If you have a family member who wishes to move to the United States permanently and live with you in Corona, CA, you may be eligible to sponsor them. You may wonder, “What are the requirements to sponsor an immigrant in California?”
The first of these responsibilities is the affidavit of support, which is a legally enforceable contract with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As a sponsor, you make a legally binding commitment through the form to financially support your relative until they achieve specific milestones, including citizenship or work experience.
This document states that you will be financially responsible for your family member until that person becomes a citizen or works in the country for 40 quarters of work, which typically takes about 10 years.
The affidavit of support is a legally binding document, and once you sign it, you become responsible for the financial support of the immigrant. Citizenship or completion of the work requirements are the two primary events that release you from the contract since these are the goals of the sponsorship.
If the person you are sponsoring leaves the country and is no longer a permanent resident, or if the person dies, you are no longer responsible for that person’s financial support.
USCIS guidelines list a minimum household income requirement for sponsors. Your household includes a spouse, dependents, yourself, other family members currently living with you and the sponsored immigrant.
The income minimum is 125 percent above the poverty level for that number of people. For example, if there are four people in your household, your total household income must be at least $40,187.50 according to the 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines sheet supplied by the USCIS. This information is not a complete list of the USCIS guidelines for sponsorship, and should not be considered as legal advice. Other conditions and terms may apply, depending on the specifics of your case.
What Is an Affidavit of Support, and Why Is It Required?
An Affidavit of Support is a legal contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government. It’s the sponsor’s promise to provide financial support to the sponsored immigrant so that the immigrant will not rely on the government’s financial assistance (become a public charge).
When a Form I-864 is signed, it means that you agree to provide financial support to the sponsored immigrant, if needed. An Affidavit of Support is required by USCIS for most family-based green card applicants to decrease the chance of the immigrants becoming dependent on public benefits.
Your family member’s employment offer from a U.S. employer or self-support plans usually does not remove the need for this form, except when obtaining a green card through employment in specific categories.
Who Must File Form I-864, and What Are the Sponsor’s Qualifications?
To submit Form I-864, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and domiciled in the U.S. In addition, you must meet certain income requirements, based on household size and Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, a household of four will need at least $40,187.50 of annual income.
If your income is less than the minimum, you can use assets or a joint sponsor. The form requests your tax returns, W-2s, and documentation of income or assets. The sponsor’s legal obligation ends when the relative becomes a U.S. citizen or if another condition is met.
How Long Does Sponsorship Liability Last, and What Can End It?
Divorce proceedings, separation events, immigrant self-support status changes, or financial challenges will not relieve you from the Affidavit of Support commitment. The obligation typically ends only when the immigrant (a) becomes a U.S. citizen; (b) has worked (or can prove the ability to work) for 40 quarters in the United States, about 10 years; (c) leaves the United States and loses permanent resident status; or (d) dies.
You cannot retract your offer of support later, and if the immigrant or the government seeks reimbursement for any public benefits received, you are responsible. It is a binding contract, enforceable in court. If you have any doubts about your ability to meet the requirements, it is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer before filing.
Hire an Immigration Lawyer
Sponsoring a family member to live in the United States is a meaningful act, but it comes with serious legal and financial responsibilities. At U.S. Law Center, our immigration lawyers are well-versed in affidavits of support, sponsorship requirements, and USCIS regulations.
We have been working in the field of immigration for decades and stay current on federal regulations to provide our clients with the most current, reliable, and relevant legal information and advice for their unique case.
We can assist with all of the information on the form, including income calculations and evidentiary documents, as well as advice on all aspects of sponsorship. Please reach out to U.S. Law Center for assistance with your family-based immigration case today.
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