Information Packages

Additional Information about the Affidavit of Support 

All immigrant visa applicants in the categories below must present a contractually binding, properly notarized Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), signed by the petitioner:

• All family-based immigrants (orphans, self-petitioning widow/widowers and battered spouses and children are exempt) and
• Those employment-based immigrants who are petitioned by a relative or by a business in which a relative has significant ownership interest.

Do not mail the Affidavit to the consular section, National Visa Center, or the Immigration and Naturalization Service unless so instructed. Present it at the visa interview.

The National Visa Center mails the I-864, along with details on the sponsor's obligations and instructions for completing the form, with routine information packets. Additional information and copies of the I-864 are available through:

• the Bureau of Consular Affairs autofax service (tel. 202/647-3000)
• the Bureau's website http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
• the INS website http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-864pkg.htm or 
• the nearest INS Office.

The purpose of the Affidavit is to assist consular officers in determining whether a visa applicant will have adequate means of financial support in the U.S. and will not become a public charge. By executing this form, the petitioner agrees to reimburse any government agency or private entity that provides the sponsored alien with any means-tested public benefits.

Who completes an Affidavit of Support?

The person completing the affidavit is the sponsor:

• for family-based immigrants, the petitioner must be the sponsor. 
• for employment-based immigrants, the petitioning relative or relative with significant ownership interest in the petitioning entity must be the sponsor. 
• under certain circumstances, a joint sponsor(s) may also submit a Form I-864.
• an I-864 with all supporting documents, including current year tax returns, must be submitted for each applicant, including eligible accompanying family members. Photocopies are acceptable for family members, if they have original signatures and notarizations. Signature and notarization photocopies are not accepted.