818-850-3080
“Hola Hola, Siempre Lista!” We understand that the journey to unite your family in the United States can feel overwhelming. Many families in Los Angeles dream of bringing their loved ones here, and a crucial step in this process involves understanding the financial requirements for sponsoring a family member for a Green Card. We want to help you find peace of mind by explaining these requirements clearly.
Let’s explore what you need to know about income requirements to sponsor a family member for a Green Card, focusing on what applies right here in our California community.
Understanding the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
When you sponsor a family member for a Green Card, you must complete an Affidavit of Support, officially known as Form I-864. This document is a legally binding contract between you, the U.S. government, and the sponsored immigrant. By signing it, you promise to financially support your family member if they cannot support themselves.
This affidavit ensures that the sponsored immigrant does not become a “public charge,” meaning they won’t need to rely on government assistance. This is a key concern for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Understanding the US Poverty Guidelines
The U.S. government’s Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), updated annually and varying by household size, determine the income needed to sponsor a family member for a green card. Generally, sponsors must earn at least 125% of the FPG for their household size. Active-duty military personnel sponsoring a spouse or child have a lower requirement of 100% of the FPG. As they change, refer to the most current guidelines from USCIS or the Department of Health and Human Services. California’s policies are the same as those of the rest of the contiguous U.S., but household size is a factor.
Calculating Your Household Size for Sponsorship
Calculate your household size to determine your required income for sponsoring a family member for a green card. This includes yourself, the relative you’re sponsoring, your spouse, dependent children (under 21, even if not living with you), any other dependents on your recent tax return, and anyone else you’ve previously sponsored with an Affidavit of Support who is still a lawful permanent resident. For example, if you live with your spouse and two children and want to sponsor a parent, your household size is five, directly affecting your income threshold.
What Kinds of Income Count?
USCIS assesses income for the Affidavit of Support, including wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment, retirement, pensions, and consistent alimony/child support. Income must be stable and verifiable, and recent tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs must show consistent financial ability.
What if My Income Isn’t Enough?
Meeting the income threshold for sponsoring a family member for a Green Card can be difficult, especially in Los Angeles. However, options are available if your income falls short.
1. Using Assets: If your income isn’t enough, you can use assets like savings, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, home equity, or other significant property. To make up for a shortfall in income, your assets must be worth at least five times the gap, unless you’re sponsoring a spouse or child who’s a U.S. citizen, in which case the threshold drops to three times the difference.
2. Joint Sponsors: A joint sponsor can agree to be equally responsible for financially supporting the immigrant. They must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, at least 18, live in the U.S., and meet the exact income requirements based on their household size. Joint sponsors do not need to be related to the petitioner or beneficiary; their role is solely financial.
California-Specific Considerations
While immigration law is federal, understanding the local landscape can be helpful. Here in California, we see a diverse range of financial situations. For instance, if you are self-employed in areas like the San Fernando Valley, ensuring your tax returns clearly reflect your consistent income is crucial. We also often encounter situations where multiple family members contribute to a household, and understanding how to document this for USCIS is key.
Our team is dedicated to staying “Siempre Lista” for the unique needs of families across Los Angeles, from Santa Monica to Pasadena. We are here to guide you through these intricate processes with a kind and sincere approach.
Why This Matters: Peace of Mind for Your Family
The income requirements are more than just numbers; they are about providing security for your family member as they begin their new life in the United States. We aim to inspire hope and confidence that you can successfully navigate this process.
We know that filling out forms like the I-864 and gathering all the necessary financial documentation can be daunting. Our extensive experience has helped countless families in and around Los Angeles achieve their dreams of reunification, and we are eager to help you find that same peace of mind.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Navigating the financial criteria to sponsor a loved one for a Green Card can feel overwhelming—but support is within reach, and you’re not expected to figure it all out on your own.. Our team is trustworthy and knowledgeable, and we genuinely desire to help you and your family.
Let us help you confidently move forward. “Hola Hola, Siempre Lista!” Contact us today at 818-649-2720 (click to call) to schedule a consultation. We are here to answer your questions and provide the compassionate guidance you deserve.
