Does NVC look at gross income?
They look at total income, which is found on line 9 of the 1040 form you file with the IRS for your taxes.
When completing Form I-864, USCIS typically asks for your adjusted gross income (AGI), not your net income. Your AGI is your total income minus specific deductions allowed by the IRS, such as contributions to retirement accounts or student loan interest payments.
Evidence of income
This can include evidence of current employment or self-employment, recent pay statements, a letter from the employer on business letterhead – showing dates of employment, wages paid, and type of work performed – or other financial data.
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.
| Sponsor's Household Size (by number of people, including sponsor and spouse) | Sponsors in the 48 continental states, D.C., and U.S. territories | Sponsors in Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $22,887 | $26,325 |
| 3 | $28,787 | $33,112 |
| 4 | $34,687 | $39,900 |
| 5 | $39,900 | $46,687 |
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.
"Generally, income means gross income, but a number of states have deductions for medical expenses over a certain level, or for some limited expenses associated with employment such as child care.
| 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 |
The minimum required income for most sponsors is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size and location. For a couple who live in the 48 contiguous states (mainland United States) and have no children, the required minimum annual income is currently $25,550.
The law requires a sponsor to prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level. (For active duty military personnel, the income requirement is 100 percent of the poverty level when sponsoring a husband, wife, or children.)
How much income do I need for Affidavit of support?
The financial sponsor must have an annual income that is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The more people there are in your household, the higher your income will need to be to meet the requirements.
The Form I-864 requires the sponsor to state whether he or she is employed, self-employed, retired or unemployed. The State Department interprets “income” for purposes of the affidavit of support to be “total unadjusted income as shown on the tax return, before deductions.” Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) 40.41 N5. 5.
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.
| Number of people in your household (including yourself and your spouse)* | For sponsors in the 48 contiguous states, D.C., and U.S. territories | For sponsors in Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $25,550 | $31,925 |
| 3 | $32,275 | $40,338 |
| 4 | $39,000 | $48,750 |
| 5 | $45,725 | $57,163 |
Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
Most petitioners must show that they have an income that exceeds 125% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines, or find a joint sponsor who meets those guidelines. Frequently Asked Questions What forms must petitioners submit?
| Household Size (including the sponsor and their spouse) | 125% of the Federal Poverty Line in the 48 contiguous states, D.C., and any U.S. territories |
|---|---|
| 2 | $22,887 |
| 3 | $28,787 |
| 4 | $34,687 |
| 5 | $40,587 |
What happens if the petitioner doesn't have enough income? Petitioners who cannot meet this level have two choices: 1) find a “joint sponsor” who will agree to also financially support the visa applicant, or 2) use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines.
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.
Gross income includes wages, dividends, capital gains, business and retirement income as well as all other forms income. Examples of income include tips, rents, interest, stock dividends, etc.
Is your total gross income?
In short, gross income is a person's total earnings prior to taxes or other deductions. It includes all income received from all sources: including money, property, and the value of services received. Gross income is reduced by adjustments and deductions before taxes are calculated.
Taxable income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, and tips, as well as investment income and various types of unearned income.
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.
There are also ways to get a green card without a US company sponsor. Two of these ways are: (1) the EB1A visa; and (2) the National Interest Waiver. Through both of these options, you do not need a job offer and you do not need a company to file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf.
The term “household liabilities” is neither defined nor exemplified in the Instructions other than they must be owed by household members. Liabilities should include fixed and regular expenses, such as a mortgage or lease payment, car loans, school tuition, or child support.
