Bringing your parents to the United States to live permanently is a dream for many U.S. citizens. You want them close, safe, and part of your daily life. But before that emotional reunion can happen at the airport, there is a mountain of paperwork to climb.
One of the most critical—and confusing—parts of this process is the I-864 for parents immigration.
Also known as the “Affidavit of Support,” this form is essentially a contract between you and the U.S. government. By signing it, you promise that your parents will not rely on the U.S. government for financial support. It sounds serious because it is. One mistake here can delay your parents’ green cards by months.
If you are feeling stressed about the financial requirements or the legal jargon, take a deep breath. In this i-864 guide, we will break down exactly how to fill i-864, calculate your household size, and prove you have the income to sponsor your loved ones.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration laws are complex. If your situation is complicated (such as previous criminal history or previous immigration violations), we recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney.
What is Form I-864?
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is a document required for most family-based immigrants.
When you petition for your parents (classification IR-5), the U.S. government wants to ensure they won’t become a “public charge.” A public charge is someone who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.
By filing the I-864 for parents immigration, you are proving to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you have enough financial resources to support your parents if they cannot support themselves.
Who Must File It?
For parent petitions, the petitioner (the U.S. citizen child) must always be the main sponsor. Even if you don’t have an income, you are still required to file this form as the petitioner. If you don’t make enough money, you will need a joint sponsor (we will cover this later), but you cannot skip filing your own I-864.
To act as a sponsor for your parents, you must be:
- A U.S. Citizen (Green Card holders cannot petition for parents)
- At least 18 years old (Note: You must be 21 to petition for a parent, so this is usually covered)
- Domiciled in the United States
Family-Based Green Card Categories Explained
The 2026 Financial Requirements
This is the number one question we get at Greenbroad: “How much money do I need to make?”
To qualify as a sponsor, your household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. These guidelines change every year, usually in early spring. Since we are looking at 2026, you must check the current I-864P (HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support) on the USCIS website.
How to Calculate Household Size
Math can be tricky, but getting this number right is vital. Your “household size” includes:
- Yourself (the sponsor).
- Your spouse (if you are married).
- Your dependent children (unmarried and under 21).
- Any other dependents listed on your tax return.
- Anyone else you have sponsored in the past using Form I-864 (if the obligation hasn’t ended).
- The parent(s) you are sponsoring.
Important Scenario: Let’s say you are single with no kids. You want to bring both your mom and dad to the U.S.
- You = 1
- Mom = 1
- Dad = 1
- Total Household Size = 3
You would need to look at the income requirement for a household of 3.
Scenario 2: You are married with two kids. You want to bring your mom.
- You = 1
- Spouse = 1
- Kids = 2
- Mom = 1
- Total Household Size = 5
Can I Use My Spouse’s Income?
Yes! If you (the petitioner) do not make enough money on your own, you can combine your income with your spouse’s income to meet the requirement.
To do this, your spouse must live with you, and they must sign Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member). This essentially makes them a co-sponsor.
🚀 Feeling Overwhelmed?
Calculating household sizes and digging through tax transcripts can be a headache. You don’t have to do it alone.
Greenbroad simplifies the process. We help you gather the right documents and prepare your application package so you can focus on welcoming your parents home.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill I-864 for Parents
When you sit down to tackle the i-864 form, having a roadmap helps. Here is a simplified breakdown of the sections you will encounter in the 2026 edition of the form.
Part 1: Basis for Filing
This is where you tell USCIS who you are. Since you are filing for your parent, you will usually check the box that says, “I am the petitioner. I am filing for… a parent or unmarried child…”
Part 2: Information About the Principal Immigrant
This is your parent’s information.
- Crucial Note: If you are petitioning for both parents, you must file a separate Form I-130 and separate Form I-864 for each parent.
- You cannot list your father on your mother’s I-864 as a “family member immigrating with her” because parents are considered “Immediate Relatives.” They effectively have separate cases.
Part 3: Information About the Immigrants You Are Sponsoring
For a parent’s petition, this is usually just “1” person per form. Remember, do not group mom and dad on the same affidavit.
Part 4: Information About You (Sponsor)
Standard information: Name, address, Social Security Number, and citizenship status.
- Domicile: You must prove you live in the U.S. If you are currently living abroad with your parents and want to move back with them, you must provide proof that you have taken steps to re-establish your home in the U.S. (like signing a lease, opening a bank account, or registering to vote).
Part 5: Sponsor’s Household Size
This is where you do the math we discussed earlier. Be careful not to double-count people! The form has a specific order to prevent this, so follow the line-by-line instructions carefully.
Part 6: Sponsor’s Employment and Income
This is the heart of the i-864 for parents immigration.
- Current Income: You will estimate your current annual income based on your job today.
- Evidence: You must verify this with an employment verification letter or recent pay stubs.
I-864 Documents Checklist: The Complete 2026 Guide
Part 7: Federal Income Tax Information
You must provide information from your Federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year.
- Requirement: You generally need to submit a photocopy or transcript of your most recent Federal tax return.
- Pro Tip: Use an IRS Tax Transcript instead of a photocopy of your 1040. Transcripts are official and less likely to be questioned by USCIS.
What If My Income Is Too Low?
If your income falls below the 125% poverty line, don’t panic. You have two main options:
1. Use Assets
You can use the value of your assets (savings, stocks, bonds, property) to make up the difference.
- However, for parents, the value of the assets must be five times the difference between your income and the poverty guideline. This is a high bar for many people.
2. Joint Sponsor (The Most Common Solution)
A joint sponsor is someone else who is willing to accept legal financial responsibility for your parent.
- They must be a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.
- They must live in the U.S.
- They must meet the 125% income requirement for their own household size plus your parent.
- They do not need to be related to you. A friend can be a joint sponsor.
If you use a joint sponsor, you still file an I-864, and the joint sponsor files their own separate I-864.
Required Supporting Documents Checklist
A well-prepared i-864 guide isn’t complete without a checklist. When submitting your form in 2026, ensure you attach:
- Proof of Citizenship: Birth certificate or Passport copy.
- Most Recent Tax Return: IRS Tax Return Transcript or Form 1040 with W-2s/1099s.
- Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs (last 6 months recommended) and an employment verification letter.
- Asset Proof (if applicable): Bank statements, property deeds, or valuations.
- If using a Joint Sponsor: Their proof of status, taxes, and income.
I-485 Document Checklist - Complete List (2026 Guide)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We see these errors delay applications every day. Avoid them to keep your parents’ process moving fast.
- Forgetting to Sign: This sounds obvious, but it is the #1 reason for rejection. Sign in black ink.
- Missing Pages: Even if a page is blank, include it. Submit the entire form.
- Using Outdated Forms: USCIS updates forms frequently. Always download the latest version from the official USCIS website.
- Mixing Up Household Size: Counting a spouse twice or forgetting to add the immigrating parent to the total count.
- Sending Illegible Copies: Make sure your tax returns and pay stubs are clear and readable.
Costs and Processing Times in 2026
Fees
There is no direct filing fee for the I-864 when it is filed with USCIS (usually as part of an Adjustment of Status packet). However, if your parents are abroad and you are processing through the National Visa Center (NVC), there is an Affidavit of Support review fee. As of 2026, always check the Department of State’s fee schedule, but expect this to be around $120 per case.
Processing Time
The I-864 is processed alongside the green card application (Form I-485 or DS-260).
- Consular Processing (Parents Abroad): After the I-130 is approved, the NVC can take 2-4 months to review your I-864 and financial documents.
- Adjustment of Status (Parents in U.S.): The I-864 is reviewed during the interview stage. The total process can take 10-20 months depending on your local field office.
Key Takeaways
ℹ️ Key Takeaways
- Sponsor Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen over 21 living in the U.S. to sponsor parents.
- One Form Per Parent: You need a separate I-864 petition for your mother and your father.
- Income Threshold: You need to meet 125% of the Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
- Joint Sponsors: If you don’t earn enough, a friend or family member can act as a joint sponsor.
- Documentation: IRS Tax Transcripts are the gold standard for proving your financial history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to file a separate I-864 for each parent?
Yes. If you are petitioning for both your mother and father, they are considered immediate relatives with separate cases. You must submit a separate I-130 petition and a separate I-864 Affidavit of Support for each parent.
Can I petition for my stepparent using Form I-864?
Yes, you can sponsor a stepparent if the marriage between your biological parent and your stepparent occurred before you turned 18 years old. You will need to file an I-864 for them just like a biological parent.
How long am I financially responsible for my parents?
The sponsorship obligation continues until your parent becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 quarters of work credit in the U.S. (about 10 years), leaves the U.S. permanently, or passes away. Divorce does not end the obligation.
I am unemployed. Do I still need to file an I-864?
Yes. As the petitioner, you are required to be the primary sponsor and file Form I-864, even if your income is zero. In this case, you must find a joint sponsor who meets the income requirements to support your parent.
Does my spouse’s income count toward the requirement?
Yes, you can include your spouse’s income to meet the 125% poverty guideline requirement. Your spouse must live in the same household and must sign Form I-864A to legally agree to combine their resources with yours.
Conclusion
Filing the I-864 for parents immigration is a big responsibility, but it is the bridge that allows your family to be together in the United States. While the financial calculations and documentation can be tedious, getting it right means avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth path to a Green Card for Mom and Dad.
Remember to double-check your math on household size, use the 2026 poverty guidelines, and don’t hesitate to ask a joint sponsor for help if your income doesn’t quite meet the mark.
Ready to start your application but dreading the paperwork?
At Greenbroad, we specialize in turning complicated immigration forms into simple steps. For just $749, our complete application package preparation service guides you through every question, checks your document list, and helps ensure you don’t miss a single signature.
Don’t let government forms stand between you and your family.