What is an I-864 Affidavit of Support?
A USCIS Form I-864 Affidavit of Support is required for many immigrant visa categories in order to show that the sponsoring petitioner (“Sponsor”) has adequate means to financially support the person(s) being sponsored to immigrate.
The I-864 Affidavit of Support is a contract between the Sponsor and the U.S. Government in which the Sponsor agrees to financially provide for the intending immigrant(s).
For details on related medical issues that might affect visa approval, see our article on Medical Reasons for Visa Rejection. Additionally, if there are health concerns such as tuberculosis, refer to “Class A or B (TB) required attn of ASPHS at POE” Annotation for further guidance.
Where Can I Download an I-864 Affidavit of Support?
An I-864 Affidavit of Support can be downloaded from the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/i-864. There is no charge for the form although the National Visa Center (“NVC”) will not accept the form until the required visa application processing fee per applicant is paid.
Where Do I Submit an I-864 Affidavit of Support? Can It Be Submitted Digitally?
The NVC allows most I-864 Affidavits of Support to be submitted electronically with the NVC’s Consular Electronic Application Center (“CEAC”). If the NVC requires a paper copy, the applicant will be notified of this requirement.
How Long Does Processing Take?
While processing time can vary considerably, applicants should estimate 4-6 weeks for the NVC to process an I-864 Affidavit of Support.
When is the Best Time to Submit an I-864 Affidavit of Support?
To minimize processing delay, an I-864 Affidavit of Support should be completed and uploaded to CEAC as quickly as possible.
What Other Documents Are Required with an I-864 Affidavit of Support?
In addition to the I-864 Affidavit of Support, the NVC also requires income evidence such as tax returns and may also require proof of assets.
Which Visas Are Related to an I-864 Affidavit of Support?
Nearly all family-based immigrant visas require an I-864 Affidavit of Support from the Sponsor and/or Joint Sponsor. Some employment-based immigrant visa applicants may also require an I-864 Affidavit of Support submission. Certain visa categories such as some employment-based immigrant visas and the EB-5 immigrant investor visa category do not require an I-864 Affidavit of Support to be submitted.
For more information or questions on filing an I-864 Affidavit of Support, contact Enterline and Partners and speak with one of our experienced U.S. immigration attorneys in Vietnam, Philippines or Taiwan.
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Article last updated: 07 April 2021
Copyright 2021. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
