The 2026 income requirement
The I-864 (Affidavit of Support) requires the sponsor's income to reach 125% of the HHS poverty guideline for their household size. USCIS applies the 2026 I-864P table from around March.
| Household size (48 states) | 125% requirement (2026) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $27,050 |
| 3 people | $34,150 |
| 4 people | $41,250 |
| Each additional | +$7,100 |
Alaska and Hawaii have their own higher tables. Active-duty service members sponsoring a spouse or child use the lower 100% line.
Key point: household size isn't just you and the immigrant — it's you + spouse + dependent children + tax dependents + everyone on this I-864 + anyone you already sponsored on a still-active I-864.
What counts as income
Your current annual income is the benchmark (the "Total Income" line of your most recent 1040 is a good proxy). The intending immigrant's own income can count if it will continue from the same source — a spouse living with you needs no separate form. Means-tested public benefits don't count.
The three fixes if you fall short
Falling short does not mean you can't petition your relative. You have three options:
- A joint sponsor — usually the easiest route. Any US citizen or permanent resident who meets 125% on their own income can sign a separate I-864. They don't have to be family, and no assets are required.
- Assets — cash-convertible assets (yours, your household's, or the immigrant's) worth 3× the shortfall if you're a US citizen sponsoring a spouse or child 18+, otherwise 5×.
- Household income (Form I-864A) — add the income of a household member who agrees to be jointly responsible.
Bottom line: the income floor is a checkpoint, not a wall. Between a joint sponsor, assets, and household income, most sponsors who fall short still complete the petition.
Check if you earn enough (I-864) →
Free tool: your exact requirement by household size, your margin or shortfall, and the assets math for your case.