← Blog · 2026-11-04

How Much Income Do You Need to Sponsor a Green Card (I-864, 2026)?

When you sponsor a relative you sign Form I-864 and promise to keep them above a minimum income. For most sponsors that minimum is 125% of the federal poverty guideline for the household.

2026 income line (48 states and D.C.)

Household of 2: $27,050. Household of 3: $34,150. Household of 4: $41,250. Add $7,100 for each extra person. Alaska and Hawaii use higher tables, so check Form I-864P. Active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child only need 100% of the guideline.

Who counts in the household?

You, your spouse, your dependent children, anyone you claim on your taxes, the relative you are sponsoring, and anyone you sponsored earlier whose obligation has not ended. The minimum is two when you sponsor someone.

What if your income is too low?

There are three common fixes. A joint sponsor can file their own I-864 and must meet the line alone. A household member living with you can add income through Form I-864A. Or you can use assets that convert to cash within a year: five times the shortfall, or three times when a citizen sponsors a spouse or child.

Use current income

Officers look at what you earn now, not only last year’s tax return. Gather recent pay stubs, a tax transcript and an employer letter. Run your numbers in the Sponsor Income tab of our calculator.

Run your own numbers: Open the calculator

Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm figures on USCIS.gov.