If you want to sponsor a family member for a Green Card, you must show that you can financially support them. U.S. immigration law sets income requirements to make sure sponsors can cover basic needs without the immigrant relying on public assistance. These rules are tied to federal poverty guidelines and can vary based on your household size, whether you are an active military member, and even your state of residence.

Because the financial commitment is legally binding and lasts for several years, it is helpful to understand the immigration sponsorship income requirements before initiating the process. Meeting the income thresholds and providing the right documentation can determine whether your sponsorship can move forward.

Federal legal framework for Green Card sponsor income requirements

The financial obligations for Green Card sponsors are outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act and enforced through a document known as the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). By signing this form, you are promising the U.S. government that your sponsored immigrant will not become a “public charge.”

The required income level is tied to the federal poverty guidelines, which are updated annually. Sponsors must meet or exceed the threshold for their household size to demonstrate that they have sufficient resources. If they do not, the sponsorship can be denied unless other financial options are used.

This system was designed to strike a balance between family reunification goals and the government’s interest in preventing new immigrants from requiring public assistance. Once signed, the affidavit of support creates a legally enforceable contract that can last for many years.

Understanding the 125% poverty guideline standard

For most sponsors, the rule is straightforward: you must demonstrate income equal to at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size. These guidelines are set by the Department of Health and Human Services and published annually by USCIS in the I-864P table.

There are two important exceptions:

Because the numbers change each year, you should always check the current I-864P chart for the most accurate requirement before submitting your affidavit of support.

How to calculate household size for income requirements

Household size is one of the biggest factors in determining your required income. The more people in your household, the higher the income threshold you must meet.

Primary sponsor and immediate family

You must count yourself as the sponsor, plus your spouse and any dependent children who live with you or who are listed on your tax returns.

Sponsored immigrants and beneficiaries

You must also count every immigrant you are currently sponsoring. This includes the new beneficiary and any individuals you have sponsored in the past if your financial obligations are still active.

Other dependents and household members

Other dependents you claim on your taxes, such as elderly parents or other relatives, also count toward your household size. If any household members are contributing part of their income to help you meet the sponsorship requirement, they must also be listed on the affidavit of support and provide documentation of their earnings.

Geographic and military considerations

If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, you must meet higher income thresholds than those of sponsors living in the 48 contiguous states. If you are an active military member, your minimum threshold may be lower, depending on who you are sponsoring.

What are the current income requirements for Green Card sponsors?

The actual dollar amount you need depends on your household size, the current year’s poverty guidelines, and whether you live in the continental U.S. or in Alaska or Hawaii. Each year, USCIS publishes the official I-864P chart with updated thresholds.

2025 poverty guideline thresholds

For 2025, the 125% poverty guideline amounts start around $26,300 for a household of two in the continental U.S. and increase by about $6,800 for each additional household member. Always check the official USCIS I-864P page for the most up-to-date figures, as these numbers are updated annually.

Active military reduced requirements

If you are on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and are sponsoring a spouse or child, you only need to show income equal to 100% of the poverty guideline for your household size. This benefit applies only to sponsoring immediate family and does not extend to other relatives.

Alaska and Hawaii adjustments

Because the cost of living is higher in Alaska and Hawaii, the poverty guideline numbers for these states are higher than in the continental U.S. If you live in either Alaska or Hawaii, make sure to use the correct column from the I-864P chart when calculating your requirement.

Annual guideline updates

Since poverty guidelines are updated every year, your required income may change depending on when you file. If your case is pending across two calendar years, USCIS may apply the newer guidelines to your petition. Checking the latest chart before submitting documents helps avoid delays.

Important income documentation and evidence

Meeting the income requirement is not just about the numbers; you also need to prove your income with official documentation. USCIS relies on clear evidence when deciding if you qualify as a sponsor.

Tax return documentation requirements

Most sponsors are required to provide copies of their most recent federal tax returns, typically the last three years, along with IRS transcripts if available. These documents show your reported income and confirm that you have filed properly.

Current employment and income verification

If you are employed, you can also submit recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or a letter from your employer verifying your job, salary, and start date. This helps show that your income is ongoing and stable.

Self-employment and business income evidence

If you are self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank records, to demonstrate consistent income.

Asset documentation for alternative qualification

If your income does not meet the threshold, you can use assets to make up the difference. These assets must be worth at least five times the income shortfall (three times if you are sponsoring a spouse or child). Acceptable assets may include savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and property that can be converted to cash.

Alternative options when income requirements are not met

If your income and assets are insufficient, there may be alternative ways to meet the requirement.

Joint sponsor requirements and obligations

You can find a joint sponsor, someone who meets the income requirement independently and is willing to take on the same financial obligations. Joint sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and file their own affidavit of support.

Household member income contributions

Household members, such as your spouse or adult children living with you, can contribute their income to help meet the threshold. To do this, they must complete Form I-864A and provide supporting documentation.

Asset-based qualification methods

Assets can also be combined with income to reach the minimum requirement. This is especially useful if you have significant savings or property that can cover part of the shortfall.

Combining multiple financial sources

Often, sponsors use a mix of income, assets, and household member contributions to qualify. USCIS often allows this approach as long as the total meets or exceeds the required threshold.

Long-term financial obligations and responsibilities for Green Card sponsors

Sponsoring a family member is not just a one-time financial check; it creates ongoing obligations that last for years.

Duration of financial responsibility

Your responsibility lasts until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 quarters of work credit (often about 10 years), leaves the U.S. permanently, or passes away. Divorce does not end your obligation.

Government benefit reimbursement obligations

If your sponsored immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits, you may be required to repay the government for those costs. This is one of the key reasons the affidavit of support is legally binding.

Legal enforceability and collection procedures

Your sponsored immigrant or a government agency can take legal action to enforce your obligations. Courts have upheld these contracts, showing that the sponsor can be sued if they do not provide support as required.

Maintaining records and documentation

Keep thorough records of your tax returns, income documents, and any affidavits filed. These may be needed if questions arise about your sponsorship obligations years later.

State-specific considerations and additional requirements

While income thresholds are set at the federal level, states may have different administrative requirements. For example, some states’ agencies coordinate closely with USCIS to monitor sponsors if immigrants apply for benefits. Local cost-of-living differences may also affect your long-term financial planning as a sponsor.

Researching state-specific resources, community organizations, or legal aid programs can help you manage these additional considerations while still meeting the federal requirements.

How an immigration attorney can help with Green Card sponsor income requirements

Because the financial rules are strict and mistakes can result in delays or denials, working with an immigration attorney can be highly beneficial. An attorney can:

Having professional guidance ensures that you meet the financial rules while protecting your long-term obligations as a sponsor. Marble’s immigration attorneys can review your financials, help prepare the affidavit of support, and explain alternative options if your income falls short of the requirement.

FAQs

What happens if a sponsor's income is below the required threshold?

If your income is below the requirement, you can use assets, add household member income, or enlist a joint sponsor.

Can multiple individuals serve as joint sponsors for a single Green Card application?

Yes. USCIS allows more than one joint sponsor if needed. Each joint sponsor must independently meet the full income requirement for the immigrant(s) they agree to support. The primary petitioner does not need to meet the income threshold on their own if a qualified joint sponsor’s affidavit satisfies the financial requirement.

How often are poverty guidelines updated, and do they affect pending cases?

Poverty guidelines are updated annually, and the new numbers may apply if your case is decided after the update.

What types of income count toward sponsor requirements?

Acceptable income can include wages, salaries, self-employment income, pensions, retirement benefits, and certain types of investment income, provided that it is documented and can be verified.