Does immigration look at gross or net income?
The income requirements are based on the federal poverty guidelines, which are calculated based on AGI. It's important to provide accurate and truthful information on the Form I-864, so you should report your AGI even if it is lower than your net income.
Therefore, for a sole proprietorship, USCIS considers net income to be the figure shown on line for adjusted gross income of the sole proprietor's Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
For purposes of this affidavit, the line for Total Income on IRS Forms 1040 and 1040A will be considered when determining income. For persons filing IRS Form 1040 EZ, the line for adjusted gross income will be considered.
2024 Income Requirements for Green Card Sponsors
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $25,550. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not on active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
| Sponsor's Household Size | 100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $23,500 | $29,375 |
| 3 | $29,690 | $37,113 |
| 4 | $35,880 | $44,850 |
| 5 | $42,070 | $52,588 |
When do I use gross income versus net income? Typically, when you're creating your monthly budget, you'll use your net income since your after-tax pay is what you use to pay your bills. However, you'll use your gross income when applying for credit, such as a loan or credit card.
Should I report the gross or net income on my credit application? You will need to report your gross income on a credit card application. That's your annual salary before taxes and other deductions.
USCIS does not limit the consideration of income only to income that appears on federal income tax forms, and considers all evidence of income from lawful sources. Examples of income that may not appear on income tax forms include child support and alimony.
| Sponsor's Household Size | 100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* |
|---|---|---|
| For sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child | For all other sponsors | |
| 2 | $21,060 | $26,325 |
| 3 | $26,490 | $33,112 |
| 4 | $31,920 | $39,900 |
You must show that your household income is equal to or higher than 125% of the U.S. poverty level for your household size. (Your household size includes you, your dependents, any relatives living with you, and the immigrants you are sponsoring.)
How do I prove my income to sponsor an immigrant?
For ALL sponsors:
A copy of your individual federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file.
While these requirements vary depending on the sponsor's family size, the general rule is that the income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty level. Therefore, a financial sponsor who is sponsoring only one immigrant and no family members must make at least $24,650 annually.
Tax returns can be crucial proof of naturalization eligibility if you want to obtain United States citizenship. The individual must bring certified tax returns for the last five years on the interview day. Certified tax transcripts for the last three years are required if that individual is married to a U.S. citizen.
If you do not meet the financial qualifications, the income of certain other household members can be added to your income level if they sign a contract on Form I-864A, Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, agreeing to make their income or assets available for the support of the relative ...
Yes, it is possible to sponsor your parents for a green card even if you do not have enough income to meet the financial requirements on your own. You can do this by finding a joint sponsor who is willing to sign an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) on your behalf.
The minimum income requirement for sponsoring an immigrant ranges from $22,888 for a 2-person civilian household to $58,288 for an 8-person civilian household. The specific income required depends on the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Federal Poverty Guidelines updated every year.
Net profit tells your creditors more about your business health and available cash than gross profit does. When investors want to invest in your company, they will refer to the net profit of your business to check whether it is worth investing their money.
Gross income is always higher than net income. Gross income is the total amount of money you earn before any deductions are made. Net income is your take-home pay.
Look at your net income because this gives you a better idea of what you can actually afford. Especially if you're in a higher tax bracket, the difference between your gross and net income will be larger.
While there isn't a specific income requirement for a card, evaluating your access to income allows a bank to determine your credit health and whether or not they want to lend you money based on their confidence in your ability to make your payments.
Does USCIS look at your taxes?
USCIS will review your tax returns (for any relevant years) to confirm that they were filed jointly. After two years as a conditional resident, you'll need to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.
Upon entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection questions the person whether he or she has earned income abroad and filed taxes there. If the CBP determines that as a result of filing taxes abroad, the person has been residing there, then it can refer the person to Immigration Court for removal proceedings.
IRS and USCIS don't share data or records with each other so USCIS wouldn't request information about your taxes form IRS. However, USCIS may request tax documents from you if they see a need to. But this is typically when you apply for a green card (if you're in the US) or US citizenship.
USCIS will review your tax returns (for any relevant years) to confirm that they were filed jointly. After two years as a conditional resident, you'll need to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.
The application for naturalization specifically asks if you owe any federal, state, or local taxes, and if you ever failed to file a tax return since becoming a lawful permanent resident.
