To sponsor your child for a Green Card in the USA, your income generally needs to meet specific thresholds based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines. For a household of two people (you, the sponsor, and your immigrating child), the minimum income required is $25,550 as of August 2024.
Understanding the Income Requirement for Sponsoring a Child
When you sponsor a child for a Green Card, you must demonstrate your financial ability to support them. This is primarily done through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, ensuring the sponsored individual will not become a "public charge."
General Income Threshold
The general rule requires a sponsor's income to be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. This percentage is set to ensure the sponsor has sufficient means to support both their existing household and the new immigrant.
Military Exception
If you are an active duty member of the U.S. armed forces and are sponsoring your child, the income requirement is reduced. In this case, your income only needs to meet 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, making the financial hurdle lower for service members.
Calculating Your Household Size
Your "household size" for this purpose is crucial as it directly impacts the income threshold. It includes:
- Yourself (the sponsor)
- The immigrating child you are sponsoring
- Any other dependents you claim on your most recent federal income tax return
- Any other individuals you have previously sponsored using Form I-864 who are still covered by the affidavit
- Any other immigrants who are accompanying or "following to join" your household (e.g., if you are sponsoring multiple family members)
For instance, if you are single and sponsoring only one child, your household size would typically be two. If you are married with one other child and sponsoring another child, your household size would be four (you + spouse + two children).
Example Income Thresholds
The income requirements are updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. While the specific figures change, the principle remains consistent: the larger your household, the higher the required income.
Here's an illustrative example:
| Household Size | General Minimum Income (125% of Poverty Guidelines) | Active Duty Military Minimum Income (100% of Poverty Guidelines) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $25,550 (as of August 2024) | Lower than general requirement |
| 3 | Higher than $25,550 | Higher than active duty military for household of 2 |
| 4 | Continues to increase with size | Continues to increase with size |
Note: The exact figures for household sizes larger than two will be higher and should be verified against the most current official HHS Poverty Guidelines.
What if Your Income Is Not Enough?
If your income alone does not meet the necessary threshold, there are alternative options to satisfy the financial requirement:
- Using Assets: You can use the value of your assets, such as savings, stocks, bonds, or real estate, to supplement your income. Generally, the value of your assets must be at least five times the difference between your income and the required poverty guideline (or three times the difference for sponsoring a spouse or child of a U.S. citizen).
- Joint Sponsor: You can secure a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is another U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who agrees to accept legal and financial responsibility for your child. They must meet the full income requirements independently based on their own household size and without combining their income with yours.
- Household Member's Income: In some situations, the income of other members of your household (e.g., your spouse, adult children living with you) can be included. These household members must sign a Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, agreeing to make their income available for the sponsored individual.
For the most current poverty guidelines and detailed information, it is advisable to consult the official website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
