What is the purpose of Form I-864?

Form I-864 serves as an affidavit of support, demonstrating that an immigrant has adequate financial backing from a sponsor. This form is crucial in the immigration process, as it reassures the U.S. government that the immigrant will not become a public charge and will have financial support while living in the United States. By completing Form I-864, the sponsor commits to financially supporting the immigrant, ensuring that they can meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care.

This requirement is intended to help protect both the sponsored immigrant and the social welfare system. When submitting this form, the sponsor must provide evidence of their income and assets to establish their capability to support the immigrant effectively. The form is a key part of family-based immigration cases, especially when an individual is seeking to become a permanent resident through a family member in the U.S.