Form I-864 · Part 7
I-864 Assets (Part 7): When to Use Them and How to Report in 2026
Part 7 is optional. Skip it if your household income in Item 12 already meets the 125% poverty guideline. Only complete it when income falls short and you need assets to make up the difference.
You, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident, are the sponsor. The immigrant you are sponsoring can contribute their own assets in Items 6-9 without completing Form I-864A.
U.S. citizen sponsoring your spouse
Your assets need to cover only 3 times the income shortfall.
Example: income is $5,000 below the $27,050 threshold for a household of 2. You need $15,000 in qualifying assets. The immigrant's own savings count too (Items 6-9), without any I-864A required.
Summary
Part 7 is entirely optional and only applies when your household income (Item 12 from Part 6) falls short of the 125% poverty guideline. Skip it if income passes. When you do need assets, the key question is the multiplier: most sponsors need assets totaling 5 times the income shortfall, but U.S. citizens sponsoring their spouse or a child 18 or older only need 3 times the shortfall. Liquid assets count; a single vehicle does not.
| When to complete | Only if Part 6, Item 12 (total household income) falls below the 125% poverty guideline for your household size. If Item 12 passes, skip Part 7 entirely. |
| Your assets (Items 1-4) | Cash/savings, net real estate equity, stocks/bonds/CDs. All items must be liquid within one year without considerable loss. |
| Household member assets (Item 5) | Assets of a relative residing with you (spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling). Each relative must complete Form I-864A with evidence of assets. |
| Immigrant's assets (Items 6-9) | The immigrant you are sponsoring can contribute their own assets regardless of where they live. No I-864A required from the immigrant for assets. |
| Item 10 multiplier (default) | Assets must total at least 5 times the difference between your household income and the poverty guideline. |
| Item 10 multiplier (USC sponsoring spouse or child 18+) | Assets must total at least 3 times the difference. This is the rule that applies in most marriage-based cases where the sponsor is a U.S. citizen. |
| Vehicle | Cannot be included unless you own more than one automobile. At least one must be excluded; only additional vehicles may count. |
Scope of this page
This page covers standard asset scenarios: liquid financial accounts, home equity with an appraisal, and the immigrant's assets. Consult an immigration attorney before completing Part 7 if: (1) asset ownership is disputed or co-owned with someone not on the I-864; (2) you are relying on a business interest or partnership interest that requires a professional appraisal; or (3) retirement account liquidity is uncertain due to restrictions or penalties that would exceed the accessible value.
What the USCIS instructions say
Verbatim from the I-864 Instructions, edition 10/17/24, Part 7.
Verbatim -- when to complete Part 7 (I-864 Instructions, edition 10/17/24, Part 7)
“Only complete Part 7. if you need to use the value of assets to meet the income requirements. If your Current Annual Household Income (indicated in Part 6., Item Number 12.) is equal to or more than needed to meet the income requirement as shown by the current Federal Poverty Guidelines (Form I-864P) for your household size (indicated in Part 5., Item Number 8.), you do not need to complete Part 7.”
Verbatim -- what assets qualify (I-864 Instructions, edition 10/17/24, Part 7)
“Only assets that can be converted into cash within one year and without considerable hardship or financial loss to the owner may be included. The owner of the asset must include a description of the asset, proof of ownership, and the basis for the owner's claim of its net cash value.”
Verbatim -- home equity and vehicle rule (I-864 Instructions, edition 10/17/24, Part 7)
“You may include the net value of your home as an asset. The net value of the home is the appraised value of the home, minus the sum of any and all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home. If you wish to include the net value of your home, then you must include documentation demonstrating that you own it, a recent appraisal by a licensed appraiser, and evidence of the amount of any and all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home. You may not include the net value of an automobile unless you show that you have more than one automobile, and at least one automobile is not included as an asset.”
Verbatim -- Item 10 multiplier (I-864 Instructions, edition 10/17/24, Part 7)
“In order to qualify based on the value of your assets, the total value of your assets must equal at least five times the difference between your total household income and the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. However, if you are a U.S. citizen and you are sponsoring your spouse or child 18 years of age or older, the total value of your assets must only be equal to at least three times the difference.”
Verbatim -- immigrant's assets (I-864 Instructions, edition 10/17/24, Part 7)
“Item Numbers 6. - 9. Assets of the Intending Immigrant. You may use the assets of the intending immigrant regardless of where he or she resides. The intending immigrant must provide evidence of such assets with this affidavit. Add together Item Numbers 6. - 8. and type or print the total number in Item Number 9. Form I-864A is not required to document the intending immigrant's assets.”
Asset categories: what goes in each item
Each item covers a different source of assets. Only assets that can be liquidated within one year without considerable loss qualify.
Total balance across all bank accounts, savings accounts, and cash on hand.
Evidence: Recent bank statements for each account.
Appraised market value minus all mortgage and lien balances. Tax-assessed value is not the same as appraised value.
Evidence: Recent licensed appraisal plus mortgage statements showing current balance for all liens.
Current market value of publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, and other financial instruments not already counted in Items 1 or 2.
Evidence: Recent brokerage statements or bank statements showing current values.
Assets belonging to a relative (spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling) who lives with you and who has completed Form I-864A.
Evidence: Form I-864A completed by the household member, plus documentation of their assets.
Assets belonging to the person you are sponsoring. They can contribute assets regardless of where they currently live.
Evidence: The immigrant provides their own asset documentation with the I-864. No I-864A required.
How much do your assets need to be worth?
Item 10 is where USCIS applies the multiplier. The required total depends on your relationship to the immigrant.
| Situation | Multiplier | Note |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. citizen sponsoring spouse | 3x the shortfall | Applies in most marriage-based green card cases where the sponsor holds citizenship. |
| U.S. citizen sponsoring child 18 or older | 3x the shortfall | Same reduced multiplier as spousal sponsorship. |
| All other sponsorships | 5x the shortfall | Includes green card holder sponsors and U.S. citizens sponsoring parents or siblings. |
Worked example
U.S. citizen sponsoring spouse. Household of 2. 2026 threshold: $27,050.
Household income (Item 12): $22,050
Shortfall: $27,050 - $22,050 = $5,000
Multiplier (USC sponsoring spouse): 3x
Minimum qualifying assets needed: $5,000 x 3 = $15,000
If the combined total in Item 10 is at least $15,000, the affidavit passes on assets.
Common mistakes on Part 7
These errors appear on RFEs and can delay or complicate the I-864 review.
- 01
Completing Part 7 when income already passes
Per the I-864 Instructions (edition 10/17/24, Part 7): 'If your Current Annual Household Income ... is equal to or more than needed to meet the income requirement ... you do not need to complete Part 7.' Completing it unnecessarily does not harm the application, but it creates extra paperwork and potential inconsistencies if the numbers are estimated.
- 02
Using the 5x multiplier when 3x applies
U.S. citizens sponsoring their spouse or a child 18 or older only need assets totaling 3 times the income shortfall -- not 5 times. Using the higher multiplier is not harmful, but it causes sponsors to think they fall short when they may actually pass.
- 03
Using tax-assessed value instead of appraised value for real estate
The instructions require the appraised value (from a licensed appraiser) for real estate, not the tax-assessed value. Tax assessments are often lower than market value and are not what USCIS is looking for. A licensed appraisal must be attached.
- 04
Including a vehicle when you only own one
Per the instructions: 'You may not include the net value of an automobile unless you show that you have more than one automobile, and at least one automobile is not included as an asset.' A single vehicle cannot be included.
- 05
Missing the immigrant's assets in Items 6-9
Sponsors often focus only on their own assets (Items 1-4) and overlook the sponsored immigrant's assets in Items 6-9. Per the instructions, immigrant assets can be used regardless of where the immigrant currently resides, and no Form I-864A is required. In many marriage-based cases, the immigrant's savings or property can make a meaningful difference.
Marriage-based sponsors: Part 7 in practice
For a U.S. citizen sponsoring their spouse, the 3x multiplier applies and the immigrant's own assets can be included without any I-864A. This combination means assets are often more accessible than sponsors initially expect.
Key rules for the standard marriage-based case
Situations that require attention
- Immigrant spouse has savings in their home country. Per the instructions, the immigrant's assets can be used regardless of where they reside. A bank statement in the original language with a certified English translation and a current balance is standard evidence.
- Your main asset is home equity. Include only the appraised value minus all mortgage and lien balances. A licensed appraiser must provide the valuation -- online estimates or county assessments do not satisfy the evidence requirement.
- You have retirement accounts (IRA, 401k). Retirement accounts can qualify as assets if they are accessible (i.e., the funds could be withdrawn within one year). Include current balance statements. Consider whether early-withdrawal penalties would reduce the net cash value significantly.
- Your income shortfall is large and assets do not cover 3x. A joint sponsor filing a separate I-864 is the fallback. The joint sponsor uses their own income and assets independently. Your I-864 with the shortfall is still filed alongside the joint sponsor's.
Need help calculating whether your assets are enough?
Our software runs the income and asset calculation for your household size, applies the correct multiplier, and builds the complete affidavit packet.
Start FreeRelated guides
Form and pathway context
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to complete Part 7 if my income is close to but above the threshold?
No. Per the I-864 Instructions (edition 10/17/24, Part 7): 'If your Current Annual Household Income ... is equal to or more than needed to meet the income requirement ... you do not need to complete Part 7.' If Item 12 meets or exceeds the threshold, skip Part 7 entirely.
I am a U.S. citizen sponsoring my spouse. What multiplier applies to my assets?
Three times the shortfall. The I-864 Instructions (edition 10/17/24, Part 7) state: 'if you are a U.S. citizen and you are sponsoring your spouse or child 18 years of age or older, the total value of your assets must only be equal to at least three times the difference.' So if your income is $4,000 below the threshold, you need $12,000 in qualifying assets.
Can I include my immigrant spouse's savings in Items 6-9?
Yes. Per the instructions: 'You may use the assets of the intending immigrant regardless of where he or she resides.' The immigrant provides documentation of their own assets, and Form I-864A is not required from them for this purpose.
Can I include my 401k or IRA?
Generally yes, if the funds are accessible. The instructions require that assets be 'convertible into cash within one year and without considerable hardship or financial loss.' Include current balance statements. If significant early-withdrawal penalties apply, note that the net cash value is the after-penalty amount.
Can I include my car?
Only if you own more than one automobile. Per the instructions: 'You may not include the net value of an automobile unless you show that you have more than one automobile, and at least one automobile is not included as an asset.' A single vehicle cannot be listed.
What if assets plus income still fall short?
A joint sponsor is required. The joint sponsor files a separate I-864 using their own income and assets. Their affidavit is evaluated independently -- they must meet the threshold on their own. Your I-864 is still filed; the joint sponsor's I-864 supplements it.
Key takeaways
- ✓
Skip Part 7 entirely if your household income in Item 12 already meets the poverty guideline threshold. Completing it when income passes adds unnecessary complexity.
- ✓
U.S. citizens sponsoring their spouse need assets totaling only 3 times the income shortfall, not the default 5 times.
- ✓
The immigrant you are sponsoring can contribute their own assets in Items 6-9, regardless of where they live. No I-864A is required for the immigrant's assets.
- ✓
Real estate equity requires a licensed appraisal. Tax-assessed values are not accepted.
- ✓
A single vehicle cannot be counted. Only additional vehicles beyond the one you keep are eligible.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Green Card Genius is self-help immigration software, not a law firm, and does not provide legal representation. Immigration law and USCIS policy change frequently. For advice on a specific case, consult a licensed immigration attorney. Form I-864, edition 10/17/24. Last verified May 2026.
Continue reading
- 01Form I-864 Affidavit of Support: Complete 2026 Guide
- 02What If the Petitioner's Income Is Too Low? Joint Sponsor Options
- 03I-864 Current Annual Income (Part 6, Item 7): What to Enter in 2026
- 04I-864 Household Member Income (Part 6, Items 8-14): When to Add It and How in 2026
- 05I-864 Income Calculator: Green Card Affidavit of Support (2026)
Be a Genius
Only pay when you file