Size of Household
|
48 Contiguous
|
|
|
125% of Poverty Line (U.S. dollars)
|
|||
2
|
20,575
|
25,725
|
23,662
|
3
|
25,975
|
32,475 |
29,875
|
4
|
31,375
|
39,225
|
36,087
|
5
|
36,775
|
45,975
|
42,300
|
6
|
42,175
|
52,725
|
48,512 |
7
|
47,575
|
59,475
|
54,725
|
8
|
52,975
|
66,225 |
60,937
|
|
Add $5,400 for each additional person
|
Add $6,750 for each additional person
|
Add $6,212 for each additional person
|
If the financial sponsors' income level is below the guidelines, the intending immigrant may be found to be inadmissible to the United States as a "public charge." Section 212(a)(4) of Immigration Act requires that family-based immigrants and the dependents of an employment-based immigrant must prove that they will not likely become a financial burden (public charge) to the U.S. society.
The I-864 Affidavit of Support form is used to determine if there is sufficient financial support for intending immigrants. The I-864 form turns out to be an extremely challenging document to handle. In fact, a good number of immigrant petitions are delayed or denied because of errors relating to the I-864 form. Normally, the petitioner must act as the sponsor. If the petitioner's income level is insufficient, a joint sponsor may provide additional financial support. Both petitioner and the beneficiary may also use their assets such as real estate, stocks, bonds, cash, etc., to meet the I-864 requirements.