If you’re helping a family member move to the U.S., you’ll come across Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. It might sound like just another piece of paperwork you have to fill out, but this form is a big deal.
It’s the U.S. government’s way of making sure immigrants won’t end up relying on public assistance once they arrive. Basically, you’re promising to financially support your beneficiary if they need it.
But Form I-864 is long and a bit confusing. If you’ve tried writing it (or worse, if you’ve been dealing with delays), you know how it can get. Even small mistakes can lead to delays, rejections, or Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS. And if you’ve ever dealt with USCIS, you know that even one RFE can drag the process out by months.
But don’t worry, we’re here for you. Today, we’ll talk about the most common mistakes people make and, more importantly, how to avoid making them yourself.
So, keep on reading if you want Form I-864 explained. Let’s get to it.
Using the Wrong Version of the Form
We know this might sound silly, but it happens all the time. People make the mistake of using an outdated version of Form I-864.
USCIS updates its forms all the time, and if you use an old one, they can reject your entire submission (even if everything else is perfect).
That’s why you have to download the latest version directly from their website.
Leaving Blank Spaces
It’s tempting to skip over sections that don’t apply to you. But leaving blank spaces can raise major red flags.
USCIS may think you forgot to answer or that your form is incomplete. They may send you an RFE, which will prolong the process. If something doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” (this means not applicable) or “None” where appropriate.
Confusing the Sponsor and the Household Member
Form I-864 can be filled out by the main sponsor (the person petitioning for the immigrant) or a joint sponsor if the main sponsor doesn’t meet the income requirements.
If a household member is helping meet the income threshold, there’s a separate form they need to use (Form I-864A).
Not Meeting the Income Requirements
This is a big one. Every sponsor must prove they earn enough to support the intending immigrant. The magic number? It’s 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your country (except for sponsors who are on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who want to petition for their child or spouse), and changes based on your household size.
If you don’t meet the minimum, your petition can be denied, or you’ll need a joint sponsor, which adds complexity.
How to avoid it:
● Know your household size. This includes you, your dependents, the immigrant, and anyone else you’re sponsoring.
● Check the current income requirements. They change every year and are listed on the USCIS website.
● Add up your income sources. Don’t forget to include things like your spousal income, alimony, or your assets (more on that later on).
Not Using Your Assets
If your income isn’t enough, you may be able to use assets like your property or stocks. But there’s a catch.
You can’t just list a random number and expect it to fly. USCIS wants proof, and they only count a fraction of your assets.
Your assets must be convertible to cash within one year and the total value of the assets must equal 5 times the difference between your income and the required amount (unless you’re sponsoring a spouse or child, then it’s 3 times).
Also, you’re going to have to provide solid evidence, like your bank statements, car titles, property appraisals, and so on.
Forgetting to Sign the Form
Yes, really. It happens all the time.
An unsigned form is automatically rejected. No exceptions.
So, just double-check that all required signatures are present before submitting. That includes:
● The sponsor’s signature
● Any household member signing Form I-864A
● The interpreter, if applicable
Mixing Up Your Gross and Net Income
On Form I-864, you’re asked to list your “total income” from your most recent tax return. Many people make a mistake and write their net income (their income after taxes), but USCIS wants to know your gross income (before taxes and deductions).
Underreporting your income will make it seem like you don’t meet the requirement, even if you do. Look at line 9 on your IRS Form 1040. That’s where you should write your total income.
Submitting Incomplete Tax Documentation
Sponsors also have to submit evidence of their income, usually in the form of IRS tax transcripts or copies of their most recent federal income tax return (Form 1040).
If the tax documents are missing or incomplete, USCIS can’t confirm your income and may issue an RFE.
Not Updating Your Address
If you’ve moved since filing your initial petition, make sure all of your forms have your current address. USCIS sends important notices by mail. If they go to an old address, you could miss a deadline.
That’s why it’s important to use your most up-to-date information on Form I-864. Also, notify USCIS of address changes using Form AR-11.
Not Reading the Instructions Carefully Enough
This one sounds basic, but so many mistakes come down to rushing through the form without really reading the instructions.
The I-864 is long (11 pages) and filled with legal language. A simple misunderstanding could delay your entire case.
Take your time. Read each section and refer to the official USCIS instructions. If you’re not sure about something, it’s always a good idea to talk to someone.
Make Sure You Think of Everything
By avoiding these common mistakes, you give your loved one the best possible chance of a smooth immigration journey. And let’s be honest. A little extra effort now can save you months of stress.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get your documents ready, and take your time. You’ve got this.
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