Form I-864A Guide

USCIS evaluates the household member's income, relationship to the sponsor, and the validity of signatures on Form I-864A. A common mismatch occurs when the income documentation does not align with the information provided on the form.

• Submit IRS transcripts or photocopies of IRS transcript or tax return for the most recent tax year (and prior years if required).
• Include proof of income such as pay stubs or employment letters.
• Provide documentation of any assets claimed for support.
• Ensure all evidence is clearly labeled and organized.
• Attach translations for any documents not in English.
• Include proof of relationship to the sponsor, such as birth certificates or marriage licenses.

• Missing required income documentation, such as tax returns or pay stubs.
• Inconsistent information between the form and supporting documents, which can lead to delays.
• Failure to provide a valid signature, as USCIS will reject forms without proper signatures.
• Not including proof of the relationship to the sponsor, which is necessary for the application.

• Complete Form I-864A for each household member providing support.
• Submit with Form I-864.
• Provide proof of income for the last three tax years.
• Include a valid signature from both parties.
• Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
• Provide documentation of relationship to the sponsor.

• General Instructions

  Follow the guidelines for completing the form, including signature requirements and filing procedures.

• Specific Instructions

  Detailed steps for filling out each part of the form, including what information to provide.

• Your (the Household Member’s) Employment and Income

  Provide information about your current employment and income to demonstrate financial support.

• Your (the Household Member’s) Federal Income Tax Information and Assets

  Include your tax information and any assets that can be used to support the sponsored immigrant.

• Signature

  Both the sponsor and household member must sign the contract to validate it.

• Biometric Services Appointment

  You may need to attend an appointment for biometrics to verify your identity.

• Full Name
• Mailing Address
• Physical Address
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
• USCIS Online Account Number
• Current Individual Annual Income
• Relationship to the Sponsor

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
• Evidence of sponsor income and household size.

• Missing signatures from either the sponsor or household member.
• Inaccurate or incomplete mailing and physical addresses.
• Failure to provide required income documentation.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Not including translations for foreign language documents.
• Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-864A and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit the form with a complete packet. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence. Result: The case number is issued without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer must include a prior receipt number on I-864A. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying case. Action: They enter the exact receipt number and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
• Situation: A filer must align Form data with supporting documents. Task: They review the packet prior to filing. Action: They reconcile names, dates, document numbers, and the case number before submission. Result: The case proceeds without a mismatch notice.

• Household members must meet USCIS's definition, which is based on specific family relationships and residence or tax-dependency rules described in the Form I-864A instructions.
• Only one Form I-864A is needed for multiple household members, which is incorrect; each must file separately to document their support.
• Photocopied signatures are acceptable, but only if they are from the original document; otherwise, the form may be rejected.
• It is assumed that all household members automatically qualify as dependents, but they must be listed on the sponsor's most recent Federal income tax return.

This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-864A, ensuring that you have the most current and accurate information. It is designed to help you navigate the requirements without legal jargon.

• Browse all forms
• Find My Visa