Form I-864. Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
The I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is a form that is used to show that a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can provide financial support to an immigrant who is seeking to enter the United States.
The form consists of several parts, including the sponsor's personal information, the immigrant's personal information, the sponsor's household size, and the sponsor's income and assets. Important fields on the form include the sponsor's name, address, and social security number, as well as their income and employment information.
The parties involved in the I-864 form are the sponsor, who is responsible for providing financial support, and the immigrant, who is seeking to enter the United States. It is important to consider the sponsor's financial situation when compiling the form, as they must prove that they have enough income or assets to support the immigrant.
When compiling the I-864 form, data that will be required includes the sponsor's income tax returns, W-2 forms, and other financial documents. Additionally, supporting documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports may be required.
Application examples of the I-864 form include sponsoring a family member for immigration to the United States, sponsoring a fiancé(e) for a K-1 visa, or sponsoring an employment-based immigrant. The benefits of submitting the I-864 form include showing that the immigrant will not become a public charge in the United States and that they will have financial support during their stay.
However, there are also challenges and risks associated with the I-864 form. For example, the sponsor may be held financially responsible for the immigrant if they receive certain public benefits or if the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen and later sponsors a relative for immigration.
Related and alternative forms to the I-864 form include the I-134 Affidavit of Support and the I-864EZ Affidavit of Support. The I-864EZ is a shorter version of the I-864 and can only be used in certain situations.
The completion of the I-864 form affects the future of the sponsor and the immigrant, as it is a legal contract that outlines the sponsor's financial obligations to the immigrant. The form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the immigrant's visa application. Once approved, the form is stored electronically by USCIS.