The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently increased the income requirements for sponsors of family-based green cards or immigrant visas, effective this month. This adjustment raises the minimum income threshold for sponsors compared to last year’s standards, following an update to the Poverty Guidelines by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Approximately 45 days after the HHS update, USCIS announced the revised income criteria.
Previously, for residents of the 48 contiguous states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), a sponsor’s annual income needed to be at least $25,550 to support an individual. Now, USCIS has raised this amount to a minimum of $26,437. For sponsors supporting more than one person or households with additional family members, the income requirement increases by $6,875 per additional individual. This change ensures that sponsors earn at least 125% of the federal Poverty Guidelines, a benchmark set to confirm their ability to financially support immigrants.
The income standards differ for residents of Alaska and Hawaii, where higher thresholds apply due to elevated living costs. Alaska has the highest requirements, followed by Hawaii, compared to the 48 contiguous states. However, an exception exists for active U.S. military members sponsoring their spouse or children; in such cases, only 100% of the Poverty Guidelines is required instead of 125%.
To sponsor a visa or green card, individuals must meet these income criteria, particularly when completing Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which is commonly used for family-based immigration. Sponsors filing Form I-864 are legally obligated to reimburse the U.S. government if the sponsored immigrant uses certain public benefits within 10 years of arriving in the country. This financial responsibility underscores the importance of meeting the updated income standards.
For other visa types—such as employment-based visas, Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, or K-1 fiancé visas—sponsors must complete Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support). Unlike Form I-864, which requires income at 125% of the Poverty Guidelines, Form I-134 only mandates 100% of the guidelines, making it a lower threshold. Additionally, sponsors using Form I-134 may not face the same legal obligation to repay government benefits used by the immigrant, unlike those using Form I-864.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
