Form I-864A Affidavit of Support – Sponsor and Household Member

When someone immigrates to the US on a family-based or employment-based visa, they will often need to prove that they can financially support themselves while in the US. Form I-864A (Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member) is the immigration form that must be completed by a family member who is acting as a sponsor and must be filed to prove that the person immigrating to the US will not become a burden on the social system. In most family-based immigration applications, Form I-864A is required. In addition, immigration form I-864A may be required if an employer-sponsored visa applications family member filed a visa petition or in cases where the business is owned in part or in whole by the family of the applicant.

USCIS Form I-864A must be completed by both the family sponsor and by the applicant. It is important that the applicant chooses a qualified sponsor before completing this form. The sponsor must be a lawful permanent resident or US citizen and must reside in the US. In addition, the sponsor that files the Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member must be at least 18 years of age. Since the point of Immigration, Form I-864A is to ensure financial support, it is often helpful to ensure that the sponsor makes enough money to support or assist the applicant financially in case of any problems.

The sponsor does not need to be wealthy, but a comfortable income and steady job are useful attributes for a sponsor to have. The sponsor must meet the minimum Federal poverty guideline requirements for income and may be asked to submit proof of income and evidence of liabilities and assets as well. As well, immigration officials will consider the total net value of a sponsor’s assets. If this net value equals five times the difference between 125% of the poverty level and the sponsor’s income, the sponsor is generally considered qualified to act as a sponsor.

When completing Form I864A, it is important to have the latest version of the form. As well, it is important to file this form by mail only. When filling out I-864A, follow directions carefully and use a computer or print in capital letters when filling out the information. In addition, sponsors should be aware that by providing information on USCIS Form I-864A and by signing the form they are certifying that the information is correct. If the information is found to be inaccurate, perjury penalties and charges are possible. As a result, it is important to be very honest about assets, income, and liabilities when completing this form. Work with documentation to ensure that you have precise figures and numbers you can use – do not attempt to estimate amounts.