Published February 12, 2016

 

Intending applicants for immigrant visas or for adjustment of status based on a family relationship must document that their petitioning U.S. family member, or a joint co-sponsor, executing a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, meets certain income requirements and guarantees that the intending immigrant will not become a burden on the U.S. government.   As an alternative to meeting the income requirement, the sponsor or joint sponsor can prove their financial health by way of documenting ownership of adequate liquid assets, such as funds in a bank or stock brokerage account and in some cases, real property (supported by a reliable appraisal).  In most cases, the petitioning relative or joint sponsor must meet an income requirement of 125% of the poverty level as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  For sponsors residing in the lower 48 contiguous states in the U.S., applicable guidelines are set forth below:

Size of family unit               Poverty guideline            125%

2                                            $15,930                             $19,910

3                                            $20,090                             $25,112

4                                            $24,250                             $30,312

5                                            $28,410                             $35,512

6                                            $32,570                             $40,712

7                                            $36,730                             $45,912

8                                            $40,890                             $51,112

For family units with more than 8 members, add $5,200.00 for each additional member to meet the required 125%  Poverty Guideline level.

 

PUBLISHED February 12, 2016– “IMMIGRATION LAW FORUM” Copyright © 2016, By Law Offices of Richard Hanus, Chicago, Illinois