if, the intending immigrant (green card applicant) is:

• The immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen 21 or older).
• A family-based preference immigrant (married or unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, spouse or unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident, or the brother or sister of a U.S. citizen 21 or older).
• An employment-based preference immigrant whose immigrant visa petition was filed by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, U.S. national relative, or such a relative has an ownership interest of 5% or more in the entity that filed your petition.

Form I-864 is supported and included with SimpleCitizen.

Can the I-864 be used for more than one immigrant?

An I-864 must be submitted for each intending immigrant sponsored.

The principle immigrant, the recipient of the immigrant visa petition, may bring a spouse and/or children into the U.S. In such cases, the sponsor need only to photocopy the original I-864 for each dependent if they are based on the same visa petition, as long as they are immigrating at the same time. (Note: The sponsor will not need to provide copies of the supporting documents for each of the photocopied I-864s.)

However, if the principle immigrant’s family is immigrating more than 6 months after the principle immigrant, another Form I-864 will need to be filled out when they apply for their immigrant visas.

Is there a filing fee?

There is no filing fee. However, the National Visa Center (NVC) does send the sponsor a processing fee before the case will be processed.

When do sponsor obligations end?

Sponsor responsibilities end when one of these situations occurs:

• The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
• The immigrant can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the U.S.
• The sponsor or the immigrant dies.
• The immigrant does not remain a lawful permanent resident.

Please note: divorce does not end a sponsor’s responsibilities.

What supporting documents are required with the I-864?

All sponsors must submit a copy of their Federal income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you were not required to file provide a statement and/or evidence of why. Also include every copy of Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income.

If you are:

• currently self-employed,
• sponsoring more than one intending immigrant,
• sponsoring a spouse while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard,
• using the income of persons in your household or dependents to qualify,
• joint sponsor, substitute sponsor, or the relative of an employment-based immigrant,
• or the legal guardian signing the Form I-864

Supporting Document upload & support are included with SimpleCitizen.

you will need to file more supporting documents as proof that you qualify to be a sponsor. These may include a Form I-864A, or papers to establish your income, active military status, residency, lasting employment, assets, status in the U.S., or legal guardianship.

Note: if you make a change of address, you must inform USCIS of your new address within 30 days. If you are a lawful permanent resident sponsor, you must file a change of address within 10 days. To do this file Form I-865.

What are the requirements of being a sponsor?

The sponsor must be 18 years or older and reside in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions.

In order to qualify as a sponsor, the sponsor must also meet certain financial requirements:

Income Requirements:

To qualify as a sponsor, you must show that your annual income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually and are calculated according to household size.

Search the USCIS website to see if you qualify. The 2017 guidelines will remain in affect until the 2018 ones are published.

What if my sponsor is on active duty?

If you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and are sponsoring a spouse or child under 18, you only need to have an annual income of 100% the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This does not apply to joint or substitute sponsors.

What if a sponsor doesn’t meet the financial requirements?

If a sponsor does not meet the financial requirements the intending immigrant will be ineligible for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status.

However, if the 125% requirement can be met by any combination of the following 4 options, you may still qualify to be a sponsor.

• The income from any relatives or dependents living in your household currently or listed in your most recent Federal income tax return and who have signed Form I-864A.
• The income from the intending immigrant, if that income will continue from the same source after they immigrate and they are currently living in your residence. (If the intending immigrant is your spouse, their residence does not matter as long as they continue to receive their income from the same source.)
• The value of assets yours, the intending immigrants, or any member of the household who has signed the I-864A.
• The income and/or assets that equal at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of a joint sponsor.

Can a sponsor use assets to qualify?

If the consular or immigration officer is convinced that the sponsor’s assets could be converted into money within one year, they may be used to supplement the sponsor’s income. However, this conversion must take place without undue harm coming to the sponsor or their dependents. And it cannot include automobiles unless the sponsor owns at least 1 working automobile that was not included as an asset.

What is a joint sponsor?

A joint sponsor is someone who can meet the financial requirements necessary to be a sponsor and is willing to be held jointly liable with the original sponsor, the petitioner, for the support of the intending immigrant(s).

The joint sponsor must be 18 or older and a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national domiciled in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions.

The joint sponsor does not have to be related to the petitioner or intending immigrant(s).

If the I-864 being filed by the petitioner includes more than the principle immigrant, the joint sponsor may choose to sponsor all intending immigrants or some of them. A secondary joint sponsor is then necessary to sponsor the remainder of the family. There may be no more than 2 joint sponsors.

Joint Sponsorship is supported by SimpleCitizen.

Can relatives and dependents be a joint sponsor?

A spouse and/or other relative living with the sponsor or unrelated dependents listed on the sponsor’s Federal income tax return even if they don’t live with the sponsor, may help sponsor intending immigrants, if they are willing to be jointly responsible with the sponsor. They must be 18 or older and complete Form I-864A.

Ways To Fill Out Form I-864

Here are a few options available to you for filling out the affidavit of support.

Fill Out On a Computer

Download and view in a PDF viewer.

Download PDF

SimpleCitizen's Application Builder

Form I-864 is included with SimpleCitizen.

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Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.

Print PDF

Hire a Legal Professional

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Visit AILA.com

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Feel free to chat with us by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right hand corner of your browser.

Last Updated: January 7, 2022.

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If you are inside the U.S. for an allowed reason and are currently trying to adjust your status to permanent resident, then you can use Form I-485.
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Form I-485 Sample Download:

Download a sample of the I-485 here.

Fill out the I-485 Online Here.

*Please note that USCIS forms frequently change. Please refer to the USCIS I-485 form page for the most up-to-date version.

Who can submit the Form I-485?

Relatives of United States citizens:

spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens who used the Form I-130 and received a visa can use Form I-485 to ask for a Green Card. For immediate family cases (like spouses) you can submit all the forms together in one packet.

Relatives of Green Card holders:

spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders who used Form I-130 and received a visa can use Form I-485 to ask for a Green Card. You can prepare a family based green card application here.‍

Workers:

If you are in the U.S. with a temporary work visa and have been offered a permanent job while you're in the U.S., you could use Form I-485 to ask to stay in the U.S. permanently. Your U.S. employer can start the process for your Green Card using Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.‍

Refugees and Asylees:

Refugees and Asylees can use Form I-485 to ask for a Green Card. In the Form I-485, you must prove that you are still an asylee, refugee, or refugee’s spouse or child and that you’ve been inside the U.S. for 1 year since were allowed to enter for that reason.

Helpful Links:

Form I-485 Step by Step Instructions

The Comprehensive Guide on How to Get a Green Card

Are you eligible to apply for a Green Card?

Take the quiz

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Updated: Feb. 10, 2020.

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So you've mailed your green card application and are anxiously waiting for whatever comes next. What happens now?

After you submit the Form I-485, along with all the other required forms, there are still a few more steps to take before you become a permanent resident in the United States. This guide will help you understand each one of those steps.

Have not submitted your application yet? Here's a guide on how to prepare your application.

1. Receipt of Application

Approximately 30 days after filing

Once USCIS has received your application, they should send you a receipt within approximately 30 days.

If you attached a Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance along with your Form I-485, you will also receive a confirmation email or text message within 24 hours of your application being accepted.

Both the physical receipt and the e-receipt will have a receipt number on them. You can use this number to check your case status and see how far along your case is in the application process.

Note: If you submit the Form I-485 without a signature or without the correct filing fee, USCIS will send you a notice that your form is incomplete. You may then fix the problem and re-submit it. If they need more evidence, USCIS may request (RFE) originals of the copies you provided them. These original documents will be returned to you when they are no longer needed.

2. Biometrics Services Appointment Notice

Approximately 3-5 weeks after filing

After your I-485 is filed, you will receive a notice in the mail about your biometrics services appointment, which will be held at a local Application Support Center (ASC). The notice will tell you the date, time, and location of your appointment. At this appointment, you will provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature, which will be used to verify your identity and run background checks. Sometimes this can happen within 3-5 weeks, but the timeline varies considerably.

You should review your Form I-485 information before the biometrics appointment. Your signature at the biometrics appointment will indicate that your application was complete, true, and correct. When you go to your appointment, take with you:

• Your ASC appointment notice.
• Valid photo ID (such as a passport, driver's license, or state-issued photo ID card).
• A translator if you cannot understand spoken English.

3. Interview Notice

Approximately 4-10 months after filing

You will probably be requested to appear at a USCIS office to answer questions about your Form I-485. You will receive a notice that will tell you when and where the interview will take place. Bring with you original:

• Passports
• Official Travel Documents
• Form I-94
• Copy of your Form I-485
• All other originals of the documents that you submitted with your Form I-485, even if the documents are now expired.

It is best to appear at all USCIS appointments (including interviews and biometrics appointments) on the scheduled date. However, if you are sick, you can follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule.

4. Receive Permanent Residence

Approximately 8-14 months after filing

After your interview, the USCIS will send you a written notice of their decision. If you are approved, you will receive your green card in the mail soon after. If your application is denied, the decision notice will explain why. It will also state whether you can appeal the decision or not. Even if it says that you cannot appeal the decision, you may still be able to file a motion to reconsider. To file an appeal or a motion you will use Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion.

Other Tips

Avoid leaving the United States while your application is pending.

If you plan to leave the US while your application is pending, even if it a short trip to Mexico or Canada, make sure that you have the right documentation to leave and re-enter the US. You will probably have to file Form-131 to obtain either an Advanced Parole Document or a refugee travel document. You will not need to file Form-131 if you are an H, L, V, or K3/K4 nonimmigrant who is maintaining lawful nonimmigrant status, and you return with a valid H, L, V, or K3/K4 nonimmigrant visa. If you leave the country without proper documentation, your Form I-485 may be denied, or you may not be able to lawfully re-enter the US.

Moving & changing your address.

If you move, it is important to promptly inform the USCIS so that you do not miss any mailed notifications about your application. Update your address with the USCIS within 10 days of moving. In most cases, you can do this online at the USCIS website.

Ask for help.

If you have questions or need help with any part of your application, please feel free to reach out to our support team. We're here to help!

Updated: May 12, 2022

For Español click here.

Getting a Green Card means you have been authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.

In addition to living and working in the U.S. permanently, there are numerous other benefits of getting a green card:

• You can now sponsor family applying for their own green cards.
• You may travel outside the U.S. and return without disrupting your status.
• Once you've had your green card for five years, you may apply to become a U.S. citizen.
• You are eligible to receive Social Security benefits after 10 years of work.
• You qualify for in-state tuition.

How to Become a Permanent Resident

There are a few different ways you may become a green card holder:

• Sponsorship by a family member in the United States.
• Sponsorship by an employer's offer of permanent employment in the United States or through your own entrepreneurship.
• Through attaining refugee or asylee status or through another humanitarian program.

To qualify for a green card, you must fall into one of the available immigrant categories.

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Available Immigrant Categories:

• Family-based
• Job or employment-based
• Based on refugee or asylum status

a. Family-Based

You may qualify for a green card if you are:

• An immediate relative of a U.S. citizen. This includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 or older.
• Another family member of a U.S. citizen. This includes unmarried children over the age of 21, married children of any age, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens age 21 or older.
• A family member of a lawful permanent resident. This includes spouses and unmarried children of the sponsoring lawful permanent resident.

If you fall into one of the above categories, you can learn how to prepare a family-based green card application with SimpleCitizen here.

In addition to the above categories, being a member of another special category may qualify you to get a green card based on family. These include being a:

• Battered spouse or child
• A K nonimmigrant
• A person born to a foreign diplomat in the United States
• A V nonimmigrant
• A widow(er) of a U.S. citizen

Important to note: There is an order of preference for people who wish to immigrate to the U.S. based on family. First preference goes to the first category listed above, immediate relatives of a U.S. citizen. To see the complete order of preference for family members, visit the USCIS website.

b. Job or Employment-Based

You may qualify for a green card based on a job offer or your plans to invest in the U.S. economy and create jobs. The employment-based category includes:

• Green card through a job offer. This is also known as sponsorship through an employer — in other words, when an employer sponsors your green card application.
• Green card through investment or entrepreneurship. Immigrant investors/entrepreneurs who are investing in a U.S. - based business that creates new U.S. jobs may be eligible for a green card.

Green card through special categories of jobs. You may be able to get a green card based on having a past or current job in one of the following special categories set forth by the U.S. government:

• Afghan/Iraqi translator
• Armed forces member
• Broadcaster
• International organization employee
• Iraqi who assisted the U.S. government
• Afghan who assisted the U.S. government
• NATO-6 Nonimmigrant
• Panama Canal employee
• Physician National Interest Waiver
• Religious worker

c. Refugee or Asylum Status

You may be able to get a green card through your status as a refugee or asylee.

• If you're a refugee, the law requires you to apply for your green card within a year of entering the U.S.
• If you have been granted asylum in the U.S., the law requires you to apply for your green card within a year of asylum status being granted.

Filing an Immigrant Petition

If you belong to one of the above categories, next you will need an immigrant petition filed on your behalf. The petition establishes the basis for your immigration and the classification or category in which you belong.

• For people immigrating based on family, the petitioner will file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Click here to start a family-based petition.
• For people immigrating based on employment, the petitioner will file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

How to find out if you are eligible to apply

Everyone who wishes to get an immigrant visa (and apply for any subsequent status adjustment) must prove that they are eligible for admission to the United States.

What would make someone inadmissible? The grounds of inadmissibility are set by Congress and are particular to the category under which you are immigrating. These factors include:

• Financial reasons. The relative who sponsors you must be able to support you.
• Health-related reasons. You cannot have a disease that makes you a public health risk.
• Immigration history. If you've ever entered the U.S. illegally or overstayed a visa by six months or longer, you may be deemed inadmissible.
• Criminal history. Applicants who have been charged and/or convicted of certain crimes, such as violent felonies, drug offenses and terrorism, may be deemed inadmissible.

SimpleCitizen's Eligibility Quiz

In order to make sure you are eligible to apply and that you choose the correct application for your situation, you can use SimpleCitizen's free eligibility quiz here.

By answering just a few easy questions you can determine if you are eligible to apply. Here's how it works:

If you have a questions about your eligibility or are unsure how to get started, here are a few options:

• Contact SimpleCitizen Support

Sign up for SimpleCitizen & take the guesswork out of the Green Card process

You don't have to try to navigate the green card process yourself, and you don't have to pay outrageous attorney fees. SimpleCitizen's easy to use software will guide you through the whole green card application.

Apply for a green card at the fraction of the cost of using an attorney — with all the comfort of having a guide along the way.

Your American dream awaits you, and SimpleCitizen can help you achieve it.

Click here to start your application.

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Self-Employed Sponsor and Form I-864

What you need to know about having a Self-Employed Sponsor fill out Form I-864. One of the requirements to get a green card is having a financial sponsor file the I-864, Affidavit of Support. This USCIS form is basically a contract between the financial sponsor, the immigrant applicant and the US government. As part of the contract, the sponsor must meet certain income requirements to qualify as a financial sponsor for the immigrant. Like every form on the green card application, several documents must be submitted as supporting evidence for the information provided in the application.

Submitting supporting evidence for a sponsor that is currently employed is fairly straightforward. The sponsor needs to attach their most recent federal tax return, a letter from their employer and pay stubs for the past 6 months. These requirements become useless when the sponsor is either self-employed or retired.

Self-Employed Sponsors & Form I-864 Supporting Documents

The USCIS actually has a few guidelines when it comes to proving an income amount for a sponsor that is self-employed or a business owner. The USCIS suggests that self-employed sponsors should attach the following photocopies of documents to their I-864, Affidavit of Support:

• Total and Complete Tax Return: All schedules associated with the federal return including Schedule C (Profit/Loss from Business), Schedule D (Capital Gains/Loss), Schedule E (Supplemental Income/Loss) and Schedule F (Profit/Loss from Farming).
• Business Licenses and registrations.
• Signed and dated statement about the nature of the business and the sponsors involvement.
• Bank Statements for the previous 6 months.

Retired Sponsors & Form I-864 Supporting Documents

If the sponsor that is submitting the Form I-864, Affidavit of support is retired, a similar problem exists. Again, the goal for a retired financial sponsor is to simply provide independent evidence that establishes a steady flow of income matching the amount reported in the Form I-864. This can be accomplished by providing the following documents:

• Recent Pension Statements and Current Pension Payment Receipts
• Social Security Documents that indicate payments
• Complete Tax Returns
• Bank Statements for the previous 6 months

As you are working to complete your green card application and fill out a correct Form I-864, make sure that you are avoiding some of the other pitfalls of the financial sponsor for a green card. Making sure that you are calculating the household size correctly or including the accurate income amounts are a few of the important things to remember when working on this application. SimpleCitizen is a do-it-yourself tool to help you avoid these common mistakes. We are the only truly comprehensive service, guiding users from signup to citizenship while ensuring their application is correct and complete at every stage.