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If you are self-employed, you can still obtain an Affidavit of Support. You will need to show that your income is at least 125% of the HHS poverty guidelines for your household size. Form I-864 helps ensure that immigrants you sponsor will not become public charges, so it is important to provide precise income details. You can also meet the minimum income requirement by including assets or teaming up with a joint sponsor. Now, let’s explore what self-employed sponsors need to know and share some helpful tips for getting your I-864 approved.
Affidavit of Support Form for Green Card
I-864 forms are required in most family-based immigration cases. This ensures that any sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge and require government aid such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or unemployment benefits to survive.
Sponsors, typically the individual who filed the visa petition on behalf of intending immigrants, must complete and submit this form to satisfy income requirements by including tax returns and financial documents as evidence. Additional sponsors can be added as joint or household sponsors; these additional individuals must also meet the sponsor’s income criteria and provide adequate financial support if needed.
Errors with Form I-864 can hinder or stall the sponsorship process. A knowledgeable attorney can ensure that the appropriate form is filed and that all responsibilities are understood, including failing to meet income requirements, missing documents, and miscalculations. Here’s how to manage USCIS requests for evidence.
Submit the Most Recent Tax Year's Return
USCIS requires sponsors of I-864 petitions to include a copy of their most recent tax return with their application, or for self-employed sponsors submitting business profit and loss statements alongside W-2s and 1099s as evidence of financial responsibility.
While photocopies of tax documents may be acceptable, IRS transcripts are easier for USCIS officials to verify and more likely to receive approval from officials than photocopies.
If the sponsor is using assets to meet income requirements, they should submit all relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, stock portfolios, and property appraisals, as proof. It would also be helpful if evidence of liabilities could be provided, along with an explanation letter if tax filings were not completed for prior years.
Proof of Domicile
Sponsors submitting Form I-864 must also present evidence of domicile in the U.S. Domicile is defined as where someone lives. Residents based within the United States who have lived here for at least two years can provide this as proof.
Sponsors may also submit affidavits from friends and family that vouch for them as living in the country, utility bills, rent statements, and bank account documents as proof. Sponsors must also prove they will reestablish their domicile within six months after an immigrant arrives in America.
Conclusion
Being self-employed doesn’t prevent you from sponsoring your spouse or family member. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t require careful preparation. Accuracy and completeness are key. Any errors, missing documents, or miscalculations can delay your case or result in a Request for Evidence (RFE). Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help you prepare a strong I-864 package that satisfies USCIS requirements the first time and keeps your green card process moving forward.
Partner with Colavecchio and Colavecchio Law Office
Proving income from your own business can be complicated. All it needs is the right strategy. Our immigration attorneys can help! Colavecchio and Colavecchio Law Office also guide you through solutions like adding joint sponsors or using household income. With 118 five-star reviews on Google and a 100% client satisfaction rate, our firm has earned a reputation for professionalism, precision, and results. So, contact us now!