Affidavit of Support Supplemental Documents Template

AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS TEMPLATE

PURPOSE

This template provides a comprehensive guide and templates for the supporting documents required to accompany Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA. These documents establish the sponsor's ability to financially support the intending immigrant at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

I-864 REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

Who Must File I-864

• Petitioner for family-based immigrants
• Petitioner for certain employment-based immigrants (when relative filed the underlying petition or the immigrant has 5%+ ownership in the petitioning company)

Income Requirement

The sponsor must demonstrate income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size (100% for active duty military sponsoring spouse or child).

Household Size Calculation

Include:

• Sponsor
• Spouse (even if separated but not legally divorced)
• Dependent children (under 21, unmarried)
• Other dependents claimed on tax return
• All persons sponsored on any I-864 (current and prior)
• Intending immigrant(s) on this petition

COVER LETTER FOR I-864 PACKAGE

[DATE]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Or: U.S. Embassy/Consulate]
[Address]

Re: Form I-864, Affidavit of Support

Dear Officer:

Please find enclosed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, submitted by [SPONSOR NAME] on behalf of [INTENDING IMMIGRANT NAME].

Sponsor Information

Summary

The sponsor's income of $[AMOUNT] [meets/exceeds] the required 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household size of [NUMBER], which is $[AMOUNT].

[If using assets:]
The sponsor is also including assets valued at $[AMOUNT], which, when combined with [income/asset calculation], demonstrates ability to meet the income requirement.

[If using joint sponsor:]
A joint sponsor, [NAME], is also providing Form I-864. The joint sponsor's income of $[AMOUNT] [meets/exceeds] the required amount.

Enclosed Documents

Forms:
☐ Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (Sponsor)
☐ Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member (if applicable)
☐ Form I-864 (Joint Sponsor - if applicable)
☐ Form I-864A (Joint Sponsor's Household Member - if applicable)

Sponsor's Documents:
☐ Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
☐ Federal tax return for most recent year with all schedules, W-2s, 1099s
☐ [Additional tax returns - if submitting multiple years]
☐ Employment verification letter
☐ Recent pay stubs (past 6 months)
☐ Evidence of assets (if using)
☐ Evidence of household members' income (if using)

Joint Sponsor's Documents (if applicable):
☐ [List joint sponsor documents]

Please contact me if you require any additional information.

Respectfully submitted,

_________________________________
[SPONSOR SIGNATURE]
[PRINTED NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE / EMAIL]

EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION LETTER (FOR I-864)

[EMPLOYER LETTERHEAD]

[DATE]

Re: Employment Verification for [SPONSOR FULL NAME]

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter confirms the employment of [SPONSOR FULL LEGAL NAME] at [COMPANY NAME].

Employment Details

Income Verification

☐ [EMPLOYEE NAME]'s current annual salary is $[AMOUNT]

☐ [If hourly:] [EMPLOYEE NAME] is paid $[AMOUNT] per hour and works approximately [NUMBER] hours per week, for an annualized income of approximately $[AMOUNT].

☐ [If bonuses/commissions:] [EMPLOYEE NAME] also receives [bonuses/commissions] averaging approximately $[AMOUNT] per year.

☐ [If overtime:] [EMPLOYEE NAME] regularly works overtime averaging $[AMOUNT] per year.

Total Expected Annual Compensation: $[AMOUNT]

Employment Status

☐ [EMPLOYEE NAME] is a permanent employee
☐ Employment is expected to continue for the foreseeable future
☐ There are no planned layoffs, reductions, or terminations affecting this employee
☐ [EMPLOYEE NAME] is in good standing

Additional Information

[Include any relevant information about benefits, job security, etc.]

Contact for Verification

Please contact me directly to verify this information:

Sincerely,

_________________________________
[SIGNATURE]
[PRINTED NAME]
[TITLE]
[COMPANY NAME]

SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME VERIFICATION LETTER

[BUSINESS LETTERHEAD - if applicable]

[DATE]

Re: Self-Employment Income Verification for [SPONSOR NAME]

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [SPONSOR NAME], am self-employed and submit this letter to verify my income for purposes of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

Business Information

Income Information

Past Three Years Net Self-Employment Income:

Current Year Projected Income: $[AMOUNT]

Supporting Documentation Enclosed

☐ Federal tax returns (Form 1040) with all schedules for past [3] years
☐ Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) - for sole proprietors
☐ Schedule K-1 - for partnerships/S-Corps
☐ Form 1120 or 1120S - for corporations
☐ Business bank statements (past 6-12 months)
☐ Profit and loss statement (current year)
☐ Business license
☐ Letter from CPA/accountant

CPA/Accountant Verification (Optional but Recommended)

I, [CPA NAME], CPA, have reviewed the financial records of [SPONSOR NAME / BUSINESS NAME] and confirm that the income figures stated above are consistent with the tax returns and financial records on file.

_________________________________
[CPA SIGNATURE]
[CPA NAME, LICENSE NUMBER]
[FIRM NAME]
[DATE]

Sponsor's Declaration:

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

_________________________________
[SPONSOR SIGNATURE]
[PRINTED NAME]
[DATE]

ASSET VALUATION DOCUMENTATION

When Assets Are Needed

• Sponsor's income is below the required amount
• Assets can be used to supplement income
• Asset value must equal:
• 5x the difference between income and required amount (most cases)
• 3x for spouse or child of U.S. citizen
• 1x for orphan adopted abroad or coming for adoption

ASSET SUMMARY SHEET

Sponsor: [NAME]
Income Shortfall: $[AMOUNT] (Required: $[AMOUNT] - Actual Income: $[AMOUNT])
Asset Multiplier: [1x / 3x / 5x]
Required Asset Value: $[AMOUNT]

Assets Being Used

1. Bank Accounts

Subtotal Bank Accounts: $[AMOUNT]

2. Investment Accounts

Note: Retirement accounts may only be counted if funds can be withdrawn without penalty, or net of early withdrawal penalties.

Subtotal Investments: $[AMOUNT]

3. Real Property

Subtotal Real Property Equity: $[AMOUNT]

4. Other Assets

Subtotal Other Assets: $[AMOUNT]

TOTAL ASSETS

Required Asset Value: $[AMOUNT]
Assets [Meet/Exceed] Requirement: ☐ Yes ☐ No

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE CHECKLIST BY ASSET TYPE

Bank Accounts

☐ Bank statements for past 12 months showing account ownership
☐ Current statement showing balance
☐ Statement must show account holder name and account number

Stocks, Bonds, Investments

☐ Brokerage statements showing ownership and value
☐ Most recent statement (within 30-60 days)
☐ Evidence of ability to liquidate

Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))

☐ Most recent account statement
☐ Evidence of early withdrawal terms and penalties
☐ Net value calculation (value minus penalties)

Real Estate

☐ Property deed showing ownership
☐ Current appraisal (within 12 months) OR recent property tax assessment
☐ Mortgage statement showing balance
☐ Calculation of equity (appraised value minus mortgage)
☐ Evidence property can be sold (not subject to liens preventing sale)

Vehicles

☐ Title showing ownership
☐ Kelley Blue Book or NADA valuation printout
☐ If loan, current loan statement showing balance

Life Insurance

☐ Policy declaration page showing cash surrender value
☐ Statement from insurance company confirming value
☐ Note: Only cash surrender value counts, not face value

HOUSEHOLD MEMBER INCOME CONTRIBUTION

Form I-864A Overview

Use Form I-864A when:

• Using income of household member to meet requirement
• Household member is willing to accept joint liability

HOUSEHOLD MEMBER DECLARATION

I, [HOUSEHOLD MEMBER NAME], am a member of the household of [SPONSOR NAME] and agree to contribute my income to support the intending immigrant(s).

I understand that by signing Form I-864A, I am accepting joint and several liability with the sponsor. I agree to provide my income to support the intending immigrant(s) until they become U.S. citizens, have worked 40 qualifying quarters, leave the United States permanently, or die.

Documentation Enclosed:
☐ Form I-864A, signed
☐ Copy of tax return for most recent year
☐ W-2 forms
☐ Employment verification letter
☐ Recent pay stubs
☐ Proof of relationship to sponsor (if not in sponsor's tax return)
☐ Proof of residence in sponsor's household

_________________________________
[HOUSEHOLD MEMBER SIGNATURE]
[DATE]

JOINT SPONSOR COVER LETTER

[DATE]

Re: Form I-864 - Joint Sponsor Affidavit of Support

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [JOINT SPONSOR NAME], submit this Form I-864 as a Joint Sponsor for [INTENDING IMMIGRANT NAME].

Joint Sponsor Information

Reason for Joint Sponsorship

I am serving as a joint sponsor because [explain - sponsor's income is insufficient / to strengthen the application / etc.].

Qualification

My income of $[AMOUNT] [meets/exceeds] the required 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household size of [NUMBER], which is $[AMOUNT].

Supporting Documents Enclosed

☐ Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
☐ Proof of U.S. citizenship or LPR status
☐ Federal tax return for most recent year with W-2s
☐ Employment verification letter
☐ Recent pay stubs (6 months)
☐ [Additional documents as applicable]

Acceptance of Obligation

I understand that by signing Form I-864, I am accepting joint and several liability with the petitioning sponsor to financially support [INTENDING IMMIGRANT NAME]. I accept this obligation willingly.

Sincerely,

_________________________________
[JOINT SPONSOR SIGNATURE]
[PRINTED NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE / EMAIL]

POVERTY GUIDELINES REFERENCE

2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (48 Contiguous States)

Note: Verify current guidelines at aspe.hhs.gov

Note: Alaska and Hawaii have higher poverty guidelines.

I-864 DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Required for ALL Sponsors

☐ Form I-864 (properly completed and signed)

☐ Proof of Status:

• U.S. Citizens: Birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship
• LPRs: Copy of green card (front and back)

☐ Tax Return (Most Recent Year):

• Complete federal return (Form 1040)
• All schedules (A, B, C, D, E, etc.)
• W-2 forms
• 1099 forms (if applicable)
• IRS transcript acceptable if return unavailable

☐ Employment Evidence (Current Income):

• Employment verification letter
• Pay stubs (last 6 months)
• OR self-employment documentation

If Income Below Requirement

☐ Additional Tax Returns (past 2-3 years recommended)

☐ Assets Documentation:

• Bank statements
• Investment statements
• Property documentation
• Asset valuation evidence

☐ Form I-864A (if using household member income)

• Household member's tax return
• Household member's employment evidence
• Proof of household membership

☐ Joint Sponsor's Complete Package:

• Separate Form I-864
• All required supporting documents
• Proof of joint sponsor's status

Special Circumstances

☐ If Tax Return Not Required:

• Written explanation
• Evidence of non-filing (IRS verification of non-filing letter)

☐ If Recently Started Employment:

• Offer letter
• Employment contract
• First pay stubs

☐ If Self-Employed:

• Schedule C or business tax returns
• Business license
• CPA letter
• Profit/loss statements

COMMON ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS

Problem: Income Below Requirement

Solutions:

1. Include household member income with I-864A
2. Add assets (must be 5x/3x/1x the shortfall)
3. Use a joint sponsor
4. Wait until income increases

Problem: Most Recent Tax Return Not Filed

Solutions:

1. File the return immediately
2. Submit prior year return with explanation
3. Include current employment evidence showing increased income

Problem: Self-Employment with Variable Income

Solutions:

1. Submit 3 years of tax returns showing trend
2. Include CPA letter verifying income
3. Provide current year profit/loss statement
4. Include bank statements showing deposits

Problem: Newly Employed

Solutions:

1. Submit offer letter with salary information
2. Include employment verification letter
3. Provide first pay stubs
4. Explain gap in employment (if any)

Problem: Assets in Foreign Country

Note: Assets in foreign countries may be considered, but must be documented with:

• Evidence of ownership
• Evidence of current value
• Evidence of ability to convert to cash/transfer to U.S.

LEGAL REFERENCES

• INA § 212(a)(4) (8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(4)) - Public Charge
• INA § 213A (8 U.S.C. § 1183a) - Affidavit of Support Requirements
• 8 CFR § 213a.1 - Definitions
• 8 CFR § 213a.2 - Use of Affidavit of Support
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part K - Public Charge
• 9 FAM 302.8 - Public Charge (for consular processing)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

1. Legally Binding Contract: The I-864 is a legally enforceable contract with the U.S. government. The sponsor can be sued for reimbursement of means-tested public benefits.

2. Duration of Obligation: The obligation lasts until the immigrant:
   - Becomes a U.S. citizen
   - Works 40 qualifying quarters
   - Permanently departs the United States
   - Dies

3. Divorce Does Not End Obligation: Divorce or separation does not terminate the sponsor's obligation under the I-864.

4. Current Year Poverty Guidelines: Always verify the current Federal Poverty Guidelines before filing.

5. USCIS Online Filing: If filing I-485 online, check current requirements for uploading I-864 and supporting documents.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The I-864 creates significant legal obligations. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney for specific legal guidance.