In order to sponsor a relative for a green card, you must meet certain income requirements. These requirements are set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are based on the federal poverty guidelines. The poverty guidelines are updated annually and take into account the size of your household.
To calculate your household size, you need to include the following people:
Yourself (the sponsor)
Your spouse or relative applying for the green card
Any unmarried children under 21.
Anyone listed as a dependent on your tax return
Anyone coming to the US with your spouse who will also apply for a green card
Anyone you're sponsoring or previously sponsored on a separate Affidavit of Support
The minimum income requirement for most sponsors petitioning for a relative is 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. For example, if you are sponsoring a spouse and you have no other household members, the minimum income requirement is 125% of the poverty guideline for a two-person household.
2024 Minimum Annual Income Requirements for Most Sponsors: 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Sponsor's Household Size | For the 48 Contiguous States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | For sponsors in Alaska | For sponsors in Hawaii |
2 | $25,550 | $31,925 | $29,375 |
3 | $32,275 | $40,338 | $37,113 |
4 | $39,000 | $48,750 | $44,850 |
5 | $45,725 | $57,163 | $52,588 |
6 | $52,450 | $65,575 | $60,325 |
7 | $59,175 | $73,988 | $68,063 |
8 | $65,900 | $82,400 | $75,800 |
For each additional person, add: | $6,725 | $8,413 | $7,738 |
If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you must meet the 125% income requirement. However, if you are a military service member on active duty, you only need to meet 100% of the poverty guideline.
2024 Minimum Annual Income Requirements for Military Sponsors: 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Sponsor's Household Size | For the 48 Contiguous States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands | For sponsors in Alaska | For sponsors in Hawaii |
2 | $20,440 | $25,540 | $23,500 |
3 | $25,820 | $32,270 | $29,690 |
4 | $31,200 | $39,000 | $35,880 |
5 | $36,580 | $45,730 | $42,070 |
6 | $41,960 | $52,460 | $48,260 |
7 | $47,340 | $59,190 | $54,450 |
8 | $52,720 | $65,920 | $60,640 |
For each additional person, add: | $5,380 | $6,730 | $6,190 |
If you do not meet the income requirement on your own, you can include income from certain members of your household who are at least 18 years old and are U.S. citizens or green card holders. You can also include income from a joint sponsor who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder and resides in the U.S.
In addition to income, you can also use assets to meet the income requirement. USCIS will consider the value of your assets that can be converted to cash within one year.
The process of sponsoring a relative for a green card can be complex. It is important to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you meet all of the requirements. Call us at☎️ (512) 894-9984 and schedule a consultation with our attorney.
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