I-864A: Common Questions Answered

The I-864A form is a supplement to the I-864, Affidavit of Support, and is utilized when more than one household member is making contributions to the sponsor's income to meet the sponsorship immigrant's income requirements. The I-864A is used to assure that the sponsored immigrant won't end up costing the public money and will have enough money to support themselves while living in the United States. However, completing the I-864A can be challenging and confusing, and applicants may have numerous queries and worries. We will address some of the most often asked questions concerning the I-864A form in this article, offering a thorough explanation of this important step in the immigration procedure.

Understanding Form I-864A

What is I 864A?

The I-864A is an addendum to the I-864 Affidavit of Support, which must be completed by most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants in order to demonstrate that they would have sufficient financial support while residing in the United States.

What is I-864A used for?

The I-864 Affidavit of Support, a mandatory document for the majority of family-based and certain employment-based immigrants to demonstrate that they would have sufficient financial support while residing in the United States, is supplemented by the I-864A form. The I-864A is specifically utilized when numerous household members are contributing to the sponsor's income to meet the Affidavit of Support's income requirements. This document assists in ensuring that the sponsored immigrant won't become a burden on society and will receive enough financial support while living in the country. The I-864A assists the USCIS in determining the ability of the sponsor and their household members to support the sponsored immigrant financially by providing extra information about their income, assets, and expenses.

Who is household member sponsor?

An individual who resides with the primary sponsor and is prepared to donate their money and assets to support the sponsored immigrant is known as a household member sponsor. A spouse, parent, or any other person who lives in the primary sponsor's home and is linked to them by blood, marriage, or adoption is considered a household member.

A person must be at least 18 years old and have their primary residence in the same home as the primary sponsor in order to qualify as a household member sponsor. When determining whether the minimum income requirements for the I-864 Affidavit of Support are met, the household member sponsor must also provide proof of their income and assets, which will be taken into account along with those of the primary sponsor. The I-864A form must be signed by the sponsor of the household member. By completing the I-864A, the household member consents to share financial responsibility for supporting the sponsored immigrant with the principal sponsor.

An individual who resides with the primary sponsor and provides their money and assets to assist the sponsored immigrant is known as a household member sponsor. In order to sign the I-864A form and declare their readiness to bear financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant, they must be eligible.

What is joint sponsor for form I-864A?

In addition to the principal sponsor named on the I-864 Affidavit of Support, a co-sponsor is someone who agrees to provide financial support for the sponsored immigrant. The I-864 form must be filled out and signed by the joint sponsor as well, demonstrating their willingness to bear financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant. When the principal sponsor cannot show that they have the necessary financial resources to sustain the sponsored immigrant or does not satisfy the minimum income standards, a joint sponsor is required. The primary sponsor's eligibility conditions must also be met by the joint sponsor, who must also show proof of their income, assets, and financial stability. A sponsored immigrant who has a joint sponsor has additional financial backing, which can help to assure that they won't become a burden on society and will have enough support while living in the United States. It is important to remember that, just like the primary sponsor, the joint sponsor is also legally obligated to provide for the sponsored immigrant.

What is the difference between joint sponsor and i864A?

Although the I-864A and joint sponsor both have the same objective of giving an immigrant financial support, there are some significant differences between the two. The I-864A is a legal agreement between the primary sponsor and the family member who is helping to support the sponsor financially. As a member of the sponsor's household, the household member commits to support the sponsored immigrant, and the sponsor agrees to take into account the household member's income and assets when calculating their capacity to provide for the immigrant. When a household member's income and assets are required to meet the I-864 Affidavit of Support's minimum income standards, the I-864A is used.

On the other hand, a joint sponsor is a different person who agrees to provide financial support for the sponsored immigrant. The joint sponsor must finish and sign their own I-864 Affidavit of Support and adhere to the same eligibility standards as the primary sponsor. Income and assets of the joint sponsor are taken into account independently from those of the primary sponsor.

The I-864A entails a household member contributing to the primary sponsor's income and assets, whereas the joint sponsor is a different person who provides additional financial support. This is the main distinction between the two. When the primary sponsor is unable to meet the requirements alone, the I-864A is used to meet the minimum income requirements.

Do I need to fill out I-864A?

The particulars of your circumstance will determine whether or not you need to complete Form I-864A. Only if you are a household member sponsor and reside in the same household as the primary sponsor who completed Form I-864 is Form I-864A necessary. To help fulfill the minimum income requirements for the I-864 Affidavit of Support, you could be needed to file Form I-864A, which asks for more details about your income and assets.

It is not necessary for you to complete Form I-864A if you are the major sponsor. However, they might need to complete the I-864A form if you have a household member sponsor who is contributing to your income and assets.

If you are unsure which forms you must complete for your unique circumstance, it is crucial to thoroughly read the directions for each form and speak with an immigration attorney. The immigration procedure may be delayed or denied if necessary forms are not completed or if wrong or partial information is provided.

Filling Out and Submitting I-864A

How to fill out an i864a form?

The I-864A form can be complicated to fill out, but it must be done correctly and completely to avoid delays or a possible application refusal. Following are some instructions for completing the I-864A form:

1- Read the instructions carefully: Read the directions provided by USCIS attentively before filling out the form to make sure you comprehend the prerequisites and regulations.

2- Provide accurate information: On the form, be sure to give true and accurate information. Incomplete or inaccurate information may result in delays or even application rejection.

3- List all household members: List every household member who is making a financial contribution, along with their relationship to the sponsor, their income, their assets, and their outgoings.

4- Sign and date the form: The form must be signed and dated by the sponsor and every member of the household that is named.

5- Submit supporting documents: Include supporting documentation to back up the income and asset information you provide on the form, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and bank statements.

6- Double-check the form: Verify the accuracy of the data, the completion of all essential fields, and the inclusion of all supporting documents before submitting the form.

Following these instructions will help applicants fill out their I-864A form precisely and completely, which may speed up processing and prevent any application-related problems.

What are the supporting documents for i-864a?

Sponsors of household members use Form I-864A to substantiate the principal sponsor's I-864 Affidavit of Support. It may be necessary to submit the following supporting papers in addition to the completed I-864A form:

1- Proof of Relationship: Documents that establish the sponsor's familial tie with the primary sponsor or sponsored immigrant, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption papers, and other formal documents.

2- Income Documents: Household member sponsors must produce proof of income in the form of recent tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs. They may also be asked to give proof of any additional income they receive, such as rental or investment income.

3- Assets: Sponsors might mention their assets to help meet the I-864 Affidavit of Support's minimum income standards. Bank statements, property deeds, and other papers proving asset ownership are examples of assets.

4- Employment Verification: Sponsors may mention their assets to help fulfill the minimal income requirements of the I-864 Affidavit of Support. Assets include bank statements, property deeds, and other documents showing asset ownership.

5- Proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: Sponsors of household members must show proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card.

If you are confused about which supporting papers you need to send for your individual case, carefully read the directions for each form and speak with an immigration attorney. Failure to produce needed supporting documents, or giving missing or erroneous information, can result in immigration delays or denials.

Do I need to translate supporting documents for the I-864A application?

If any of your I-864A application supporting documents are not in English, they must be translated into English. This is due to the fact that USCIS requires all documentation submitted with your application to be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

The translator must certify and sign the translation, attesting to their proficiency in both languages as well as the correctness of the translation. The translator's name, signature, address, and date should be included in the certification, as well as a statement stating that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of the translator's knowledge and abilities.

It should be noted that translating your supporting documents may add time and money to your application procedure. As a result, it is essential that you plan ahead of time and ensure that you have finished all necessary translations before submitting your I-864A application. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the translation process, you should speak with an immigration attorney or a qualified translator.

How should the documents be translated?

If you need to translate supporting documents for your I-864A application, you must adhere to USCIS rules. The following are the measures to take when translating documents:

1- Choose a reputable translation provider: The translator provider should service appropriate translation for your USCIS application. Also, in legal translation, it should be professional. A qualified translation provider might be a certified translation service, or a multilingual person fluent in both languages.

2- Translate the document: The translator must offer an exact and comprehensive translation of the entire document, including any signatures, stamps, or seals. On a separate sheet of paper, type the translation and add the translator's signature and contact information.

3- Certify the translation: A certification statement attesting to the translator's ability in both languages and the accuracy of the translation should be included. The translator's name, signature, address, and date should be included, as well as a statement stating that the translation is comprehensive and correct to the best of the translator's knowledge and abilities.

4- Submit the translated document: You must submit both the original and translated documents, as well as the certification statement, to USCIS. It is vital to note that any documentation submitted with your application must be in English or be supported by an English translation. If you do not offer a translation, USCIS may delay or deny your application. As a result, it is essential that you plan ahead of time and ensure that you have finished all necessary translations before submitting your I-864A application. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the translation process, you should speak with an immigration attorney or a qualified translator.

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Acquiring and Processing I-864A

How Do I Get Form I-864A?

Form I-864A, Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, is available for free PDF download from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at. This form is used when a sponsor needs to include the income of a household member in order to support an intended immigrant because their income is insufficient on its own to do so. Use the most recent version of the form, carefully follow the provided instructions, and take legal advice into account if you have any concerns about correctly filling it out. Use caution if using third-party form preparation services since USCIS forms should be freely available on their official website.

How long does it take to process I-864A form?

The length of time it takes to process the I-864A form depends on a number of variables. The USCIS's workload, which varies depending on the number of applications submitted, is one of the most important considerations. The processing time can also be impacted by the accuracy and completeness of the filed form, the complexity of the case, and other factors. The I-864A form might range from a few weeks to several months. It's important to remember, though, that USCIS gives estimated processing timeframes for a variety of forms and applications on its website, which can assist applicants in getting a sense of how long the process might take. Before submitting their I-864A form for processing, applicants should make sure it is accurate, complete, and complies with all requirements to avoid any unnecessary delays or potential denials.

Key Differences and Proof of Relationship

What is the difference between form I-864 and I-864A?

Form I-864 is used for the principal sponsor, and Form I-864A is used for household member sponsors. This is the key distinction between the two forms. The major sponsor declares their capacity to support the sponsored immigrant financially in the I-864 form. The I-864A, on the other hand, is a form submitted by a household member who is making a financial contribution to the primary sponsor.

The degree of financial accountability is another significant distinction between the two sorts. According to the I-864, the primary sponsor is legally obligated to provide support for the sponsored immigrant. However, the I-864A is signed by a household member sponsor who consents to share financial responsibility for supporting the sponsored immigrant with the primary sponsor.

The specifications for the supporting documentation varied between the two types as well. In contrast to the I-864A, which requests evidence of the household member sponsor's income and assets, the I-864 requires the primary sponsor to produce proof of their income in the form of tax returns and W-2s.

What is proof of relationship for i 864a?

The I-864A form, which is used by household member sponsors to support the primary sponsor's I-864 Affidavit of Support, is crucial because it asks for proof of relationship. To prove the sponsor's connection to both the primary sponsor and the sponsored immigrant, proof of relationship is necessary. Marriage licenses, birth certificates, adoption records, and other official documents that prove the sponsor's relationship to the primary sponsor or sponsored immigrant are some examples of common documents that can be used as proof of relationship. If these documents are in another language, it is crucial to make sure they are translated into English.

Other types of evidence, such as pictures or letters that show a close relationship between the sponsor and the primary sponsor or sponsored immigrant, might be used in addition to official paperwork to prove a link. It is important to provide proof that is as specific as you can, including names of the people involved, times, and places.

It's crucial to remember that giving insufficient documentation of a relationship can cause the immigration process to be delayed or denied. Therefore, if you have any questions or concerns about the proof of relationship requirements, it's important to carefully read the instructions for the I-864A form and consult with an immigration attorney.

The length of time it takes to process the I-864A form depends on a number of variables. The USCIS's workload, which varies depending on the number of applications submitted, is one of the most important considerations. The processing time can also be impacted by the accuracy and completeness of the filed form, the complexity of the case, and other factors. The I-864A form might range from a few weeks to several months. It's important to remember, though, that USCIS gives estimated processing timeframes for a variety of forms and applications on its website, which can assist applicants in getting a sense of how long the process might take. Before submitting their I-864A form for processing, applicants should make sure it is accurate, complete, and complies with all requirements to avoid any unnecessary delays or potential denials.

FAQs on I-864A

Is a joint sponsor necessary if Form I-864A is used?

When using Form I-864A, the requirement for a joint sponsor is largely determined by whether the combined income of the primary sponsor and household member(s) meets the financial requirements set by immigration authorities.

If the total income of the primary sponsor and household member(s) meets or exceeds the required income threshold for sponsorship, a joint sponsor may not be required. To meet the financial obligations of sponsorship, Form I-864A allows household members to combine their income with that of the primary sponsor.

If the combined income of the primary sponsor and household member(s) falls below the required threshold, a joint sponsor—someone other than the primary sponsor and their household—may be required to provide additional financial support.

Finally, whether a joint sponsor is required is determined by whether the total combined income meets the financial requirements established by immigration authorities for sponsoring an immigrant.

Can foreign income be included in Form I-864A?

Yes, foreign income can be reported on Form I-864A as part of the total income of the household member. When including foreign income, however, it is critical to provide adequate documentation and verification to support its legitimacy and dependability.

Form I-864A should include the following foreign income:

Documentation: Provide detailed documentation to prove the foreign income. Foreign tax returns, employment contracts, pay stubs, or other credible evidence demonstrating the household member's income earned outside the United States may be included.

Currency Conversion: If the income is not in US dollars, include accurate currency conversion rates when filing the form. The earnings must be reported in US dollars.

Income Reliability: The USCIS typically evaluates the stability and reliability of foreign income. The consistency and proof of regularity with which this income is received can strengthen its validity in the sponsorship application.

Legalization and translation: Documents that are not in English must be accurately translated. Any documents that are not in English must usually be accompanied by certified translations.

While foreign income can be included in Form I-864A, it is critical to ensure that the provided documentation meets the requirements set by USCIS to support the household member's income contribution toward meeting the financial obligations of sponsorship.

Does joint sponsor fill out I-864A?

Form I-864A is typically not completed by a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor, on the other hand, fills out their own affidavit of support, Form I-864, to provide additional financial support to the immigrant applicant.

Form I-864A, "Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member," is designed for primary sponsor's household members who live in the same household and want to combine their income with the primary sponsor's income to meet the financial requirements for sponsoring an immigrant.

If a joint sponsor is required to supplement the income of the primary sponsor, they must file their own Form I-864 and provide their financial information separately from the primary sponsor's household.

To summarize, the I-864A form is critical for anyone seeking to sponsor an immigrant for a U.S. visa or green card. It allows additional household members to join the primary sponsor in achieving the US government's income standards. Understanding the requirements and procedures for completing the I-864A form might be complicated, but with the right help and preparation, it can be a simple process. To avoid delays in the application's processing, ensure that all needed documents and information are given precisely and on time. You can successfully complete the I-864A form and boost your chances of sponsoring your loved ones to join you in the United States by following the steps mentioned in this article and seeking expert advice if necessary.

“We collected and distilled information on immigration for our site visitors from USCIS and other sources as a basic guide. MotaWord is a translation platform providing certified translations for immigration applicants and not a law firm. The information provided should not be construed as legal advice and might not be current. For current information please refer to the USCIS website or speak to your licensed immigration attorney.”