May 15, 2026
If your income falls below the 125% Federal Poverty Guideline threshold for your household size, you still have options. You can supplement your income with assets such as savings, real estate, or investments — though these typically need to be worth at least five times the gap between your income and the required amount. Another common solution is bringing in a joint sponsor, someone who files their own separate I-864 and independently meets the income requirements based on their own household. They don’t need to be related to you or the immigrant — just willing to take on that legal responsibility. A family immigration attorney can help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your specific situation.
Your obligation under Form I-864 doesn’t end when your family member gets their green card — it continues for much longer than most sponsors expect. The affidavit remains legally binding until your sponsored family member becomes a U.S. citizen, completes 40 qualifying quarters of work (approximately 10 years), permanently leaves the United States, or passes away. One thing that catches many sponsors off guard: divorce does not end your sponsorship obligation. Even if your relationship with the sponsored person changes entirely, your financial commitment to the U.S. government remains in place. If you have concerns about the long-term implications of signing the I-864, it’s worth discussing them with an immigration attorney before you file.