I-864A: Common Questions Answered

The I-864A form is a supplement to the I-864, Affidavit of Support, and is utilized when more than one household member is making contributions to the sponsor's income to meet the sponsorship immigrant's income requirements. The I-864A is used to assure that the sponsored immigrant won't end up costing the public money and will have enough money to support themselves while living in the United States. However, completing the I-864A can be challenging and confusing, and applicants may have numerous queries and worries. We will address some of the most often asked questions concerning the I-864A form in this article, offering a thorough explanation of this important step in the immigration procedure.

Understanding Form I-864A

What is I 864A?

The I-864A is an addendum to the I-864 Affidavit of Support, which must be completed by most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants in order to demonstrate that they would have sufficient financial support while residing in the United States.

What is I-864A used for?

The I-864 Affidavit of Support, a mandatory document for the majority of family-based and certain employment-based immigrants to demonstrate that they would have sufficient financial support while residing in the United States, is supplemented by the I-864A form. The I-864A is specifically utilized when numerous household members are contributing to the sponsor's income to meet the Affidavit of Support's income requirements. This document assists in ensuring that the sponsored immigrant won't become a burden on society and will receive enough financial support while living in the country. The I-864A assists the USCIS in determining the ability of the sponsor and their household members to support the sponsored immigrant financially by providing extra information about their income, assets, and expenses.

Each Form I-864A must be completed and signed by both the sponsor and the household member, ensuring that both parties are committed to providing the necessary financial support for the sponsored immigrant.

Who is household member sponsor?

An individual who resides with the primary sponsor and is prepared to donate their money and assets to support the sponsored immigrant is known as a household member sponsor. A spouse, parent, or any other person who lives in the primary sponsor's home and is linked to them by blood, marriage, or adoption is considered a household member.

A person must be at least 18 years old and have their primary residence in the same home as the primary sponsor in order to qualify as a household member sponsor. When determining whether the minimum income requirements for the I-864 Affidavit of Support are met, the household member sponsor must also provide proof of their income and assets, which will be taken into account along with those of the primary sponsor.

The I-864A form must be signed by the sponsor of the household member. By completing the I-864A, the household member consents to share financial responsibility for supporting the sponsored immigrant with the principal sponsor.

An individual who resides with the primary sponsor and provides their money and assets to assist the sponsored immigrant is known as a household member sponsor. In order to sign the I-864A form and declare their readiness to bear financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant, they must be eligible.

A household member eligible to sign Form I-864A includes individuals who meet specific criteria. This includes intending immigrants if they share the principal residence with the sponsor and can prove that their income will continue from a lawful source even after acquiring lawful permanent residence. Additionally, relatives such as the sponsor's spouse, parent, child, adult son or daughter, or sibling who live at the same principal residence as the sponsor may sign. Moreover, any other individual whom the sponsor has lawfully claimed as a dependent on their most recent federal income tax return, even if that person does not reside at the same address, is also eligible to sign as a household member.

The intending immigrant can be considered a household member under specific conditions when completing Form I-864A. Firstly, the intending immigrant must have the same principal residence as the sponsor and must be able to demonstrate that their income will continue from a lawful source after they acquire lawful permanent residence. Alternatively, if the intending immigrant is the sponsor's spouse, they must also show that their income will continue from a lawful source following the acquisition of lawful permanent residence. These conditions ensure that the intending immigrant's income can be pooled with the sponsor's to meet the financial requirements necessary for the sponsorship.

What is joint sponsor for form I-864A?

In addition to the principal sponsor named on the I-864 Affidavit of Support, a co-sponsor is someone who agrees to provide financial support for the sponsored immigrant. The I-864 form must be filled out and signed by the joint sponsor as well, demonstrating their willingness to bear financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant. When the principal sponsor cannot show that they have the necessary financial resources to sustain the sponsored immigrant or does not satisfy the minimum income standards, a joint sponsor is required. The primary sponsor's eligibility conditions must also be met by the joint sponsor, who must also show proof of their income, assets, and financial stability. A sponsored immigrant who has a joint sponsor has additional financial backing, which can help to assure that they won't become a burden on society and will have enough support while living in the United States. It is important to remember that, just like the primary sponsor, the joint sponsor is also legally obligated to provide for the sponsored immigrant.

What is the difference between joint sponsor and i864A?

Although the I-864A and joint sponsor both have the same objective of giving an immigrant financial support, there are some significant differences between the two. The I-864A is a legal agreement between the primary sponsor and the family member who is helping to support the sponsor financially. As a member of the sponsor's household, the household member commits to support the sponsored immigrant, and the sponsor agrees to take into account the household member's income and assets when calculating their capacity to provide for the immigrant. When a household member's income and assets are required to meet the I-864 Affidavit of Support's minimum income standards, the I-864A is used.

On the other hand, a joint sponsor is a different person who agrees to provide financial support for the sponsored immigrant. The joint sponsor must finish and sign their own I-864 Affidavit of Support and adhere to the same eligibility standards as the primary sponsor. Income and assets of the joint sponsor are taken into account independently from those of the primary sponsor.

The I-864A entails a household member contributing to the primary sponsor's income and assets, whereas the joint sponsor is a different person who provides additional financial support. This is the main distinction between the two. When the primary sponsor is unable to meet the requirements alone, the I-864A is used to meet the minimum income requirements.

Do I need to fill out I-864A?

The particulars of your circumstance will determine whether or not you need to complete Form I-864A. Only if you are a household member sponsor and reside in the same household as the primary sponsor who completed Form I-864 is Form I-864A necessary. To help fulfill the minimum income requirements for the I-864 Affidavit of Support, you could be needed to file Form I-864A, which asks for more details about your income and assets.

It is not necessary for you to complete Form I-864A if you are the major sponsor. However, they might need to complete the I-864A form if you have a household member sponsor who is contributing to your income and assets.

If you are unsure which forms you must complete for your unique circumstance, it is crucial to thoroughly read the directions for each form and speak with an immigration attorney. The immigration procedure may be delayed or denied if necessary forms are not completed or if wrong or partial information is provided.

Filling Out and Submitting I-864A

How to fill out an i864a form?

The I-864A form can be complicated to fill out, but it must be done correctly and completely to avoid delays or a possible application refusal. Following are some instructions for completing the I-864A form:

1- Read the instructions carefully: Read the directions provided by USCIS attentively before filling out the form to make sure you comprehend the prerequisites and regulations.

2- Provide accurate information: On the form, be sure to give true and accurate information. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in delays or even application rejection.

3- List all household members: Include all household members who are contributing financially to meet the income requirements, specifying their relationship to the sponsor, income, and assets.

4- Sign and date the form: The form must be signed and dated by the sponsor and every member of the household that is named.

5- Submit supporting documents: Attach necessary supporting documentation, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and bank statements to validate income and assets.

6- Double-check the form: Ensure all sections are accurately completed, and all required documents are attached before submitting the form.

Following these instructions will help applicants complete their I-864A form correctly, potentially speeding up the processing and avoiding any application-related issues.

Is there a filing fee?

When filing Form I-864A with USCIS, no filing fee is required. However, when the form is part of an application processed through the U.S. Department of State, such as consular processing for immigrant visas, associated fees may apply. Check the Department of State’s website or contact your local consulate for details on possible fees. Make sure to submit Form I-864A alongside Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and required documents, either to the USCIS address or as part of the visa application to the National Visa Center or U.S. Consulate, following the instructions provided in the application package.

What are the supporting documents for I-864A?

Sponsors and household members use Form I-864A to support the principal sponsor’s I-864 Affidavit of Support. Along with the form, the following documents may need to be submitted:

1- Proof of Relationship: Include documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records to establish the relationship between the household member and the sponsor.

2- Income Documents: Provide tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or other income documentation to prove the household member’s financial contributions.

3- Assets: If assets are being used to meet the financial requirements, include documents such as bank statements or property deeds to prove ownership.

4- Employment Verification: Provide recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter to confirm employment status.

5- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: Submit proof of citizenship or residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card.

If you are unsure of which documents to submit, consult the form instructions or an immigration attorney. Failing to provide necessary documents or submitting incorrect information can lead to delays or denials.

When submitting Form I-864A, you must provide tax return photocopies or transcripts for the most recent year, along with W-2 forms and other income-related documents. Also, include proof of relationship documents and income verification materials like pay stubs and employment letters. If using assets to meet the requirements, submit evidence of ownership such as bank statements or property appraisals.

Do I need to translate supporting documents for the I-864A application?

Yes, any documents that are not in English must be translated into English. USCIS requires all submitted documents to either be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

The translator must certify and sign the translation, confirming their proficiency in both languages and the accuracy of the translation. The certification must include the translator's name, signature, address, and a statement confirming the translation is accurate to the best of their knowledge.

How should the documents be translated?

When translating documents for your I-864A application, follow these steps:

1- Choose a reputable translation provider: Select a qualified provider to ensure a professional, accurate translation. This can be a certified translation service or an individual fluent in both languages.

2- Translate the document: The entire document must be translated, including any signatures, stamps, or seals. Provide the translation on a separate sheet of paper, with the translator’s name and contact information.

3- Certify the translation: Include a certification statement from the translator attesting to their fluency in both languages and the accuracy of the translation. The certification must also contain the translator's name, signature, and date.

4- Submit the translated document: Submit both the original and the translated documents along with the certification statement to USCIS.

Failure to submit an English translation for non-English documents can result in delays or denials of your application. Ensure all translations are completed before submitting the I-864A form.

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Acquiring and Processing I-864A

How Do I Get Form I-864A?

Form I-864A, Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, is available for free PDF download from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. This form is used when a sponsor needs to include the income of a household member in order to support an intending immigrant because their income is insufficient on its own. Use the most recent version of the form, carefully follow the provided instructions, and consult with legal advice if necessary to ensure the form is correctly completed. Be cautious when using third-party form preparation services, as USCIS forms should always be freely available from the official USCIS website.

How long does it take to process the I-864A form?

The processing time for Form I-864A varies based on several factors. One key factor is the USCIS workload, which can fluctuate based on the number of applications being processed at any given time. Additional factors include the accuracy and completeness of the submitted form, the complexity of the case, and other specific circumstances. Generally, processing times can range from a few weeks to several months. To get an accurate estimate, applicants can check the USCIS website for current processing times of various forms and applications.

To avoid delays or denials, it is essential that applicants ensure the form is completed accurately and in compliance with all requirements before submission.

While biometric services are not typically required for Form I-864A itself, in rare cases, applicants might be asked to attend biometric appointments if the form is submitted in conjunction with other applications. If required, USCIS will notify applicants in writing with the details of the biometric appointment. These appointments may require fingerprints, photos, and signatures for identity verification and background checks. Biometric services might also be required at U.S. embassies or consulates for applicants who are overseas. It is important to attend any required biometric appointments to avoid delays in the processing of the application.

Key Differences and Proof of Relationship

What is the difference between Form I-864 and I-864A?

Form I-864 is completed by the principal sponsor, while Form I-864A is filled out by a household member who is contributing to the financial support of the sponsored immigrant. The principal sponsor, through Form I-864, declares their financial ability to support the sponsored immigrant. In contrast, Form I-864A allows household members to add their income and assets to help meet the financial requirements set forth in Form I-864.

A significant distinction between these forms is the degree of financial responsibility. With Form I-864, the principal sponsor takes on full legal responsibility for financially supporting the sponsored immigrant. However, when a household member completes Form I-864A, they agree to share this financial responsibility with the principal sponsor, as evidenced by their income and asset documentation.

The required documentation also differs between the two forms. Form I-864 requires the principal sponsor to submit proof of their income, such as tax returns and W-2s. Form I-864A, meanwhile, requires the household member to submit evidence of their own income and assets to demonstrate their financial contributions to the support of the immigrant.

What is proof of relationship for Form I-864A?

The I-864A form requires proof of the household member’s relationship to the principal sponsor or the sponsored immigrant to ensure eligibility. Common documents that serve as proof of relationship include marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption records, and other official documents that verify the familial connection between the household member and the sponsor or immigrant. If these documents are in another language, they must be translated into English, following USCIS guidelines for certified translations.

In addition to official documents, other types of evidence, such as photographs or letters, may be used to demonstrate a close relationship between the household member and the sponsor or immigrant. It is essential to provide detailed and specific information, including the names of the individuals involved, dates, and places, to strengthen the proof of relationship.

Providing insufficient or incomplete documentation can result in delays or denial of the immigration process. Therefore, if there are any concerns or questions regarding the proof of relationship requirements, it is advisable to carefully review the instructions for the I-864A form or consult with an immigration attorney.

“We collected and distilled information on immigration for our site visitors from USCIS and other sources as a basic guide. MotaWord is a translation platform providing certified translations for immigration applicants and not a law firm. The information provided should not be construed as legal advice and might not be current. For current information please refer to the USCIS website or speak to your licensed immigration attorney.”