An Affidavit of Support records financial transactions that demonstrate a sponsor's ability to support an immigrant, including income verification, tax returns, and proof of employment. It may detail monetary gifts, loans, or support provided to the immigrant to ensure they do not become a public charge. The document also includes information about the sponsor's assets and liabilities to establish financial stability.
Understanding the Affidavit of Support in Immigration
What types of transactions are recorded in an Affidavit of Support? An Affidavit of Support primarily records financial transactions that demonstrate the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant. It includes income, assets, and any monetary support commitments to ensure the immigrant does not become a public charge.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
An Affidavit of Support records various financial transactions that demonstrate a sponsor's ability to support an immigrant. These transactions include income statements, tax returns, and proof of assets.
Eligibility criteria for sponsors require meeting specific income thresholds, typically at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Your financial documents must show sufficient income or assets to prevent the immigrant from becoming a public charge. The affidavit ensures the sponsor's commitment to providing financial support throughout the immigration process.
Types of Affidavit of Support Forms
An Affidavit of Support records financial transactions demonstrating that a sponsor can support an immigrant. Different types of Affidavit of Support forms correspond to various immigration scenarios.
Form I-864 is the most common, used for family-based immigration and some employment-based immigrants. Form I-134 supports nonimmigrant visa applicants, showing temporary financial sponsorship.
Required Financial Transactions for Sponsorship
An Affidavit of Support records critical financial transactions to prove the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant. These transactions demonstrate the sponsor's financial commitment and legal obligation during the immigration process.
- Income Verification - Documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employment letters are submitted to confirm the sponsor's income meets the required threshold.
- Asset Documentation - Bank statements, property ownership, and investment portfolios are included to show supplemental financial resources available to the sponsor.
- Financial Support Payments - Records of any monetary support already provided to the immigrant may be documented to establish ongoing financial assistance.
Acceptable Proof of Income and Assets
An Affidavit of Support records transactions that demonstrate your financial ability to support an intending immigrant. These typically include proof of income and documentation of assets.
Acceptable proof of income includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, and employment verification letters. Assets can be shown through bank statements, property deeds, or investment account records.
Bank Statements and Tax Returns: Documentation Guidelines
| Transaction Type | Documentation Required | Purpose | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Statements | Official bank statements from the past 12 months | Prove availability of funds and financial stability | Statements must be complete, unaltered, and include account holder's name, account number, and bank's contact information |
| Tax Returns | IRS Form 1040 and W-2s from the most recent tax year | Demonstrate income history and ability to financially support the immigrant | Returns should be signed and filed, with all schedules and attachments included |
| Income Verification | Pay stubs or employment verification letters | Confirm current employment and steady income source | Provide documents covering at least 3 months prior to filing affidavit |
| Other Financial Transactions | Documentation of additional income or assets (e.g., dividends, rental income) | Support total financial capacity beyond regular income | Include official statements or legal documents that verify transaction amounts and sources |
Joint Sponsorship: Rules and Documentation
An affidavit of support records financial transactions and commitments to ensure immigrants do not become public charges. Joint sponsorship involves multiple sponsors combining their financial resources to meet income requirements for immigration support.
- Income Documentation - Joint sponsors must provide recent tax returns and proof of current income to demonstrate sufficient financial capability.
- Shared Financial Responsibility - The affidavit specifies the joint obligation of sponsors to support the immigrant, outlining liability for public benefits.
- Support Duration and Terms - The document details the period sponsors are legally bound to provide financial support, typically until the immigrant attains permanent residence or works for 40 quarters.
Managing Multiple Sponsors: Financial Documentation
An Affidavit of Support records financial transactions demonstrating the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant, including income, assets, and employment documentation. Managing multiple sponsors requires compiling individual financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements to prove combined financial stability. You must ensure all documentation clearly shows each sponsor's contribution to meet USCIS requirements for immigrant support.
Common Mistakes in Financial Paperwork
An Affidavit of Support documents financial transactions proving the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant, including income statements, bank account balances, and proof of assets. Common mistakes involve incomplete income records, failure to update bank statements, and neglecting to include proof of debts or liabilities. Accurate and comprehensive financial paperwork ensures the affidavit meets legal requirements and avoids processing delays.
What Types of Transactions Are Recorded in an Affidavit of Support? Infographic
