When applying for a marriage-based green card whether through consular processing (CR-1/IR-1) or adjustment of status inside the U.S.—the sponsoring spouse must meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate financial ability to support the applicant.
This guide explains how to calculate your income, when assets or joint sponsors can help, and what documents to submit.
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Minimum Income to Sponsor Spouse:
To sponsor a spouse, you must earn at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines unless you are on active military duty (then 100% applies). Income requirements vary depending on your household size and state of residence.
Civilian Sponsor Income Requirements:
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States & D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $26,437 | $33,037 | $30,400 |
| 3 | $33,312 | $41,637 | $38,312 |
| 4 | $40,187 | $50,237 | $46,225 |
| 5 | $47,062 | $58,837 | $54,137 |
| 6 | $53,937 | $67,437 | $62,050 |
Military Sponsor Income:
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States & D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $21,150 | $26,430 | $24,320 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $33,310 | $30,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $40,190 | $36,980 |
Calculation of Household Size:
Your household includes:
- You (the sponsor)
- Your spouse (the green card applicant)
- Any unmarried children under 21
- Anyone claimed as a dependent on your latest tax return
- Anyone else you are sponsoring on another Form I-864
- Any co-resident adult whose income you’re including (requires Form I-864A)
Income Includes:
Your total income is the amount listed on Line 9 of IRS Form 1040 (your adjusted gross income). This can include:
- Wages/salary
- Retirement benefits
- Alimony or child support
- Interest, dividends, rental income
- Legal side-business income
Boundless Tip: Submit your most recent tax return, W-2, current pay stubs, and a letter from your employer to prove your present income level.
Household Members Help:
You can combine income from other adults in your home (e.g., spouse, parent, adult child) if:
- They are willing to commit financially to the immigrant’s support.
- They sign Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member).
Joint Sponsor:
If your income and assets aren’t enough, a joint sponsor can step in. They must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or green card holder
- Live in the U.S.
- Meet the full income requirement independently
You cannot combine your income with that of a joint sponsor
Immigrant’s Income Counting :
Yes, if:
- They have current lawful employment in the U.S.
- The income is expected to continue after green card approval.
Foreign Income Counting:
- No, foreign income (from sponsors living abroad) usually doesn’t count.
- Foreign assets also typically do not qualify unless being moved to the U.S.
When to Use Assets:
If you’re under the required income, you can use assets such as:
- Savings accounts
- Mutual funds or stocks
- Retirement accounts
- Real estate (net value only)
- A second car (only if you have two)
How to Calculate Required Assets?
Formula:
(Minimum Required Income − Actual Income) × 3 (if U.S. citizen sponsor)
or
× 5 (if green card holder sponsor)
Example:
- Household of 3, required: $33,312
- Actual income: $20,000
- Shortfall: $13,312
- Required assets: $13,312 × 3 = $39,936
Acceptable Asset Types:
| Asset Type | How It’s Evaluated |
|---|---|
| Savings/CDs | Bank statements, current balance |
| Stocks/Bonds | Portfolio records, valuation |
| Property | Appraisal – outstanding debt = Net value |
| Vehicles | Only second vehicle; value minus loan balance |
Additional Information:
- Always double-check the current year’s poverty guidelines.
- If USCIS deems the financial evidence insufficient, you may receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) delaying the case.
- Start preparing early by gathering tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Do income requirements change each year?
Yes. USCIS updates the poverty guidelines each year, typically in March. Always check the current Form I-864P to confirm the latest thresholds.
-
Can I use foreign income to meet the requirement?
No. Foreign income and foreign assets are generally not accepted unless the funds are already in the U.S. or can be lawfully transferred and documented
-
What is the minimum income to sponsor a spouse for a green card?
For most U.S.-based sponsors in the 48 contiguous states, the minimum income is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which is $27,650 for a household of two. This amount may vary based on household size and location (e.g., higher for Alaska and Hawaii).
