29 South Webster Street, Suite 370 Naperville,
IL 60540

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience, and a decade of experience representing individuals and families in Illinois and nationwide who are applying to become U.S. citizens- including those who must complete and submit an I-864 Form, Affidavit of Support.

Preparing to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a critical step in the immigration process for those sponsoring a family member or intending immigrant.

Here, we discuss what that entails and how we can help.

I-864 Form, Affidavit

Understand the Purpose of Form I-864

The Affidavit of Support is a legally binding document that ensures the intending immigrant will not become a public charge. As the sponsor, you agree to support the immigrant, if necessary, financially. First, you must determine eligibility to be a sponsor.

That includes:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must have a residence in the United States.
  • Your household income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size or 100% if you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and sponsoring a spouse or child.

Next, you will need to gather the required documents:

  • I-864 Form, Affidavit of Support.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Residency: Provide a copy of your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.
  • Proof of Residence: Provide evidence of your residence in the U.S., such as a lease agreement, utility bills, or tax returns.
  • Income Documentation: Collect your most recent federal tax returns (usually the past three years), W-2s, and pay stubs. If you are self-employed, provide a copy of your business license and recent profit and loss statements.
  • Employment Verification: Include a letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and employment duration.
  • Additional Financial Evidence: If needed, include evidence of other assets, such as bank statements, property deeds, stocks, or bonds, to meet the income requirement.

We can help you complete Form I-864 to ensure you provide comprehensive information about you and the immigrant you are sponsoring, including:

  • Your (the sponsor’s) information, including your contact details and immigration status.
  • The relationship between you and the immigrant.
  • Household size calculation, including yourself, your dependents, and the intending immigrant.
  • Provide your income and assets information, ensuring it meets the required threshold.
  • Additional information on whether you use your assets to meet the income requirement.

We will:

  • Carefully review the completed Form I-864 to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
  • Assemble the supporting documents in an outlined and organized manner.
  • Mail or electronically submit the packet to the appropriate office based on the type of visa petition.
  • Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE), if necessary.

By carefully preparing and submitting a complete and accurate Form I-864, we can help ensure a smoother process for your sponsored immigrant’s visa application.

At Kasturi Law, our immigration practice is driven by the desire to give a voice to those who most need it, including those seeking to become U.S. Citizens.

Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today For Consultation

Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.

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