Form I-864
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Legally commit a sponsor to financially support an intending immigrant at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Filing fee
No fee (filed with I-485 or at consular interview)
Processing time
<1–2 months
Varies by service center
Online filing
Paper only
Mail to USCIS lockbox
Form edition
2024
Only the current edition is accepted
Who files Form I-864?
U.S. citizen or LPR petitioners in family-based cases and some employment-based cases involving a relative employer.
Where to file
Submitted with I-485, or uploaded to CEAC for consular processing.
Always verify the current address or online filing option on the official USCIS Form I-864 page before sending — lockbox assignments change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not including the most recent tax transcript
- Failing to add a joint sponsor when household income is insufficient
- Forgetting to list all household members who count toward the poverty guideline calculation
Filing tips
- The obligation lasts until the immigrant naturalizes, earns 40 quarters, or permanently leaves the U.S.
- Use IRS tax transcripts instead of 1040 copies whenever possible
- A joint sponsor's I-864 is independently enforceable — not a co-signer
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-864?
Legally commit a sponsor to financially support an intending immigrant at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Who files Form I-864?
U.S. citizen or LPR petitioners in family-based cases and some employment-based cases involving a relative employer.
How much is the Form I-864 filing fee?
The current filing fee is No fee (filed with I-485 or at consular interview). Confirm the current amount on USCIS.gov before filing — fees changed most recently in the 2024 USCIS fee rule.
How long does Form I-864 take to process?
USCIS currently reports under 1 month to 2 months for most cases. Processing times vary by service center and workload. Check the USCIS Case Processing Times tool for the latest estimates.
Can I file Form I-864 online?
No. Form I-864 must be filed on paper and mailed to the designated USCIS lockbox or service center. Check the form's official USCIS page for the correct mailing address.
Related forms
Cost deep dive
Looking for a full cost breakdown including biometric fees, fee waivers, and payment methods? See the Form I-864 cost page.
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
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- 2USCIS Case Processing Times— USCIS
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Not legal advice. This page is a plain-English summary for educational use. Current fees, processing times, and filing locations are controlled by USCIS and may change without notice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.