A sponsor must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card. Financial evidence including recent tax returns, employment verification, and an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is essential to demonstrate the ability to support the immigrant. Supporting documents like proof of relationship, birth or marriage certificates, and identification are also required for the family-based green card application.
What Documents Does a Sponsor Need for Family-Based Green Card Application?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joint Sponsor Packet | The Joint Sponsor Packet for a family-based green card application requires Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, recent tax returns, W-2s, and evidence of income to demonstrate financial capability. Supporting documents must also include pay stubs, employment verification letters, and proof of domicile in the United States to substantiate the sponsor's ability to meet sponsorship obligations. |
| 2 | Domicile Evidence | Sponsors must provide proof of domicile to demonstrate they reside in the United States or plan to establish a principal residence there during the immigrant's application process. Common domicile evidence includes U.S. lease agreements, utility bills, employment letters, tax returns, and bank statements showing the sponsor's U.S. address. |
| 3 | Income Portability Letter | A sponsor must submit an Income Portability Letter to prove ongoing financial eligibility when transferring income from a previous affidavit of support to a new family-based green card application. This letter verifies the sponsor's ability to support the immigrant without government assistance, ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 4 | Digital Tax Transcript | Sponsors must provide a Digital Tax Transcript from the IRS as crucial evidence of their financial status and ability to support the immigrant applicant. This digital document verifies income and tax compliance, ensuring the sponsor meets the minimum income requirements set by immigration authorities for family-based green card applications. |
| 5 | IRS Verification of Non-filing | Sponsors applying for a family-based green card must provide IRS Verification of Non-filing to prove they did not have a filing requirement for the tax year in question, ensuring their financial support meets USCIS standards. This official documentation can be requested from the IRS using Form 4506-T and is critical when the sponsor did not file a tax return but must still demonstrate eligibility. |
| 6 | Remote Notarization Affidavit | Sponsors applying for a family-based green card must provide a notarized affidavit of support, which can now be completed through remote notarization to meet USCIS requirements efficiently. This affidavit demonstrates the sponsor's financial capability to support the immigrant, ensuring compliance with immigration law and reducing processing delays. |
| 7 | Electronic Pay Stubs | Electronic pay stubs are crucial for demonstrating a sponsor's current employment and consistent income when applying for a family-based green card. These documents help verify the sponsor's ability to financially support the immigrant, fulfilling the income requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 8 | Cryptocurrency Asset Statement | Sponsors submitting a family-based green card application must provide a comprehensive financial affidavit, including a Cryptocurrency Asset Statement that details cryptocurrency holdings, transaction history, and current market valuations to demonstrate sufficient financial support. The statement should include wallet addresses, dates of acquisition, and conversion rates to USD, ensuring transparency and compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 9 | FinTech Bank Statement | A sponsor must provide recent FinTech bank statements showing consistent financial stability and sufficient funds to support the immigrant without reliance on public benefits. These digital bank statements demonstrate reliable income flow and assets, reinforcing the sponsor's capacity to meet the Affidavit of Support requirements for the family-based green card application. |
| 10 | Shared Residency Proof | Sponsors must provide shared residency proof for a family-based green card application, typically including joint lease agreements, utility bills, or official mail addressed to both parties at the same address; these documents substantiate the genuine nature of the relationship. Consistent and dated evidence reflecting cohabitation strengthens the petition and supports USCIS credibility requirements. |
Overview of Sponsor Document Requirements
Sponsors applying for a family-based green card must provide specific documentation to prove eligibility and financial ability. These documents establish the sponsor's identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, and income level.
Key sponsor documents include a valid government-issued ID, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card, and recent tax returns or employment verification showing sufficient income. The sponsor must also submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate the financial commitment to support the intending immigrant. These documents ensure the applicant meets the legal requirements for family-based immigration sponsorship.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Valid U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship |
| Proof of Permanent Residency | Valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| Supporting Evidence | Additional documents such as a U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or a court order showing citizenship status may be required for verification |
Your sponsorship application depends heavily on submitting accurate proof of your U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency status to establish eligibility for a family-based green card petition.
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Essentials
For a family-based green card application, sponsors must submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate financial capability. This document ensures the immigrant will not rely on public benefits.
Form I-864 requires proof of income, such as recent tax returns and employment verification. It is essential to meet or exceed the federal poverty guidelines based on household size.
Income and Employment Verification Documents
Sponsors applying for a family-based green card must provide specific income and employment verification documents to prove their financial ability to support the intending immigrant. These documents are crucial to demonstrate that the sponsor meets the minimum income requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Federal Income Tax Returns - Copies of the sponsor's most recent tax returns establish consistent income over time.
- Employment Verification Letter - A letter from the employer confirming job position, salary, and length of employment supports current income claims.
- Recent Pay Stubs - Pay stubs from the past few months provide proof of ongoing income and employment status.
Submitting thorough income and employment documents increases the likelihood of approval for a family-based green card application.
Federal Tax Return Submission Guidelines
Submitting a complete and accurate Federal Tax Return is essential for sponsoring a family member's green card application. Proper documentation ensures proof of income and financial ability to support the applicant.
- Submit your most recent Federal Tax Return - This typically includes IRS Form 1040 and all supporting schedules to verify your earnings.
- Include W-2s and 1099s - These forms corroborate the income reported on your tax return and demonstrate consistent financial status.
- Provide transcripts if tax returns are unavailable - IRS Tax Return Transcripts can serve as an alternative, showing return data directly from the IRS.
Evidence of Domicile in the United States
Proof of domicile in the United States is essential for sponsors in family-based green card applications to demonstrate the ability to support the intending immigrant. This evidence confirms Your physical presence and intent to maintain a permanent residence in the U.S.
- Lease or mortgage agreements - Documents showing current residential property ownership or rental.
- Utility bills or bank statements - Recent bills or statements with the sponsor's name and U.S. address.
- Employment records or tax returns - Records indicating ongoing employment or filed taxes within the United States.
Relationship Proof Between Sponsor and Applicant
Proof of the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant is essential for a family-based green card application. Common documents include marriage certificates, birth certificates, adoption decrees, and photos or correspondence that demonstrate ongoing contact. You must submit official records that clearly establish the familial connection to satisfy USCIS requirements.
Joint Sponsor Document Criteria
A joint sponsor must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card. Financial documents are required to demonstrate the ability to meet income requirements, including recent tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs. Supporting evidence like an employment verification letter and proof of domicile may also be necessary to satisfy USCIS criteria.
Additional Supporting Documents for Sponsorship
What additional supporting documents are required for a family-based green card sponsorship? These documents help prove the sponsor's eligibility and financial ability. Providing evidence such as tax returns, employment letters, and proof of domicile strengthens your application.
What Documents Does a Sponsor Need for Family-Based Green Card Application? Infographic
