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
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
- 1
- 2USCIS Case Processing Times— USCIS
- 3
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.