Income Requirements

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