Immigrant Affidavit of Support Package

Form I-864A is instrumental in maintaining the financial stability of sponsored immigrants. This legally binding contract between the sponsor and household member guarantees that the intending immigrant will receive the necessary support during their residency in the United States. The form is required when the primary sponsor’s income is insufficient to meet the minimum income requirement for sponsoring an immigrant, thus necessitating the combination of their income with that of a family member or household member.

Both the sponsor and the household member are required to complete Form I-864A if the primary sponsor, including those on active duty in the armed forces, does not fulfill the financial requirements for sponsoring an immigrant. Form I-864A must be submitted in conjunction with the primary Form I-864 as part of the immigrant’s permanent resident application, which is required by sponsors who do not meet the minimum income requirements.

The Purpose of Form I-864A

Form I-864A acts as a legally enforceable contract between sponsor and household member, promising financial support for the intending immigrant. Signing this form signifies that both the main sponsor and the sponsor’s household member commit to supporting the immigrant(s). The main sponsor will complete a Form I-864 which serves as proof of financial responsibility. Also, the household member pledges to financially support the immigrant(s) as needed.

This form standardizes the evaluation of the sponsor’s ability to support the sponsored immigrant and provides the necessary information to do so. The household member becomes a co-sponsor and is legally obligated to provide financial support to the sponsored immigrant, adhering to the same eligibility standards as the primary sponsor and may be held liable to repay the government for any means-tested benefits used by the immigrant.

When to Use Form I-864A

Form I-864A comes into play when the primary sponsor’s income doesn’t reach the minimum income requirement for sponsoring an immigrant. For instance, a joint sponsor may be required when the primary sponsor is of a young age and does not meet the financial criteria to sponsor their spouse.

The income requirements for sponsoring an immigrant with Form I-864A vary based on the size of the household. The sponsor must demonstrate an income of at least 125% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for the applicable household size. Alternatively, the sponsor can combine the income and/or assets of a household member to meet the income requirement.

Affidavit of Support, Form I-864A, is also applicable in the case of sponsoring multiple immigrants.

Form I-864A family members may comprise the sponsor’s household members, including:

• spouse
• parent
• child
• sibling
• dependent

Sometimes, the intending immigrant can also be included as a household member. Household members residing with the sponsor and possessing supplementary financial resources may utilize Form I-864A to amalgamate their income and assets with the sponsor’s in order to fulfill the mandated 125% of poverty guidelines level.

A proof of relationship must be submitted to show that the household member is a relative of and living with the sponsor. This could be in the form of a birth or marriage certificate, plus a full English translation (if it’s not written in English). It is not mandatory for the primary immigrant household member to sign Form I-864A to offer income, except when dependent children are included in the immigration application.

Qualifying Relationships

Eligibility for Form I-864A is determined by familial ties or dependency. Dependency, as it pertains to Form I-864A, is defined as an individual whom the sponsor has lawfully claimed as a dependent on their most recent Federal income tax return, regardless of their residence with the sponsor. This individual may be a relative or any other person who meets the criteria to be claimed as a dependent on the sponsor’s tax return.

Household members who are willing to commit their income and/or assets to support a sponsored individual are eligible for Form I-864A. Supporting documents, such as birth certificates or identification, must be provided to prove the familial relationship. Upon signing Form I-864A, the household member is consenting to provide financial support to the intending immigrant in addition to the sponsor.

Income and Asset Requirements

Household members must meet specific income and asset requirements to qualify for Form I-864A. The minimum income requirement for a household member to be eligible for Form I-864A is stipulated to be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.

Income and assets eligibility for Form I-864A are calculated based on the sponsor’s income, which must meet the minimum income requirement set by the U.S. government.

For assets, if the I-864A is for a spouse, the assets value will be valued at one-third of its actual value. If the I-864A is for a household member, the total net value of assets, less liens and liabilities against them, must equal five times the difference between the sponsor’s income and the minimum income requirement.

Completing Form I-864A accurately and comprehensively is a key step for a successful sponsorship process. The form is available for free from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The instructions for completing Form I-864A can be found on the USCIS website as well.

The household member is responsible for completing Part 1 of Form I-864A. The term “Relationship to sponsor” is used to describe the connection between a family member and the individual who is sponsoring them as an immigrant. Examples of these connections would be “spouse” or “child”. Part 3 of Form I-864A requires the household member to provide information regarding their employment and annual income.

Personal Information

When completing Form I-864A, the household member’s full name is required in Item 1. In Item 3, the household member must state if their mailing address is equivalent to their physical address.

The Sponsor’s Personal Information section of Form I-864A requires details regarding the household member, such as their relationship to the sponsor and primary residence. The IRS requires a transcript of your most recent federal Individual Income Tax Return. You can also submit a copy of the return.

The information necessary to complete the Household Member’s Personal Information section of Form I-864A includes:

• Full name
• Current mailing address
• Relationship to the sponsor
• Employment and income details
• Tax information of the household member.

Financial Details

Financial details are a crucial aspect of Form I-864A and must be provided accurately. The financial details section of Form I-864A requires income, assets, and employment information for both the sponsor and household member. For Form I-864A, current individual earned or retirement annual income is accepted. Supporting documents such as recent tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs are required to verify the income.

Assets on Form I-864A refer to items that can be converted into cash within one year without significant hardship for the purpose of supplementing the sponsor’s income in meeting the financial requirements for sponsoring an immigrant. The net value of assets should be at least five times the difference between the sponsor’s income and 125 percent of the poverty guideline for the household size.

Signatures and Declarations

Signatures and declarations on Form I-864A are legally binding and signify that the household member is agreeing to provide financial support for the intending immigrant, in addition to the sponsor, substitute sponsor, or joint sponsor. Failure to include all necessary signatures and declarations on Form I-864A may result in a fine or the denial of the benefit request.

To obtain an interpreter or preparer’s signature on Form I-864A, they must sign the form in the specified sections. The interpreter should sign in Section 7.a, and the preparer should sign in Section 8.b. The household member should print, sign, and date the form in black ink, ensuring that the signature is original and not a photocopy.

Correct submission of Form I-864A is a key element for a successful sponsorship process. An IRS transcript or a copy of the Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year, as well as proof of ownership and net cash value of assets belonging to a household member, are required. Form I-864A does not require you to pay a fee when filing with USCIS. No costs will be incurred.

The recommended order to arrange the supporting documents when filing Form I-864A may differ based on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the immigration authorities. It is advisable to consult the official USCIS website or obtain advice from an immigration attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Required Supporting Documents

In order to submit Form I-864A, tax returns, proof of income, and evidence of the relationship between the sponsor and household member must be provided. When submitting Form I-864A, the required tax return documents include copies of all relevant Form W-2 and Form 1099.

Acceptable forms of proof of income may include individual Federal income tax returns, bank statements, deposited checks, and invoices demonstrating current profitability.

To demonstrate a relationship between the sponsor and household member for Form I-864A, evidence such as birth certificates, identification documents, or other proof of familial relationship may be required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It is important to ensure that all the information provided is complete and accurate, that all the required signatures are present, and that all the necessary documents are included when submitting Form I-864A. Submitting an incomplete Form I-864A may result in processing delays, application rejection, and potential legal repercussions.

Furnishing inaccurate information in Form I-864A may result in serious repercussions, such as denial of the application, legal ramifications, and refusal of the form. It is essential to supply accurate and truthful information to avert these repercussions.

Form I-864A creates legal obligations for both the sponsor and household member, ensuring financial support for the intending immigrant. The sponsor and household member are bound to uphold their obligations under this contract. These obligations will remain effective until the sponsored immigrant either:

• Becomes a U.S. citizen
• Has worked in the U.S. for forty quarters
• Leaves the U.S. permanently
• Passes away

The obligations may also be terminated in the event of the sponsor’s or household member’s death.

Under certain conditions, it is possible for the household member to become solely responsible for the immigrant’s support. By signing Form I-864A, the sponsor is legally obligated to:

• Provide financial support to the sponsored immigrant if they are unable to maintain an income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Reimburse any means-tested public benefits received by the sponsored immigrant
• Notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any changes in address or employment within 30 days
• Maintain the financial support obligation until it is terminated by law or by the USCIS.

Sponsor’s Responsibilities

By signing Form I-864A, the sponsor is legally obligated to provide financial support to the sponsored immigrant if they are unable to maintain an income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The sponsor may be subject to fines and other legal ramifications if they fail to abide by the requirements outlined in Form I-864A, such as providing financial support and maintaining the minimum income requirement.

Take note that the rights and obligations laid out in Form I-864A are established by Congress and cannot be sidestepped through a private contract. Failure to provide financial support or reimburse any means-tested public benefits received by the immigrant may result in:

• Being sued by the agency or immigrant in federal court
• Assuming more responsibility as a sponsor
• Being unable to bypass the obligation through a private contract.

Household Member’s Responsibilities

The household member is also responsible for providing financial support and meeting the income requirements as agreed upon in Form I-864A. By signing Form I-864A, a household member agrees to jointly fulfill the financial obligations outlined in the form alongside the sponsor, substitute sponsor, or joint sponsor. This includes consenting to share their income and assets for the purpose of meeting these obligations.

The household member must pledge to make their income and/or assets available to support the sponsored individual. The obligation for the household member to provide financial support is in effect until one of the five Terminating Events defined by federal statutes and regulations occurs.

Citizen Concierge provides professional advice and help in filing Form I-864A, contributing to a successful sponsorship process. Their services include:

• A user-friendly platform that guides individuals through the form completion process
• Simplified steps for filling out the form
• Guarantee that all required information is included

Moreover, Citizen Concierge may provide the following benefits:

• Alerts or notifications for any potential mistakes or absent information, aiding in the overall filing process
• Ensuring that your Form I-864A is filed accurately and on time
• Maximizing your chances of a successful sponsorship process

By using Citizen Concierge, you can take advantage of these benefits and increase the efficiency and accuracy of your sponsorship process.

In conclusion, mastering Form I-864A is essential for a successful sponsorship process. By understanding the basics, knowing who can be a household member, accurately filling out the form, submitting it with the required supporting documents, and being aware of the legal obligations and responsibilities, you can help your loved one achieve their dream of permanent residency in the United States. With the expert guidance of Citizen Concierge, you can navigate the complex world of immigration paperwork with confidence and ease.