What is a household member? (2024)

FAQs

What is a household member? ›

To qualify as a household member, each person must be: A qualifying family member (spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling) or dependent on the sponsor's federal tax return; At least 18 years of age; and. Currently living at the same residence as the main sponsor.

Who May Be Considered a Household Member for Purposes of Form I-864A? 3. Any other individual whom the sponsor has lawfully claimed as a dependent on the sponsor's most recent Federal income tax return even if that person does not live at the same residence as the sponsor.

Marriage licenses, birth certificates, adoption records, and other official documents that prove the sponsor's relationship to the primary sponsor or sponsored immigrant are some examples of common documents that can be used as proof of relationship.

USCIS allows a family member to help if they complete I-864A. The sponsor and the household member must complete and sign the form. Typically, the sponsor must be the same person who filed a visa petition for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status to become a green card holder.

What are the financial qualifications for an affidavit of support? The law requires a sponsor to prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level. (For active duty military personnel, the income requirement is 100 percent of the poverty level when sponsoring a husband, wife, or children.)

Usually, this will mean you, your siblings or step-siblings, or other financially dependent relatives who live in your household, like cousins or grandparents. Family members who live elsewhere but are supported by your parents are not included in this number.

You can financially sponsor your friend's immigration petition by filling out and filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under US law, every foreign national who immigrates via a family-based petition must have a financial sponsor.

Unlike a household member, a joint sponsor is not contributing to the main sponsor's total household income. Instead, the joint sponsor must prove that he or she independently meets the financial requirements. For example, Ravi petitioned his spouse from India.

Many government agencies require the notarization of affidavits, as it adds an extra layer of security to documentation. While the USCIS does not strictly require the notarization of an affidavit of support, it is often recommended for the following reasons: It helps ensure the authenticity of your application.

Unique from Household Member: The joint sponsor differs from a “household member” in that the joint sponsor can be a friend or third party who and is not necessarily financially connected with the sponsor's household.

What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant in 2024? ›

The signatures on the I-864A must be notarized by a notary public or signed before an immigration or consular officer. A separate form must be used for each household member whose income and/or assets are being used to qualify. This blank form may be photocopied for that purpose.

They often need to “sponsor” them – file some paperwork, usually Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to show the government they are willing to provide financial support. While one can only file an immigration petition for their family members, one can sponsor an immigrant, even if the immigrant is not his relative.

What happens if the petitioner doesn't have enough income? Petitioners who cannot meet this level have two choices: 1) find a “joint sponsor” who will agree to also financially support the visa applicant, or 2) use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines.

What happens if the petitioner doesn't have enough income? Petitioners who cannot meet this level have two choices: 1) find a “joint sponsor” who will agree to also financially support the visa applicant, or 2) use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines.

After I file, how long will it take before my relative can immigrate? The law gives special consideration to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which includes a U.S. citizen's spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents. There is no waiting list to immigrate these relatives.

Who can be a Financial Sponsor? A financial sponsor, including a petitioner, must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The sponsor must also have a domicile (residence) in the United States.

Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may, regardless of the duration of their marriage, self-petition for or continue with their application for U.S. residence, so long as they do so within the two years of the U.S. citizen's death and do not remarry. They will not need to submit an I-864 Affidavit of Support.