The United States has published revised financial requirements for people sponsoring relatives applying for family-based green cards. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the updated guidelines for Form I-864, also known as the Affidavit of Support, took effect on 1 March 2026. The new thresholds apply to affidavits of support filed from that date, including applications that were already pending.
Under US immigration rules, sponsors must generally earn at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines issued annually by the Department of Health and Human Services. The required amount depends on the sponsor’s household size and place of residence. For the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the minimum income levels are: Two-person household: $27,050, Three-person household: $34,150.
For larger households, the minimum income levels are: Four-person household: $41,250, Five-person household: $48,350, Six-person household: $55,450, Seven-person household: $62,550, Eight-person household: $69,650. Sponsors with more than eight household members must add $7,100 for every additional person. The requirements vary in Hawaii and Alaska, with Hawaii having higher requirements.
A sponsor who falls below the required income level may still proceed under certain arrangements. Federal rules allow the main sponsor to obtain help from a joint sponsor, include income from other household members through Form I-864A, or use eligible personal assets to cover the difference.
The updated guidance also highlights the financial responsibility attached to sponsorship. If an immigrant receives certain federal or state means-tested public benefits after arriving in the US, the sponsor may be required to repay the costs. The benefits listed include Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Medicaid.
However, the repayment rule does not cover some non-cash programmes and emergency services, including emergency medical treatment, school nutrition programmes and disaster relief. The complete revised figures are available on the official USCIS Form I-864P page.
The update comes alongside a separate US visa restriction policy targeting commercial birth tourism operations. For Kenyans considering family-based immigration to the US, the revised figures underline the importance of checking the sponsor’s household size, location and available financial support before submitting an affidavit.
Key points
- Sponsors must earn at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- The new thresholds apply to affidavits of support filed from 1 March 2026.
- Sponsors with low income can use joint sponsors or eligible assets to meet financial requirements.
