Obtaining a Marriage Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident involves several requirements, including income requirements. The income requirements are primarily associated with the Affidavit of Support, which is a legal contract that the sponsoring spouse signs to promise to financially support the foreign spouse.
Here are the key points regarding income requirements for a Marriage Green Card:
- Affidavit of Support: The sponsoring spouse must complete and submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with their tax returns and other financial documents. This form is used to demonstrate the sponsoring spouse’s ability to financially support the intending immigrant.
- Minimum Income Requirement: The sponsoring spouse needs to meet a minimum income threshold to sponsor their spouse for a Marriage Green Card. The minimum income requirement is typically 125% of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines. The specific income threshold depends on the household size. This figure is updated annually, so it’s essential to check the most current guidelines on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
- Household Size: The total household size, including the sponsoring spouse, any dependents, and the intending immigrant, is considered when determining whether the income requirement is met.
- Joint Sponsor: If the sponsoring spouse’s income does not meet the minimum requirement, they can use a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is willing to take legal responsibility for financially supporting the intending immigrant. The joint sponsor must meet the income requirements and submit their own Form I-864.
- Assets: In some cases, if the sponsoring spouse’s income is insufficient, they may use assets, such as savings, real estate, or other valuable possessions, to meet the financial requirements. The assets must have a sufficient cash value to compensate for the income deficit.
What are the minimum marriage green card income requirements?
The minimum income requirements for sponsoring a foreign spouse for a Marriage Green Card are based on the federal poverty guidelines. The sponsoring spouse’s income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty level for their household size. These guidelines are updated annually, so it’s essential to check the most recent figures on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information.
Please note that the poverty guidelines can vary based on the household size. The minimum income requirement may change depending on how many people are in the sponsoring spouse’s household, including themselves, their dependents, and the intending immigrant.
To give you a general idea, here are the income requirements based on the 2021 federal poverty guidelines:
For the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia:
- 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for a household of one was approximately $15,950.
- For each additional household member, you would add about $5,780.
For Alaska:
- 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for a household of one was approximately $19,950.
- For each additional household member, you would add about $7,260.
For Hawaii:
- 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for a household of one was approximately $18,400.
- For each additional household member, you would add about $6,690.
Keep in mind that these numbers are subject to change, and it’s important to verify the most current income requirements from the USCIS website or by consulting with an immigration attorney before starting the application process.
How can I prove that I meet the minimum marriage green card income requirements?
Proving that you meet the minimum income requirements for a Marriage Green Card involves providing documentation and completing the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) accurately. Here’s how you can demonstrate that you meet the income requirements:
- Complete Form I-864: The sponsoring spouse must complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This form serves as a legally binding contract that you will provide financial support to the intending immigrant.
- Provide Tax Documents: Attach copies of your most recent federal income tax returns (typically the last three years). You will also need to provide W-2 forms, 1099s, and any other relevant income documents. The tax returns should be signed, dated, and include all pages and schedules.
- Proof of Current Employment: You may need to provide current employment verification, including a letter from your employer confirming your job, your income, and the duration of your employment.
- Recent Pay Stubs: Include recent pay stubs that demonstrate your current income. Typically, providing the last six months of pay stubs is recommended.
- Letter of Employment: A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, may be required. This letter should detail your position, salary, and the length of your employment.
- Bank Statements: Include recent bank statements to verify your assets and savings. These can be used to supplement your income if it’s not sufficient on its own.
- Joint Sponsor’s Documents: If you are using a joint sponsor to meet the income requirements, they will need to provide the same set of documents as mentioned above (Form I-864, tax returns, employment verification, etc.).
- Assets: If you are using assets to supplement your income, provide evidence of their cash value. This could include bank statements, property appraisals, and other documents demonstrating ownership and value.
- Credit Report: You may need to provide a copy of your credit report, which can be used to show your overall financial stability.
- Affidavit of Support Fee: Pay the required fee for processing the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
