Income Requirement for Sponsoring Family-Based Green Cards to Increase

Photo by Marek Studzinski

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is preparing to introduce new income requirements for sponsors of family-based green cards or immigrant visas. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated the federal poverty guidelines, and in the coming days, USCIS is expected to adjust the required sponsor income levels accordingly.

Currently, in the 48 contiguous U.S. states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), a sponsor must have a minimum annual income of $25,550 to sponsor a family member. However, USCIS is expected to raise this requirement to $26,437.50 soon.

For the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the 125% of the federal poverty guideline will determine the sponsor’s required income level for 2025. For households with more than two people, an additional $6,875 per person is added to the income requirement. Since sponsors must meet at least 125% of the poverty guideline, their required income will increase accordingly.

For households with more than two people, an additional $6,875 per person is added to the income requirement. Since sponsors must meet at least 125% of the poverty guideline, their required income will increase accordingly. If the sponsor is an active-duty U.S. military member sponsoring a spouse or children, only 100% of the poverty guideline is required. This means a single military sponsor with an income of $21,150 can sponsor one family member.

Last year, USCIS implemented the updated income requirements on March 1. A similar timeline is expected this year, meaning current sponsors can still follow the 2024 income standards. Different income thresholds apply to residents of Alaska and Hawaii, which are higher than those for the other 48 states and Washington, D.C.

125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines 2025

Only individuals meeting the required income levels can sponsor someone for a green card or immigrant visa. When submitting Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, sponsors must demonstrate that they meet the minimum income requirement.

Under U.S. law, if a sponsored immigrant receives government assistance within 10 years of arriving in the U.S., the sponsor may be required to reimburse the government for those benefits. This financial responsibility applies to sponsors who submit Form I-864, but not necessarily to those using Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support.

“Your obligation to support the immigrants you are sponsoring in this Affidavit of Support will continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States. Although 40 qualifying quarters of work (credits) generally equates to 10 years of work, in certain cases the work of a spouse or parent adds qualifying quarters. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count qualifying quarters (credits) of work. The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrant dies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawful permanent resident. Divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation,” USCIS clarifies.

Unlike Form I-864, sponsors using Form I-134 are not necessarily liable for reimbursing the government if the sponsored person receives public benefits. The upcoming USCIS changes will impact those planning to sponsor family members, requiring them to demonstrate higher financial capacity than before.