Minimum Annual Income Requirements for Military Sponsors: 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
For those looking to sponsor their spouse for a marriage green card, there are certain income requirements that must be met. The minimum annual income for a military sponsor is 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This means that the sponsor must make at least the poverty level income for the household size that the sponsor and immigrant are part of. The poverty level income depends on the state or area that the household is located in and the number of people in the household. In addition to meeting the income requirements, the sponsor must also be able to prove that all income is from legal sources and that they have been steadily employed or have had a steady income over the last 12 months.
To do this, the sponsor must file an Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, with the USCIS. This affidavit is a legally binding agreement between the sponsor and the U.S. government to ensure that the sponsor has the financial means to provide for the immigrant for the duration of the 3 years.
What Sources of Income Can I Include?
In order to be eligible to apply for a marriage-based green card, the foreign-born spouse must demonstrate that their household income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This means that the total income from the following sources must be taken into consideration:
- wages, salaries,
- commissions, and other forms of compensation from an employer;
- interest income from bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other investments;
- dividend income from stocks and mutual funds;
- rental income from real estate;
- pension, retirement, and annuity income;
- Social Security benefits; Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
- public assistance payments;
- alimony payments;
- royalties from intellectual property, such as book or music royalties; and
- self-employment income, such as income from consulting or freelance work.
In order to qualify for a marriage green card, the total combined income of the couple must be greater than the minimum amount set by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This means that if the foreign-born spouse has no income, the US citizen spouse must demonstrate that their income alone is at least 125% of the poverty guidelines in order for the marriage green card application to be approved. It is important to note that non-cash benefits, such as food stamps or housing assistance, are not counted when calculating income for marriage-based green card applications.
Can I Include Income from Other Members of My Household?
Obtaining a marriage-based green card in the United States requires couples to prove sufficient income to meet the requirements. In addition to the income of the petitioning spouse, income from other members of the household can also be used to demonstrate an adequate income level. This income must be from a legally valid source such as wages, pensions, Social Security, or disability benefits, and any income from a secondary source, such as investment or rental income, must meet certain requirements.
In order to qualify for a marriage-based green card, the combined income of the petitioning spouse and other household members must be at least 125% of the current poverty guideline for the family size. Even if the other household member is not a U.S. citizen, the income can still be included as long as the other member is legally residing in the country. In some cases, the income of a sponsor may also be counted in order to meet the income requirements for a marriage-based green card. The income requirements for a marriage-based green card are relatively straightforward, but it is important to understand all the requirements and factors that may affect the application process. With a clear understanding of the income requirements, couples can ensure their application is as successful as possible.
Can I Include Income from Other People Outside My Household?
When applying for a marriage green card, U.S. citizens must provide proof of household income to support their spouse’s application. If the couple is not living together, the U.S. citizen can include income from other people outside of their household to meet the minimum requirements. This can include income from parents, siblings, or other relatives. To include this income, the U.S. citizen must document the relationship between them and the other person providing the income. Documentation should include proof of residence, a copy of the other person’s tax return, or other financial records. All income must be reported on the I-864 Affidavit of Support form. Additionally, all income must meet the minimum income requirements for the green card application. Completing the I-864 Affidavit of Support form accurately is key to ensuring a successful marriage green card application.
Can I Include Income from the Relative Seeking the Green Card?
When applying for a marriage green card, income requirements must be met in order to be approved. The income of a relative can be included, but it must be proven that the income is not a result of a trade or business. In order to use the income of a relative, it must be verifiable and documented with pay stubs, bank records, or tax documents. The relative’s income must exceed 125% of the federal poverty guidelines in order for it to be counted. Any income that is derived from the trade or business of the relative cannot be included, and if the relative does not have enough income to meet the federal poverty guidelines, then the income of another sponsor can be used. It is important to be aware of these requirements before applying for a marriage green card, as failure to meet the income requirements can result in the application being denied.