Do you earn enough to sponsor your relative?
The Affidavit of Support (I-864) requires 125% of the poverty guideline for your household. And the costliest myth: falling short does NOT mean you can't petition your spouse — there are assets, household income and joint sponsors. Check your case with the official 2026 table.
Check your requirement
Your case
Email me my calculation + the income-evidence checklist for the I-864
Methodology & data sources
We use USCIS's official 2026 I-864P table (based on the 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines, effective January and applied by USCIS from ~March): in the 48 states, 125% runs from $27,050 (household of 2) to $69,650 (household of 8), +$7,100 per additional person; Alaska and Hawaii have their own higher tables. 100% applies only to active-duty sponsors petitioning a spouse or child (8 CFR 213a.2). Household size counts: you + spouse + dependent children under 21 + tax-return dependents + everyone on this I-864 + previously sponsored immigrants with an I-864 still in force. Qualifying income is your current annual income (benchmark: the "Total Income" line of your most recent 1040); household members can add income via I-864A, and the intending immigrant's own income counts if it will continue from the same source (your spouse needs no I-864A). Means-tested public benefits don't count as income. If income falls short: assets equal to 3× the shortfall (citizen sponsoring spouse/child 18+) or 5× (general) — yours, your household's or the immigrant's — or a joint sponsor who meets 125% independently (max two per family; incomes don't combine). Our Freshness Keeper re-checks the I-864P every January–March.
Sources: USCIS — 2026 I-864P · HHS/ASPE — 2026 Poverty Guidelines · 8 CFR 213a.2 · State Dept — I-864 FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much must I earn to sponsor my spouse?
Household of 2: $27,050 · of 3: $34,150 · of 4: $41,250 (48 states, 125%, 2026). Alaska and Hawaii run higher.
What if I don't earn enough?
You can still petition: add household income (I-864A), use assets (×3 if a citizen sponsoring spouse/child; ×5 general), or get a joint sponsor.
Does my immigrant partner's income count?
Yes, if it will continue from the same source after the green card — and as your spouse, no I-864A needed.
Do benefits disqualify me?
They don't bar you from sponsoring, but means-tested benefits can't be counted as income toward the requirement.