Family-Based Immigrant Visa
Step 4: Complete Affidavit of Support
An Affidavit of Support, also called the Form I-864, is a document an individual signs to accept financial responsibility for the applicant who is coming to live in the United States. The person who signs the Affidavit of Support is also called the “sponsor.” The petitioner must complete Form I-864; however if the petitioner’s income is insufficient, a joint-sponsor may agree to also complete an I-864 on the applicant’s behalf.
An Affidavit of Support is legally enforceable. The sponsor’s financial responsibility usually lasts until the applicant either becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (usually 10 years) under the Social Security Act.
By signing Form I-864, the petitioner (including any joint sponsor(s)) is agreeing to use their resources, if necessary, to financially support the beneficiary and any dependent(s). If the beneficiary and dependent(s) receive any designated federal, state, or local means-tested public benefits, under U.S. law the agency providing the benefit “shall request reimbursement” from the signatory of the I-864.
NOTE: Please review the following information very carefully. Failure to complete and submit the correct form(s) will delay the processing of your case.
In most cases, the petitioner must:
a) Complete an Affidavit of Support form and;
b) Gather evidence of their finances and other supporting documents (See Step 5).
Complete Affidavit of Support form
There are several types of Affidavit of Support forms (I-864, I-864EZ, I-864W, and I-864A). For detailed information about Affidavit of Support requirements and forms, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) website.
You can also find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) here. Use the information found in these FAQs and on this webpage with, not instead of, the detailed instructions for the Affidavit of Support forms on USCIS’s website.
Please be advised: Customer Service Representatives at NVC cannot advise you as to which Affidavit of Support form you should complete.