How much income do I need to sponsor a green card in 2026?

An I-864 sponsor must show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. In the 48 contiguous states, that is $27,050 for a household of two (the typical U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse) and $41,250 for a household of four, effective March 1, 2026. Alaska and Hawaii are higher. Active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child need only 100%.

Who counts toward my household size on the I-864?

Your household size includes yourself (the sponsor), your spouse, your dependent children, any other dependents claimed on your taxes, every immigrant you are sponsoring on this affidavit, and anyone you are still obligated to support under a previously signed I-864. It is not just the people living in your home — sponsored immigrants count even if they live abroad.

What if my income is below the requirement?

You have three main options: (1) add a joint sponsor — any U.S. citizen or LPR who meets the requirement on their own income and signs a second I-864; (2) count the income of a household member who lives with you using Form I-864A; or (3) use assets to make up the shortfall. Cash, real-estate equity, and investments count toward the gap at a 3:1 ratio when the sponsor is the spouse of a U.S. citizen, and 5:1 in most other cases.

Is the I-864 requirement 125% or 100% of the poverty line?

It is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for most sponsors. The only exception is a sponsor who is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and is sponsoring their own spouse or child — that sponsor only needs to meet 100% of the guidelines.

Do the poverty guidelines change every year?

Yes. HHS updates the Federal Poverty Guidelines each year, and USCIS adopts the new figures on Form I-864P around March 1. The current figures took effect March 1, 2026. Always use the version in effect when you file, and confirm against uscis.gov/i-864p.

Free Tool · I-864

I-864 Income Requirement Calculator (2026)

How much income does an Affidavit of Support sponsor need? Enter your household size to see the minimum — 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% for active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child).

Where you live

Household size

Count: yourself (the sponsor), your spouse, your dependents, everyone you're sponsoring on this affidavit, plus anyone on a prior I-864 you still support.

Sponsor type

Minimum required income$27,050

125% of poverty · household of 2

Figures effective March 1, 2026 (48 states, Alaska, Hawaii per your selection). Always confirm against the official I-864P before filing. Official I-864P

Income below the line?

Add a joint sponsor — any U.S. citizen or LPR willing to sign a second I-864 who meets the requirement on their own.
Count a household member's income (Form I-864A) if they live with you.
Use assets to make up the gap: cash, property equity, and investments count at a 3:1 ratio for a U.S.-citizen's spouse (5:1 otherwise).

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