At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience, and a decade of experience representing individuals and families in Illinois and nationwide who are applying to become U.S. citizens- including those who must complete and submit an I-864 Form, Affidavit of Support.
Preparing to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a critical step in the immigration process for those sponsoring a family member or intending immigrant.
Here, we discuss what that entails and how we can help.
Understand the Purpose of Form I-864
The Affidavit of Support is a legally binding document that ensures the intending immigrant will not become a public charge. As the sponsor, you agree to support the immigrant, if necessary, financially. First, you must determine eligibility to be a sponsor.
That includes:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a residence in the United States.
- Your household income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size or 100% if you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and sponsoring a spouse or child.
Next, you will need to gather the required documents:
- I-864 Form, Affidavit of Support.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Residency: Provide a copy of your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.
- Proof of Residence: Provide evidence of your residence in the U.S., such as a lease agreement, utility bills, or tax returns.
- Income Documentation: Collect your most recent federal tax returns (usually the past three years), W-2s, and pay stubs. If you are self-employed, provide a copy of your business license and recent profit and loss statements.
- Employment Verification: Include a letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and employment duration.
- Additional Financial Evidence: If needed, include evidence of other assets, such as bank statements, property deeds, stocks, or bonds, to meet the income requirement.
We can help you complete Form I-864 to ensure you provide comprehensive information about you and the immigrant you are sponsoring, including:
- Your (the sponsor’s) information, including your contact details and immigration status.
- The relationship between you and the immigrant.
- Household size calculation, including yourself, your dependents, and the intending immigrant.
- Provide your income and assets information, ensuring it meets the required threshold.
- Additional information on whether you use your assets to meet the income requirement.
We will:
- Carefully review the completed Form I-864 to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Assemble the supporting documents in an outlined and organized manner.
- Mail or electronically submit the packet to the appropriate office based on the type of visa petition.
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE), if necessary.
By carefully preparing and submitting a complete and accurate Form I-864, we can help ensure a smoother process for your sponsored immigrant’s visa application.
At Kasturi Law, our immigration practice is driven by the desire to give a voice to those who most need it, including those seeking to become U.S. Citizens.
Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today For Consultation
Contact our immigration law firm today to schedule a consultation that suits your needs. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.
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