On this page
- Quick summary
- Overview (What is Form I-864EZ?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form I-864EZ rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form I-864EZ ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form I-864EZ?)
- Checklist (What is the Form I-864EZ checklist?)
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form I-864EZ have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form I-864EZ?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-864EZ?)
- Edge cases and variations
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Quick summary
#Instead, you must complete and submit Form I-864 Review the official instructions to confirm you meet the filing requirements for I-864EZ, as described in the Form I-140 guide, as described in the Form I-751 guide.
This new job offer must be in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job offered to you in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. (For more information about how we determine which jobs are same or similar, please see USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5].
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-864EZ?)
#Accurate completion and submission of Form I-864EZ assist the immigrant in obtaining a green card, enabling them to reside and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
First page of I-864EZ form
Source: I-864EZ PDF
Context and workflow
#Supporting document for family-based immigration petitions. Part of the evidence package submitted to USCIS. Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS acknowledging the form submission.
Why this matters
- Small mismatches inside I-864EZ (or between I-864EZ and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Processing time for I-864EZ varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
- Supporting document for family-based immigration petitions.
- Part of the evidence package submitted to USCIS.
- Used to assess financial eligibility during the immigration process.
- I-864EZ is commonly filed alongside Form I-130, Form I-485.
Who uses it
Form I-864EZ is intended for use by a sponsor who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, sponsoring only one immigrant, such as a spouse or unmarried child. The sponsor must be the petitioner of the family member and use their own income, derived solely from salary or pension, as documented by IRS Form W-2. This simplified affidavit of support is applicable when the sponsor's income meets or exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or 100% if the sponsor is on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and sponsoring a spouse or child. The sponsor must demonstrate that the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge and must intend to reestablish domicile in the United States by the time of the immigrant's admission or adjustment of status.
When it is used
- This new job offer must be in the same or a similar occupational classification as the job offered to you in the Form I-140 that is the basis of your Form I-485. (For more information about how we determine which jobs are same or similar, please see USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5].
Requirements snapshot
#- Used to document a sponsor’s financial support obligations for an intending immigrant.
- Supporting evidence must demonstrate the sponsor’s ability to meet the required support level.
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-864EZ rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting an unsigned affidavit.
Substantive weaknesses
- Not meeting income requirements.
- Incorrectly calculating household size.
- Failing to demonstrate intent to reestablish domicile in the U.S.
- To avoid insufficient income or incomplete financial evidence: Use current poverty guidelines; include all required tax and employment evidence.
- To avoid using i-864ez when household member income is needed: Use I-864 with I-864A if household member income is required; I-864EZ allows only sponsor income.
What it asks for (What does Form I-864EZ ask for?)
#- Details about the immigrant being sponsored.
- Details about the immigrant being sponsored, such as name, address, and country of citizenship.
- Information about the immigrant being sponsored
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Sponsor's signature and date
- Ensure all translations are certified and include the translator's signature.
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- Adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS will deny the request.
What you need (What do you need for Form I-864EZ?)
#- The current edition of I-864EZ
- Recent tax returns or income evidence for the sponsor and household members
- Household size documentation and supporting financial evidence
- Proof of domicile in the United States
- IRS Form W-2s to document income
- All evidence requested in the instructions with your affidavit.
- Evidence of income, such as tax returns or pay stubs.
- All required evidence and supporting documents.
- Failing to provide required evidence, leading to rejection or denial.
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Checklist (What is the Form I-864EZ checklist?)
#- Download the current I-864EZ and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the I-864EZ instructions for sponsor and household requirements
- Compile evidence of the sponsor's income and necessary household documentation.
- Complete all required sections of I-864EZ
- Ensure that the form is signed and dated in every required field.
- Sign, date, and submit I-864EZ with all required supporting evidence
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
Check the official I-864EZ page to see if online filing is available for your category.
Submit application
Paper filing addresses vary by eligibility category and state of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct filing address.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-864ez. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-864EZ fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-864EZ have?)
#Sponsor Information
Petitioner or sponsor identity and status.
- Full name and citizenship or LPR status
- Current address and household size
- Relationship to beneficiary
Income and Employment
Financial capacity evidence.
- Employer name and annual income
- Tax returns for the last 3 years
- W-2s and 1099s
- Current employment letter
Assets
If using assets to meet the requirement.
- Bank statements and account balances
- Property valuations
- Evidence of ownership
- 5x shortfall rule for assets when income is insufficient
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient income or incomplete financial evidence | Rejection | Use current poverty guidelines; include all required tax and employment evidence. |
| Using I-864EZ when household member income is needed | Rejection | Use I-864 with I-864A if household member income is required; I-864EZ allows only sponsor income. |
| Filing for ineligible beneficiary (not spouse or unmarried child under 21 of citizen) | Rejection | I-864EZ is only for sponsoring spouse or unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen; use I-864 otherwise. |
| Missing tax returns or employment evidence | RFE | Include most recent tax transcript and employer letter; income must meet 125% of poverty guidelines. |
Examples (What are examples for Form I-864EZ?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Strong application: A sponsor provides clear evidence of income through W-2 forms, meeting all requirements.
- Weak application: A sponsor submits Form I-864EZ without including recent tax returns, leading to a request for additional evidence and processing delays.
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-864EZ?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Approval of this form does not grant immigration status by itself
- The financial obligation can continue after filing, depending on the case outcome
- [object Object]
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-864EZ, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A sponsor with income at 150% of the poverty guideline completes the affidavit with 3 years of tax returns and 6 months of bank statements.
Affidavit accepted. Beneficiary's visa or adjustment application proceeds to approval.
Include complete tax documentation. IRS transcripts are preferred over photocopies of returns.
A sponsor uses a joint sponsor but the household member's Form I-864A is not signed by both parties.
RFE issued. The I-864A must be signed by both the sponsor and the household member.
All parties must sign. Household member income only counts with a properly executed I-864A.
An elderly sponsor has significant assets but low current income. The affidavit includes asset documentation exceeding 5 times the income shortfall.
Assets accepted. The 5x rule for assets applies when income is below the poverty guideline.
When using assets, the value must be 5 times the difference between your income and the poverty guideline for your household size.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative: Filed together: Simplified affidavit of support for family-based petitions
- Unlike Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: Filed together: Financial support evidence for adjustment of status
Why it matters
#Form I-864EZ can only be used if the sponsor's income is solely from salary or pension documented by W-2s.
Why it matters: Using the wrong form can delay processing and require resubmission.
The sponsor must demonstrate domicile in the United States even if living abroad temporarily.
Why it matters: Failure to prove domicile can result in rejection of the affidavit.
The obligation to support the immigrant continues until they become a U.S. citizen or meet other specific criteria.
Why it matters: Sponsors need to understand the long-term commitment involved.
The sponsor must notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days if they are not a U.S. citizen.
Why it matters: Failure to report an address change can result in civil penalties.
Next steps
#- Receipt Notice (a related form) from USCIS acknowledging the form submission.
- USCIS reviews the financial evidence and supporting documents.
- Possible request for additional evidence if the initial submission is incomplete.
- Decision on the affidavit's sufficiency as part of the overall immigration petition.
- If approved, the immigrant's application proceeds to the next stage.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-864EZ and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
FAQs
Why does USCIS need the information requested on I-864EZ?
I-864EZ provides a sworn declaration from a third party who has direct knowledge relevant to your application. Review the official I-864EZ instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
At what point in the immigration process is I-864EZ typically filed?
Consult the official I-864EZ instructions for detailed guidance tailored to your specific immigration category and circumstances.
Can I use Form I-864EZ if I have multiple relatives listed on Form I-130?
Form I-864EZ is specifically tailored for situations where the sponsored relative is the sole individual listed on Form I-130.
What supporting documents do I need for I-864EZ?
Evidence of the sponsor's income and financial resources.
Do I need to provide a mailing address for I-864EZ?
You need a reliable mailing address for notices and card delivery. If you do not have a stable address, USCIS allows alternatives (e.g., a representative's address or safe mailing options) per official rules — review the instructions for your situation.
What is the difference between I-864EZ and similar forms?
Form I-864EZ, a streamlined Affidavit of Support, is designed to confirm that a family-based immigrant has sufficient financial backing and is unlikely to rely on public assistance. This form is applicable under certain conditions, particularly when the sponsor's income is exclusively derived from salary or pension, as evidenced by IRS Form W-2. Each form in the immigration process has a distinct role, so ensure that I-864EZ is appropriate for your circumstances before submission.
Who is eligible to file I-864EZ?
Form I-864EZ serves as a streamlined Affidavit of Support, designed to confirm that a family-based immigrant has sufficient financial backing and is unlikely to rely on public assistance. This form is applicable when certain criteria are satisfied, particularly when the sponsor's income is exclusively derived from salary or pension, as evidenced by IRS Form W-2. For comprehensive guidance, please consult the official instructions.
What happens after I submit I-864EZ?
Upon submitting Form I-864EZ, USCIS will send a Confirmation of Receipt to acknowledge acceptance. Depending on the specifics of your case, you might be scheduled for an interview or asked to provide additional evidence. To track the progress of your case, use the receipt number provided in your notice to check your status online.
What are common reasons I-864EZ gets rejected?
Failing to provide required evidence, leading to rejection or denial. Other common reasons include using the wrong form edition, missing signatures, incomplete sections, and submitting incorrect fee amounts. Double-check all requirements before mailing your application.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. Use Find My Visa to get a personalized checklist with official sources and deadlines.
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