Form I-864A

Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member

A binding contract where a household member agrees to make their income and assets available to support the sponsored immigrant alongside the primary sponsor.

Filing Fee

No filing fee

Processing Time

Processed together with Form I-864 as part of the immigrant visa or adjustment of status application

Who Files

Household members of the primary I-864 sponsor who agree to contribute their income to meet the support requirement.

What is Form I-864A?

Form I-864A is a supplemental form to the Affidavit of Support (I-864). It is used when a household member who is not the primary sponsor agrees to make their income and/or assets available to help meet the income requirement. This creates a legally binding obligation for the household member, similar to the primary sponsor's obligation under the I-864. It is commonly used when the primary sponsor's income alone does not meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Key Points

Creates a legally enforceable obligation for the household member

Household member must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Must be filed together with the primary sponsor's Form I-864

Household member's income is combined with the sponsor's to meet the 125% poverty guideline threshold

Obligation remains until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or is credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat is the difference between I-864A and a joint sponsor?

An I-864A household member combines their income with the primary sponsor's to meet the requirement. A joint sponsor (who files a separate I-864) independently takes on the full financial obligation and must individually meet the 125% poverty guideline. The I-864A is used when the sponsor's income is close to the threshold and needs supplementing, while a joint sponsor is needed when the primary sponsor's income is significantly below the requirement.

QWho qualifies as a household member for I-864A?

A household member can be any person living in the same residence as the primary sponsor who is at least 18 years old, has been living there for at least 6 months, and is willing to make their income available. They must also be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The sponsored immigrant can also be listed if they have income from a lawful source.

QHow long does the I-864A obligation last?

The obligation lasts until one of the following occurs: the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, the immigrant is credited with 40 qualifying quarters of Social Security work, the immigrant permanently departs the U.S., the immigrant dies, or the household member dies. Divorce does not terminate the obligation.

Practical Tips

Include the household member's most recent tax return, W-2s, and proof of current employment with the I-864A

Ensure the household member understands this is a legally binding financial obligation that survives even after the sponsor and immigrant divorce

The household member must be living at the same address as the primary sponsor; include proof of shared residence

Related Forms

Form I-864

Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

Legally binding contract where a sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant.

Form I-485

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Filed by individuals already in the U.S. to adjust their status to permanent resident (Green Card).

Form I-130

Petition for Alien Relative

Filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to establish a relationship with an eligible relative who wishes to immigrate.

Related Visa Types

Green Card

U.S. Permanent Resident Card

Permanent residency in the United States, granting the right to live and work permanently.

K-1 Visa

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa

Visa for foreign fiances of U.S. citizens to enter the U.S. for marriage within 90 days.

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