For most CR1 and IR1 spouse visa cases, the sponsoring spouse must show household income
equal to at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The required
amount depends on household size and whether the sponsor lives in the continental United
States, Alaska, or Hawaii.

The figures below apply to 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.

Different figures apply to Alaska and Hawaii. A sponsor on qualifying active duty in the
U.S. Armed Forces who is petitioning for a spouse may generally use 100% of the applicable
poverty guideline rather than 125%.

The household calculation commonly includes:

• The sponsoring spouse;
• The immigrating husband or wife;
• Dependent children or other dependents claimed on the sponsor’s tax return;
• Certain previously sponsored immigrants if the earlier support obligation is still active; and
• Other immigrants being sponsored on the same affidavit, when applicable.

Household-size mistakes can change the required income and create avoidable delays.
Review the current Form I-864 instructions before deciding which people must be counted.

Yes. Qualifying assets may be used when the sponsor’s income is below the required amount.
Assets must generally be available for the support of the immigrating spouse and capable
of being converted to cash within a reasonable period without causing undue hardship or
financial loss.

Examples of Assets That May Qualify

• Checking and savings account balances;
• Certificates of deposit;
• Stocks and bonds;
• Other readily convertible investments; and
• Net equity in real estate, when properly documented.

The net value is what matters. For property, this generally means the current value minus
mortgages, liens, and other secured debts.

A qualified joint sponsor may be used when the petitioning sponsor cannot meet the
financial requirement through income and qualifying assets.

A Joint Sponsor Must Qualify Independently

The joint sponsor normally files a separate Form I-864 and must independently meet the
required income level for the joint sponsor’s own household size, including the
immigrating spouse being sponsored. The petitioning sponsor and joint sponsor generally
do not simply combine their two household sizes and add their incomes together.

The Petitioning Sponsor Still Files Form I-864

Even when a joint sponsor is used, the petitioning spouse normally must submit a Form
I-864. The joint sponsor adds a separate enforceable financial commitment.

Joint Sponsor Eligibility

A joint sponsor must generally be at least 18 years old, be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national,
or lawful permanent resident, and be domiciled in the United States.

Learn more about this option on our
financial joint sponsor guide.

• Using the wrong household size;
• Relying only on an old tax return when current income has changed;
• Counting the gross value of an asset instead of its net value;
• Using an incorrect asset multiplier;
• Assuming a joint sponsor’s income can automatically be combined with the petitioner’s income;
• Failing to document that an asset is owned, available, and convertible to cash; and
• Using income figures for the wrong year or location.

Poverty-guideline amounts and form instructions can change. Before submitting the
Affidavit of Support, compare your calculations with the current official USCIS sources:

• USCIS Form I-864P Poverty Guidelines
• USCIS Form I-864 page and instructions
• USCIS Affidavit of Support overview

Is the income requirement based on gross or net income?

Form I-864 focuses on the sponsor’s qualifying current annual household income. Tax-return
evidence is also reviewed, but the correct figure depends on the type and source of
income. Do not assume that take-home pay is the controlling number.

Can the immigrating spouse’s income count?

In some cases, the immigrating spouse’s income may be counted when it will continue from
the same source after immigration and the applicable USCIS requirements are satisfied.

Can retirement or Social Security income count?

Qualifying retirement, pension, and Social Security income may count when it is properly
documented and expected to continue.

Can I use my home as an asset?

Net equity in real estate may qualify. You must document ownership, current value, and
debts secured by the property, and show that the asset can be converted to cash without
undue hardship or financial loss.

Does the joint sponsor replace the petitioning sponsor?

No. The petitioning sponsor normally still files Form I-864. The joint sponsor files a
separate Form I-864 and accepts an additional support obligation.

Will a video be added to this page?

A new VisaCoach video explaining the 2026 CR1 and IR1 spouse visa financial requirements
is in production and can be added to this page when it is ready.