If you are sponsoring a family member for a U.S. green card, the Federal Poverty Guideline is the single most important number in your application. It determines the minimum income you must demonstrate on Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to prove you can support your relative without relying on public benefits. The guideline is updated annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and for most sponsors, the requirement is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for your household size. For sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces petitioning for a spouse or child, the requirement is reduced to 100%. This guide explains what the Federal Poverty Guideline is, how it applies to visa sponsorship, the specific 2026 income thresholds, and how to calculate your household size correctly so you can avoid a costly Request for Evidence (RFE) or visa denial.
Key rule: The Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated annually and become effective on March 1 of each year. For 2026, the 125% threshold for a two-person household in the 48 contiguous states is $27,050. You must use the guidelines in effect on the date you file Form I-864, not the date you started preparing your application.
What Is the Federal Poverty Guideline for Sponsorship Purposes?
The Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) is a measure of income issued annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to determine eligibility for various federal programs. For immigration purposes, the guideline is used to set the minimum income requirement for sponsors filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.
When you sign Form I-864, you enter into a legally binding contract with the U.S. government to financially support the sponsored immigrant. The central financial test is straightforward: your household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for your household size. This requirement ensures that the sponsored immigrant will have adequate means of financial support and is not likely to become a public charge.
The only exception to the 125% rule is for sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child—in that case, the requirement is 100% of the poverty guideline.
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Sponsorship
The 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines became effective on March 1, 2026 and apply to all Form I-864 filings on or after that date. The guidelines vary by household size and geographic location. Separate, higher guidelines apply for Alaska and Hawaii due to the higher cost of living.
The table below shows the 2026 income requirements for sponsors living in the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
| Household Size | 100% of Poverty Guidelines (Active-Duty Military for Spouse/Child) | 125% of Poverty Guidelines (All Other Sponsors) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $48,350 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $55,450 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $62,550 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $69,650 |
For each additional person beyond 8, add $5,680 for the 100% guideline and $7,100 for the 125% guideline.
For sponsors residing in Alaska, the 125% threshold for a two-person household is $33,813, and for Hawaii, it is $31,113.
How to Calculate Your Household Size Correctly
Determining your household size is just as important as knowing the income threshold. An incorrect household size will either inflate or deflate the required income, leading to a potential RFE or denial. For Form I-864, your household size includes:
- Yourself (the sponsor);
- Your spouse (if married and living with you);
- Your dependent children under 21 (and any other children you claim as dependents on your tax return);
- The intending immigrant(s) you are sponsoring;
- Any other individuals claimed as dependents on your most recent federal tax return; and
- Any other immigrants you have previously sponsored under a separate I-864 who are still in the obligation period.
No individual is counted more than once, even if they fall into multiple categories. If you are using a joint sponsor, the joint sponsor's household size includes themselves, their spouse, their dependents, and the intending immigrant(s). The joint sponsor must independently meet the 125% threshold for their own household size.
For example, if you are single with no dependents and sponsoring one parent, your household size is 2 (you + your parent). If you are married, have two children, and are sponsoring one parent, your household size is 5 (you + spouse + 2 children + parent).
What If Your Income Falls Short? Using Assets or a Joint Sponsor
If your household income does not meet the 125% threshold, you are not out of options. You can use assets or add a joint sponsor to meet the requirement.
Using assets: The net value of your assets must equal 5 times the income gap (the difference between your income and the required threshold). The assets must be liquid—meaning they can be converted to cash within 12 months—and you must provide proof of the assets, such as bank statements, stock certificates, or property appraisals.
For example, if your household size is 2 (required income: $27,050) and your income is $22,000, your income gap is $5,050. You would need assets worth $25,250 (5 × $5,050) to qualify.
Adding a joint sponsor: A joint sponsor files a separate Form I-864 and agrees to take on the same financial responsibility as you. The joint sponsor must independently meet the 125% poverty guideline for their own household size. Importantly, the petitioner must still file their own Form I-864, even if a joint sponsor is used.
The joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and domiciled in the United States.
Common Mistakes That Lead to RFE or Rejection
Even when a sponsor has sufficient income, errors in documentation or calculation can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a denial. Avoid these frequent pitfalls.
- Using outdated poverty guidelines. The 2026 guidelines became effective March 1, 2026. Filing with 2025 figures will result in an incorrect calculation.
- Incorrect household size. Forgetting to include the intending immigrant(s) or dependents is a common error that leads to understating the required income.
- Not providing tax transcripts. USCIS prefers IRS tax transcripts over tax returns. A tax return alone may not be sufficient.
- Counting income that is not sustainable. One-time bonuses, overtime that is not guaranteed, or income from a job you have already left may not be counted.
- Failing to include a joint sponsor's separate Form I-864. If your income is insufficient, a joint sponsor must file a separate affidavit. Their income is evaluated independently.
- Assuming the joint sponsor can combine income with yours. The joint sponsor must independently meet the 125% threshold for their own household size.
To minimize the risk of an RFE, have your financial evidence reviewed by an immigration attorney or accredited representative before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Federal Poverty Guideline for sponsorship purposes?
A: The Federal Poverty Guideline is an annual income measure issued by HHS that sets the minimum income requirement for sponsors filing Form I-864. Most sponsors must show income at or above 125% of the guideline for their household size.
Q: What is the income threshold for Form I-864 in 2026?
A: For most sponsors, the threshold is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. For a two-person household in the 48 contiguous states, the 125% threshold is $27,050. For active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child, the requirement is 100% of the poverty guidelines.
Q: When do the 2026 poverty guidelines take effect?
A: The 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines became effective on March 1, 2026. You must use the guidelines in effect on the date you file Form I-864.
Q: Are the poverty guidelines the same for all states?
A: No. Separate, higher guidelines apply for Alaska and Hawaii due to the higher cost of living. For Alaska, the 125% threshold for a two-person household is $33,813; for Hawaii, it is $31,113.
Q: Who counts toward my household size for Form I-864?
A: Your household size includes yourself, your spouse, your dependent children, the intending immigrant(s), any other individuals claimed as dependents on your tax return, and any other immigrants you have previously sponsored who are still in the obligation period.
Q: Can I use a joint sponsor if my income is too low?
A: Yes. A joint sponsor can file a separate Form I-864. The joint sponsor must independently meet the 125% poverty guideline for their own household size.
Q: Can I use assets to meet the income requirement?
A: Yes. If your income falls short, you can use assets to make up the difference. The net value of your assets must equal 5 times the income gap.
Q: Where can I find the official poverty guidelines?
A: The official guidelines are published on the USCIS website (Form I-864P) and on the HHS website. Always use the official government sources to ensure you have the correct figures.