2012 Income Guidelines for Immigrant Sponsors

I-864 and I-134 Affidavits of Support

Overview: Most family-based immigrants will need to be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. To qualify as a sponsor, a person must demonstrate that he or she has a sufficient income level and/or assets. The chart below may be used to determine what level of income a sponsor will need.

Which form?: To sponsor an immigrant, a qualifying individual must complete an affidavit of support that will be submitted to the immigration agency. Most often, a sponsor will need to complete a I-864 affidavit of support. Less often, it may be necessary to complete a I-134 affidavit of support (for example, in a fiance(e) visa petition).

I-864 Affidavit of Support: The I-864 affidavit of support is used in most family-based immigration petitions. To meet the qualifying income level, an individual must have an income of at least 125% of the family income level indicated below. Failure to have the requisite income may require a sponsor to show the immigration agency information about the sponsor’s assets.

I-134 Affidavit of Support: The I-134 affidavit of support is used less often in family-based immigration petitions. Most often, it is used in fiance(e) visa petitions. To qualify as a sponsor, a person must have a family income level of at least 100% of the level indicated in the charts below. Failure to have the requisite income may require a sponsor to show the immigration agency information about the sponsor’s assets.

Who Produces the Guidelines?: The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) publishes income guidelines each year. The income levels is used by many different government agencies.

Conclusion: Immigrant applicants and the sponsors of those immigrants must be aware of these income levels as failure to meet the required guidelines may result in the delay of an applicant’s petition

2012 Poverty Guideline

Effective: January 26, 2012

2012 Poverty Guidelines for the
48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia
Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
1	$11,170
2	15,130
3	19,090
4	23,050
5	27,010
6	30,970
7	34,930
8	38,890
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $3,960 for each additional person.

2012 Poverty Guidelines for
Alaska
Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
1	$13,970
2	18,920
3	23,870
4	28,820
5	33,770
6	38,720
7	43,670
8	48,620
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,950 for each additional person.

2012 Poverty Guidelines for
Hawaii
Persons in family/household	Poverty guideline
1	$12,860
2	17,410
3	21,960
4	26,510
5	31,060
6	35,610
7	40,160
8	44,710
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,550 for each additional person.