Living outside the United States doesn’t automatically disqualify you from sponsoring a family member for a green card. If you’re submitting an Affidavit of Support from abroad, there are several acceptable ways to meet the income requirement including using assets, a joint sponsor, or proving you maintain U.S. domicile (showing that the U.S. is still your primary and permanent home, even if you’re temporarily living abroad).
1. Understand the Income Thresholds
Sponsors must show income equal to at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% if on active-duty military sponsoring a spouse or child). These numbers are updated annually and published in Form I‑864P.
Example: In 2024, the minimum required income for a household of two in the contiguous U.S. is $24,650.
2. Can Foreign Income or Assets Count?
In most cases, foreign income doesn’t count unless the sponsor can prove they will continue earning that income in the U.S. after returning. However, assets may be used to make up any income shortfall.
Qualified assets include:
- Cash in savings and checking accounts
- Stocks, bonds, or other investments
- Real estate (equity value)
Assets must be worth at least:
- 5x the income shortfall (standard)
- 3x the shortfall if the sponsor is military petitioning for a spouse/child
- 1x if the intending immigrant is a spouse and the asset is owned by the immigrant
3. Use a Household Member’s Income
A qualifying household member, such as a spouse or relative who lives with you, can help meet the requirement by submitting Form I‑864A. This member must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and willing to combine their income and assume legal responsibility.
4. Consider a Joint Sponsor
If your income and assets don’t meet the threshold, a joint sponsor may submit a separate Form I‑864. The joint sponsor must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or green card holder
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live (domicile) in the U.S.
- Meet the income requirements independently
5. Prove U.S. Domicile While Living Abroad
To be eligible to sponsor someone for a green card, you must be “domiciled” in the U.S. That means the U.S. must be your primary residence, or you must show intent to re-establish domicile by the time the immigrant arrives.
Sponsors temporarily working abroad for the U.S. government, armed forces, or a U.S. employer may still qualify. Acceptable proof includes:
- U.S. tax filings
- U.S. bank accounts
- Property ownership or lease agreements in the U.S.
- Voter registration
- Job offer or transfer letter showing relocation back to the U.S.
Conclusion
Even if you’re living overseas, you still have viable options to meet the Affidavit of Support income requirements:
- Use U.S. assets to offset income gaps
- Add household members’ income through Form I-864A
- Bring in a joint sponsor who meets the criteria
- Show evidence that you are maintaining or re-establishing U.S. domicile
Staying organized and submitting strong documentation is key. If your situation is complex, it’s wise to consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citations:
- USCIS Affidavit of Support Overview
- Department of State I-864 FAQs
- USCIS Domicile Definition
- State Department Affidavit of Support Guide
We Can Help!
If you have questions about submitting Form I‑864 from abroad, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
