Green Card Sponsorship Income Requirements

Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Linda Lee

Green Card Sponsorship Income Summary

• The minimum income for a household of 2 to sponsor a family member or spouse is $25,550 as of August 2024.
• Minimum income requirements are lower for active duty military members.
• The general income requirement is 125% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines or 100% for active duty military.

Sponsoring a family member for a green card is a meaningful step in reuniting loved ones and allowing them to live and work in the United States. However, one of the key responsibilities of a sponsor is to meet certain income requirements set by the U.S. government. These requirements ensure that the sponsored immigrant will not become a financial burden on the state.

Understanding these income requirements is not just important, it’s crucial for a successful green card application. Whether you are interested in obtaining marriage green card or K-1 visa, sponsoring a parent, applying for a child visa, or another relative, ensuring that you meet the minimum income thresholds is vital for avoiding delays, additional paperwork, or even application denial.

Minimum Income Requirements for Sponsorship 2024

To sponsor a relative for a green card, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support both your household and the immigrant you are sponsoring. The U.S. government sets specific income requirements based on federal poverty guidelines, and failing to meet these requirements can result in delays or denials of the green card application.

Below are the minimal income requirements as of 2024 for green card sponsorship in the 48 contiguous states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Sponsor’s Household Size	Sponsor Income Requirements (Non Active-Duty Military)	Active-Duty Military Sponsor Income Requirements
2	$25,550	$20,440
3	$32,275	$25,820
4	$39,000	$31,200
5	$45,725	$36,580
6	$52,450	$41,960
7	$59,175	$47,340
8	$65,900	$52,720
9+	$6,725 for each additional person	$5,380 for each additional person

Below are the income requirements of Alaska and Hawaii as of 2024. 

Sponsor’s Household Size	Alaska Sponsor Income Requirements (Non Active-Duty Military)	Alaska Active-Duty Military Sponsor Income Requirements	Hawaii Sponsor Income Requirements (Non Active-Duty Military)	Hawaii Active-Duty Military Sponsor Income Requirements
2	$31,925	$25,540	$29,375	$23,500
3	$40,338	$32,270	$37,113	$29,690
4	$48,750	$39,000	$44,850	$35,880
5	$57,163	$45,730	$52,588	$42,070
6	$65,575	$52,460	$60,325	$48,260
7	$73,988	$59,190	$68,063	$54,450
8	$82,400	$65,920	$75,800	$60,640
9+	$8,413 for each additional person	$6,730 for each additional person	$7,738 for each additional person	$6,190 for each additional person

Being aware of these income requirements and calculating them accurately is essential for a successful sponsorship. If your income does not meet the minimum threshold, you may need to explore other options, such as adding a joint sponsor or using assets to compensate for the shortfall.

Determining Household Size

When calculating whether you meet the income requirements for green card sponsorship, accurately determining your household size is crucial. Your household size directly impacts the income threshold you need to meet. Understanding who counts in your household and how to calculate it correctly can prevent mistakes that could delay or jeopardize the green card process.

Who Counts in the Household?

Household size includes more than just the sponsor and the immigrant being sponsored. It consists of all individuals financially dependent on the sponsor, whether they live with the sponsor or not. Here’s a breakdown of who should be included:

1. The Sponsor (You): As the person signing the Affidavit of Support, you count as one household member.
2. The Green Card Applicant: The person you are sponsoring for a green card is also included in your household size, regardless of where they currently live.
3. Spouse and Children: Whether they live with you or not, your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 must be included in your household size.
4. Other Sponsored Immigrants: If you have sponsored other immigrants in the past who are still required to be supported under the Affidavit of Support, they should also be counted. 
5. Other Dependents: This includes any individuals you claim as dependents on your tax return, such as children or other family members.

For example, if you are sponsoring your spouse and have two children, your household size would be four (yourself, your spouse, and your two children). Each additional family member increases the minimum income requirement you must meet.

Special Cases

There are specific scenarios where your household size calculation might need extra attention:

• Joint Sponsors: If you enlist a joint sponsor because your income alone doesn’t meet the requirement, their household size is calculated separately from yours. The joint sponsor must meet the income threshold for their own household size.
• Previous Sponsorship Obligations: If you have previously sponsored other immigrants, and they have not yet become U.S. citizens or met the other conditions that end your financial responsibility, you must count them as part of your household size. This is true even if they no longer live with you or are financially independent.

Accurately determining your household size is one of the most important steps in the sponsorship process. Overlooking someone who should be counted or mistakenly including someone can result in incorrect income calculations and potentially cause issues with your application. It’s essential to consult with one of our experienced immigration attorneys to help accurately determine your household size and income eligibility. Call us today at (213) 375-4084 if you have any questions. 

What Counts as Income for Green Card Sponsorship?

When determining if you meet the income requirements for green card sponsorship, it’s essential to understand what sources of income can be included. Your income plays a critical role in demonstrating that you can financially support the immigrant you are sponsoring, and not all forms of income are treated equally. This section will help clarify which income sources are acceptable and how to calculate them correctly.

Types of Qualifying Income

Several types of income can be counted toward meeting the minimum requirement for sponsorship. These include:

1. Wages and Salaries: The most common type of income, wages from full-time or part-time employment, are fully eligible to count toward the income requirement. If you have more than one job, you can combine income from multiple sources.
2. Self-Employment Income: If you are self-employed, your income from running a business or freelancing can also be counted. However, keep in mind that self-employment income must be documented through tax returns and may fluctuate, so you may need to provide additional evidence to prove that your income meets the required threshold.
3. Investment Income: Earnings from investments, such as dividends, interest, or rental property income, can be included. Make sure to document these earnings thoroughly through tax returns or other financial statements.
4. Retirement Income: Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement account distributions (such as from a 401(k) or IRA) are considered valid forms of income. If you’re retired and relying on these funds, you can include them in your calculation.
5. Unemployment Benefits: In some cases, unemployment benefits may be considered income, though this can depend on how long you’ve been receiving benefits and whether they are a temporary measure.
6. Alimony and Child Support: Payments received from a divorce settlement or child support arrangement can also count as income. Be sure to provide proof of consistent payments to include this in your total income calculation.

Using Assets to Qualify

If your income alone does not meet the minimum threshold, you can use assets to help satisfy the requirement. Assets can be a valuable way to supplement your income, especially if you have significant savings or property. Here’s how it works:

• Valuing Assets: Assets typically need to be valued at a multiple of the income shortfall. For example, if your income is $5,000 below the required threshold, you would need to demonstrate assets worth at least $15,000 (3 times the shortfall) for most sponsors. If you are sponsoring a spouse or child as a U.S. citizen, the asset requirement is even higher—generally 5 times the shortfall.
• Types of Qualifying Assets: Commonly accepted assets include cash savings, stocks, bonds, and real estate equity. Personal property, such as cars or jewelry, generally doesn’t count unless it can easily be converted to cash.
• Documentation: To use assets, you will need to provide detailed documentation proving their value, such as bank statements, property appraisals, or other financial records.

Combining income and assets can help you meet the sponsorship requirements if your income alone is insufficient. However, it’s essential to calculate and document both accurately to ensure your application is approved.

Understanding what counts as income and how to use assets can make all the difference in successfully sponsoring your relative for a green card. If you’re unsure about your income eligibility or need help calculating your total household income and assets, our immigration attorney can provide guidance and ensure your application is complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the financial aspects of green card sponsorship can be complicated, and even small mistakes can cause delays or issues with the application process. To ensure a smooth and successful sponsorship, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not Accurately Calculating Household Size

One of the most frequent mistakes sponsors make is miscalculating their household size. This can lead to incorrect income thresholds, which can result in the rejection of the Affidavit of Support. Common errors include:

• Forgetting to Count All Household Members: Be sure to include all individuals who depend on you financially, even if they don’t live with you. This includes your spouse, children, and any other dependents you claim on your tax return, as well as the immigrant you are sponsoring.
• Overlooking Previous Sponsorship Obligations: If you have sponsored other immigrants in the past who are still required to be supported under your Affidavit of Support, they must also be counted as part of your household size, even if they are financially independent or living elsewhere.

Double-check your household size to ensure that you meet the correct income requirements based on the number of people who count as part of your household.

Incorrectly Estimating Income

Misunderstanding what qualifies as income or failing to provide the correct documentation is another common mistake. Here are some tips for getting it right:

• Include All Qualifying Income: Make sure to account for all sources of income, such as wages, self-employment earnings, investment income, retirement benefits, and alimony. It’s important to document all of these sources accurately.
• Provide Proper Documentation: Failure to submit adequate proof of income can lead to requests for additional evidence or delays. For salaried employees, this means submitting recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns. For self-employed individuals, it’s critical to provide tax returns, profit and loss statements, and other financial documents that demonstrate stable income.

Failing to Consider Assets

Another common mistake is not taking full advantage of assets if your income falls short of the required threshold. Many sponsors overlook this option, even though assets can be a valuable way to qualify.

• Not Calculating Asset Value Properly: If you plan to use assets, remember that they need to be worth a certain multiple of the income shortfall—typically 3 to 5 times. Make sure you calculate this correctly to avoid any shortfall.
• Neglecting to Provide Documentation: Just like with income, proper documentation is essential. If you’re using assets such as savings or investments, be prepared to submit bank statements, stock portfolios, or property appraisals to prove the value of these assets.

Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Forms

Mistakes in filling out the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) or other required forms can cause delays in processing or even result in a denial. Common errors include:

• Leaving Sections Blank: Make sure every section of the form is completed, even if it seems redundant or not applicable. Double-check all fields to ensure nothing is missed.
• Incorrect Information: Be precise in providing your income, household size, and other details. Even minor discrepancies can raise red flags and lead to requests for clarification or additional evidence.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure that your green card sponsorship process proceeds smoothly. Our experienced immigration attorney will review your documents, help you calculate your household size and income correctly, and ensure that all forms are filled out accurately so you don’t experience delays or possible denials. Call our office now at (213) 375-4084 to start the green card process right the first time.

How Our Green Card Attorney Can Help

Navigating the green card sponsorship process can be complex, especially when it comes to meeting the income requirements and ensuring all forms are properly completed. Our experienced immigration attorney at ILOLA will provide invaluable support at every stage of the process, helping you avoid costly mistakes and increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Expertise in Immigration Law

At ILOLA, our lawyers have in-depth knowledge of U.S. immigration law, including the specific requirements for green card sponsorship. We stay up-to-date with any changes in the law or federal poverty guidelines and can guide you through the complexities of the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and other required forms.

When consulting with our attorney, you will receive personalized advice tailored to your unique situation. We can help you understand your obligations as a sponsor, calculate your household size and income accurately, and explore all available options if your income falls short.

Documentation and Form Preparation

One of the most critical aspects of green card sponsorship is submitting accurate and complete documentation. We will assist with gathering and organizing the necessary paperwork, ensuring that all required documents to support your income and assets are provided in your application.

In addition, our attorney will fill out the Affidavit of Support and other forms correctly, minimizing the risk of errors or omissions that could delay the process. This is especially valuable if your situation involves complex factors, such as joint sponsorship, using household members’ income, or combining income with assets.

Peace of Mind

Sponsoring a family member for a green card can be stressful, especially if you are unsure about the green card sponsorship income requirements or how to navigate the legal process. By working with our experienced and dedicated immigration attorney, you can gain peace of mind knowing that your application is in capable hands. We have a 5-star rating on Google and a 99.9% approval rating. 

Our lawyer will guide you through each step, provide clear answers to your questions, and help you avoid common pitfalls. With our assistance, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that you have done everything possible to ensure a successful green card sponsorship for your loved one.

Call Us Today

The financial requirements for green card sponsorship are a crucial aspect of the application process, and meeting them is essential for ensuring your family member’s successful immigration to the U.S. Whether you need help calculating your income, exploring alternative options like joint sponsorship or using assets, or simply ensuring that all forms and documents are accurate, an immigration attorney can provide the expertise and guidance you need.

By partnering with our knowledgeable attorney, you can navigate the green card sponsorship process more effectively and help your loved one achieve their goal of becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Call us now at (213) 375-4084 or fill out our contact form for a free case review. We offer immigration services nationwide.