The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, requires that sponsors of individuals seeking immigrant visas have certain financial means so that the immigrant does not become a public charge. USCIS generally requires that the sponsor who will be providing an Affidavit of Support, have an income of at least 125% of the poverty guideline for their household size. For example, a U.S. Citizen who wishes to petiton for a greencard for their foreign spouse must have an income level of at least $18913.00/year if it will be just the two of them living in the house. If the sponsor can not meet the guideline they must have a joint sponsor. In some situations assets can be used in place of income.
The 2012 Federal Poverty Guidelines are below:
| Household Size | 100% | 125% |
|
1 |
$11,170 | $13,613 |
|
2 |
$15,130 | $18,913 |
|
3 |
$19,090 | $23,863 |
|
4 |
$23,050 | $28,813 |
|
5 |
$27,010 | $33,763 |
|
6 |
$30,970 | $38,713 |
|
7 |
$34,930 | $43,663 |
|
8 |
$38,890 | $48,613 |
|
For each additional person add |
$3,960 | $4,950 |