FORM I-864 AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT

FILING COVER LETTER AND EVIDENCE CHECKLIST

Filing Overview

• Petition type: [Immediate Relative / Family Preference] | Principal Applicant: [NAME, A#]
• Petitioner/Sponsor: [NAME, A# if any] | Relationship: [SPOUSE/PARENT/CHILD/SIBLING]
• Joint Sponsor: [NAME] (if applicable) | Household Member (I-864A): [NAME] (if applicable)
• Package contents: Original I-864 with wet signature, supporting financial evidence, barcoded notice (if any).
• Filing destination: [Lockbox/Direct Filing Address per USCIS instructions]

Key Eligibility Points

• Sponsor is a U.S. citizen/LPR domiciled in the United States. If abroad, see domicile re-establishment evidence.
• Household size: [NUMBER] (count sponsor, dependents, immigrating relatives, household members on I-864A).
• Income meets or exceeds [125% / 100% for active-duty military sponsoring spouse/child] of HHS poverty guidelines.
• If income insufficient, include assets or joint sponsor. Assets must be readily convertible within 1 year.

Document Assembly Order (suggested)

1) Cover letter (this document) summarizing eligibility and financials.
2) Form I-864 (signed) for [Sponsor].
3) Evidence of status: [US passport/Certificate of Naturalization/Green Card copy].
4) Proof of domicile: [U.S. lease/deed, utility bills, pay stubs, U.S. bank statements, re-establishment plan if abroad].
5) Income evidence: recent pay stubs (last 3 months), employment verification letter, prior year W-2/1099.
6) IRS tax return transcripts (most recent year; add prior 2 years if needed) or explanation of non-filing with IRS verification.
7) Asset evidence (if used): bank/brokerage statements (12 months if cash), title/valuation for property, ownership proof.
8) If joint sponsor: separate I-864 + status + domicile + income/asset evidence.
9) If household member contributes income: I-864A + proof of residence in same household + income/asset evidence.

Cover Letter Body (sample)

text
Date: [DATE]

USCIS [LOCKBOX/ADDRESS]

RE: Form I-864, Affidavit of Support for [BENEFICIARY NAME, A#], filed with [Form I-485/Consular Packet]

Dear Sir/Madam:

I submit the enclosed Form I-864 on behalf of [BENEFICIARY]. I am the [RELATIONSHIP] and meet the income requirement at [125%/100%] of the HHS poverty guideline for a household of [SIZE]. My current annual income is $[AMOUNT] supported by pay stubs, employer letter, and IRS tax transcript. [If using assets or joint sponsor, briefly explain and quantify multiples required (5x/3x/1x based on category).]

Enclosures are organized as listed above. Please contact me at [PHONE/EMAIL] if additional information is required.

Sincerely,

[SPONSOR NAME], [A# if any]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE] | [EMAIL]

Quick Financial Worksheet

• Household size: [CALCULATION NOTES]
• Required income (125%/100%): $[AMOUNT]
• Sponsor current income: $[AMOUNT] (source: [EMPLOYER/SELF-EMPLOYED])
• Shortfall (if any): $[AMOUNT]; Assets offered: $[AMOUNT] (must meet 5x/3x/1x multiplier as applicable)
• Joint sponsor needed: [YES/NO]; Household member income used: [YES/NO]

Practice Notes

• Always include IRS transcripts when available; explain any non-filing year with proof of IRS non-filing.
• Self-employed sponsors: provide full federal return with schedules + year-to-date P&L and balance sheet.
• If relying on assets, include evidence of ownership, value, and liquidity; show debts/liens deducted.
• For domicile re-establishment (sponsor abroad): provide U.S. job offer, housing arrangements, intent evidence.
• Sign in black ink; keep copies of everything; follow current USCIS checklist for concurrent filings (I-485/I-130).