Facts about the I 864 PDF template
Contents
What Is a Form I 864 PDF Used For?
This is a sworn affidavit that the majority of family-based immigrants need to file. Additionally, some employment-based immigrants may also need to file the form. The affidavit shows that these immigrants have an adequate means to support themselves financially when they enter the country, and that they will not be likely to end up relying on government assistance.
When the affidavit is signed, it's used as a contract between the person signing and the United States government. The person signing the form is referred to as the sponsor. It's important to note on the affidavit that you possess enough assets and income to maintain your household in at least 125% of the guidelines for federal poverty. By signing the form, you agree that you will use your resources to support the intended immigrants who are named within the affidavit.
Who Would Use a Form I 864 PDF?
Immigrants meeting the following circumstances must submit this form if they want to obtain an overseas immigrant visa, or they want to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States:
- Any immediate relatives of United States citizens, including spouses, parents of United States citizens who are at least 21 years old, and unmarried children under the age of 21
- Any immigrants with a family-based preference, such as the unmarried daughters and sons of United States citizens; the spouses, unmarried daughters, and unmarried sons of lawful permanent residents; the married daughters and sons of United States citizens; the brothers and sisters of United States citizens at least 21 years of age
- Any immigrants with an employment-based preference when a United States citizen, United States national relative, or lawful permanent resident has filed the immigrant's visa petition or has a significant interest in whichever entity filled the petition ("significant ownership" meaning 5% or more)
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There are a few exceptions to the rule about who needs to file the form:
- Intending immigrants who can receive or has earned 40 qualifying credits of work in the country
- Intending immigrants who will acquire their United States citizenship according to section 320 of the INA
- Self-petitioning widowers and widows who have had their Form I-360, Widow(er), Special Immigrant, or Petition for Amerasian approved
- Self-petitioning battered spouses, along with their children, who have been given an approved Form I-360
When Should a Form I 864 PDF Be Used?
This is one of many forms to be used during the immigration process. If you're an intended immigrant who meets the circumstances outlined above, you'll be required to submit this form. Make sure that you procure and attach all the documentation required to prove your financial status and other information.
What Are the Consequences of Not Using a Form I 864?
If you're one of the people required to file this form before you can enter the country, and you fail to do so, your application for a visa will not be approved. Alternatively, your application for lawful permanent resident status will not be approved. You cannot file your application without a major piece of the paperwork, especially considering this affidavit also requires you to attach verifying documentation.
How to Fill Out a Form I 864
Follow these general instructions:
- Type your answers in the appropriate fields provided.
- If you run out of space for any item, you should use the extra space in Part 11 to finish your writing. Make sure you note which question the writing is in response to.
- Provide accurate and full answers to the questions. When questions don't apply to you, you should type "N/A" unless the form gives you alternative directions.
The potential bad news is that the official form is 12 pages long. It covers a great deal of different information. However, there's also an official instruction packet that comes with it. These instructions take you through the affidavit box by box, explaining all of the data and abbreviations being asked for.
You'll need to explain the reason for filing the affidavit. If you're a joint sponsor, you'll need to take down information about the other sponsor as well. If you're a substitute sponsor, you'll be required to note this.
You'll give information about yourself, including your full name, your mailing address, and the country you came from. You'll also need to provide information about any dependents you intend to bring with you, such as your non-working spouse or children under the age of 21.
You acknowledge that you take on financial responsibility for all of the family members noted in the affidavit. This means that your income needs to meet at least 125% of the federal poverty line for a family of your size, rather than just for you as an individual.
You'll be asked to provide information about your finances. This includes the assets you have, whether you will use the assets to supplement your income, and how you plan to make money once you enter the United States. You must have some kind of guaranteed income or reliable assets.
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Quick Questions
There is no associated filing fee for this particular form.
You must provide supporting documentation and evidence wherever the questions ask for it. This should be attached to the form and adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Specific Requirements and Specific Instructions portions of the official instructions.
When you're putting together your supporting documentation, you're welcome to use photocopies of your original documents. The one exception is if the Instructions specifically state that you should use an original.