I-864 document checklist

Proof of sponsor identity and status

Sponsor Photo IDRequiredUS passport, driver's license, or government ID
Proof of Citizenship/LPR StatusRequiredUS passport, naturalization cert, or green card

Proof of income meeting 125% of federal poverty guidelines

Federal Tax Returns (3 years)RequiredMost recent 3 years of federal income tax returns with all schedulesInclude complete returns — all pages, schedules, and W-2s. The most recent year is most important.
W-2 Forms (3 years)RequiredW-2 wage statements for most recent 3 years
IRS Tax TranscriptsIf it appliesOfficial transcripts from IRS (optional but helpful)Some attorneys recommend including IRS transcripts in addition to returns.
Employment Verification LetterRequiredOn letterhead, stating position, salary, start dateMust be recent (within 30-60 days), on company letterhead.
Recent Pay Stubs (6 months)RequiredLast 6 months of pay stubs from current employer
Self-Employment EvidenceIf it applies1099s, business tax returns, profit & loss statementOnly if the answer is yes: Is the sponsor self-employed?

Assets can supplement income — must equal 3x the shortfall (5x for sponsored spouse)

Bank Account StatementsIf it appliesLast 12 months of savings/checking statementsOnly if the answer is yes: Does the sponsor need to use assets to meet the requirement?Assets must be easily converted to cash. Value of assets must be 3x the income shortfall (5x for sponsoring a spouse from abroad).
Real Estate AppraisalIf it appliesAppraisal of owned property with mortgage statementOnly if the answer is yes: Does the sponsor need to use assets to meet the requirement?
Investment Account StatementsIf it appliesBrokerage, retirement, or other investment accountsOnly if the answer is yes: Does the sponsor need to use assets to meet the requirement?

Additional sponsor if primary cannot meet threshold

Joint Sponsor I-864If it appliesSeparate completed I-864 from the joint sponsorOnly if the answer is yes: Is a joint sponsor needed?
Joint Sponsor Financial DocumentsIf it appliesTax returns, W-2s, employment letter, pay stubs for joint sponsorOnly if the answer is yes: Is a joint sponsor needed?Joint sponsor needs same financial evidence as primary sponsor.

Ticks are saved in this browser only. Check the form's own instructions on the forms page — USCIS updates what it wants, and the instructions win.

Document checklist