I-864 Income Calculator: 2026 Affidavit of Support Requirement

What is the income requirement for a marriage green card in 2026?

The petitioner needs household income at or above 125% of the HHS federal poverty guideline for their household size. For 2026, that is $27,050 for a household of 2 in the 48 contiguous states, effective March 1, 2026. Active-duty military members sponsoring a spouse or child use the 100% threshold ($21,640 for a household of 2).

What counts toward household size for Form I-864?

Household size equals the petitioner plus the immigrating spouse (even if still abroad) plus anyone the petitioner claimed as a tax dependent plus anyone still covered by a prior I-864 obligation that has not yet ended. A couple with no children has a household size of 2.

What if my income is below the I-864 threshold?

Three options: (1) a joint sponsor files their own separate I-864 independently; (2) a household member who lives with the petitioner combines their income via Form I-864A; (3) liquid assets can cover the shortfall at 3x for a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse or child, or 5x for all other cases.

Who can be a joint sponsor for Form I-864?

Any U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old, lives in the United States, and independently meets the 125% income threshold for their own household size (counting the immigrating spouse in that total). No family connection is required.

Can I use assets instead of income to meet the I-864 requirement?

Yes, partially. A U.S. citizen petitioner sponsoring a spouse or child needs liquid assets worth 3 times the income shortfall. All other sponsors need 5 times the shortfall. Qualifying assets include savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate equity. Retirement accounts with early-withdrawal penalties generally do not qualify.

Can I count my spouse's income on Form I-864?

Not directly on the petitioner's I-864. The immigrating spouse's income can only be counted if they are already in the U.S. and living in the same household, and even then it requires a separate Form I-864A. A joint sponsor who independently meets the income threshold is usually a simpler path.

Does rental income, self-employment income, or Social Security count for the I-864?

Yes to all three. The I-864 uses 'total income' from your most recent federal tax return. That includes wages, self-employment net income (Schedule C line 31), rental income (Schedule E), Social Security retirement and disability (SSDI), pension distributions, and unemployment compensation. It does not count Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, Medicaid, or other means-tested public benefits.