Form I-864 · Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Form I-864 walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
USCIS accepts only the 08/24/26 edition for filings on or after October 1, 2026. It will not reject an I-485 filed with an earlier I-864 edition, but other filings follow 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8). The edition date and filing notices were checked on the official page on October 26, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
The sponsor (usually the U.S. citizen or resident who filed the petition). Household members whose income or assets are used file a separate I-864A.
What it does
A legal promise to support the immigrant financially so they do not rely on public benefits. It is enforceable.
Where
The sponsored immigrant files it with Form I-485 or OF-230. If the National Visa Center sent you the form, follow its instructions. For mailed filings use the USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations chart.
Cost
See the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Fees change and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so confirm the amount on the official fee page or fee calculator before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
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1The sponsor and the immigrantWho is promising and who is being sponsored.
What it asks
- Sponsor’s name, address, date of birth and U.S. status
- The immigrant’s name and category
- Number of people in the sponsor’s household
Evidence to gather
- Proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or residence
- Proof of domicile in the U.S.
Tip: Sponsors must live in the U.S. or show they are about to return.
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2Income and household sizeWhether the sponsor earns enough.
What it asks
- Current income and employment
- Total household size, including those you already support
- Tax filing history
Evidence to gather
- Recent federal tax transcripts
- Pay stubs or an employer letter
- W-2s
Tip: Compare your income with the current Poverty Guidelines table, Form I-864P.
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3Assets and joint sponsorsIf income falls short.
What it asks
- Assets that could be turned to cash
- Whether a joint sponsor or household member (I-864A) will help
Evidence to gather
- Bank statements
- Property or investment records
- Separate forms from a joint sponsor
Tip: A joint sponsor must meet the requirements in their own right.
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4Privacy release and creditNew in the 08/24/26 edition.
What it asks
- Agree to a release letting USCIS request information from consumer reporting agencies
Evidence to gather
- A note that you will respond promptly to any credit-freeze release request
Tip: If you have a credit or security freeze, be ready to respond quickly so your case is not delayed.
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5Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in another language needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
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6Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. USCIS rejects unsigned forms
- Pay the current fee shown on the official fee schedule
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: Keep your receipt notice and answer any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Submitting without tax evidence
- Miscounting household size
- Not signing, or filing the wrong edition after October 1, 2026
- Using an old edition of the form, or mixing pages from different editions
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or translations
What happens next
The sponsored immigrant files the affidavit with their I-485 or visa application. The obligation continues until the immigrant becomes a citizen, has 40 work quarters, leaves the U.S. permanently or dies.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-864 (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.