When applying for a marriage-based green card, whether through the spouse visa (CR-1/IR-1) process or adjustment of status, the sponsor (usually a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) must demonstrate they can financially support the immigrant. In most cases, the sponsor is required to have a minimum annual income of $25,550 to meet the financial criteria for sponsoring a spouse or relative. This applies when the sponsor is not on active military duty and is only sponsoring one person.
Minimum Income Requirements for Green Card Sponsors
For a green card applicant to qualify, the sponsor must take financial responsibility for their spouse or relative. This means submitting proof of income from the most recent tax return and their current income.
The minimum income requirement applies to both U.S. residents and couples living abroad. Here’s an overview of the 2024 guidelines:
2024 Minimum Annual Income Requirements for Sponsors (125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines):
| Household Size | 48 States, D.C., & U.S. Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 2 | $25,550 | $31,925 | $29,375 |
| 3 | $32,275 | $40,338 | $37,113 |
| 4 | $39,000 | $48,750 | $44,850 |
| 5 | $45,725 | $57,163 | $52,588 |
| 6 | $52,450 | $65,575 | $60,325 |
| 7 | $59,175 | $73,988 | $68,063 |
| 8 | $65,900 | $82,400 | $75,800 |
| For each additional person, add: | $6,725 | $8,413 | $7,738 |
Military Sponsors (100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines):
| Household Size | 48 States, D.C., & U.S. Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 2 | $20,440 | $25,540 | $23,500 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $32,270 | $29,690 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $39,000 | $35,880 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $45,730 | $42,070 |
| 6 | $41,960 | $52,460 | $48,260 |
| 7 | $47,340 | $59,190 | $54,450 |
| 8 | $52,720 | $65,920 | $60,640 |
| For each additional person, add: | $5,380 | $6,730 | $6,190 |
Financial Details and How to Meet the Income Requirements
What Counts as Income?
Your reported income from your most recent U.S. federal tax return (Form 1040) will be the baseline for your financial eligibility. This includes wages, salary, retirement benefits, alimony, child support, dividends, interest, and other lawful sources of income.
Can Other Household Members’ Income Be Included?
If your income alone is insufficient, you can also count the income of other adult members in your household, such as siblings, parents, or children. These individuals must agree to help financially support the relative seeking a green card. They’ll need to fill out a form (I-864A) to confirm their contribution.
Can a Co-Sponsor Help?
If you still don’t meet the minimum income requirements, you can get assistance from a co-sponsor. This person can be a U.S. citizen or green card holder who agrees to take full financial responsibility for the immigrant. The co-sponsor must file their own Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and meet the income requirements independently. For example, if the sponsor and their household need $25,550 in income, the co-sponsor’s household must also meet that amount.
The co-sponsor doesn’t have to be a family member but must reside in the U.S. and meet the income criteria.
Can the Green Card Applicant’s Income Be Used?
The green card applicant can use their income to meet the financial requirements, but only if the income will continue after receiving the green card.
Does Foreign Income Count?
For sponsors living outside the U.S., foreign income and assets are not accepted to meet the income requirements.
Using Assets to Meet Financial Requirements
What If My Income Isn’t Enough?
If your income still falls short, you can use assets to make up the difference. Eligible assets can include savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks, bonds, or the net value of your home or car.
How to Calculate the Value of Your Assets
To determine how many assets you need, subtract your total income from the required income for your household size. Then multiply the difference by 3 (if the sponsor is a U.S. citizen) or 5 (if the sponsor is a green card holder). This gives you the total asset value you must demonstrate.
Types of Assets That Count
Assets must be “convertible to cash within a year and without significant financial loss.” Common assets include:
- Savings accounts
- CDs
- Stocks and bonds
- The net value of real estate (after subtracting any mortgages or loans)
- The net value of a car (if it is not the only car you own)
Understanding the income and financial requirements for sponsoring a green card is crucial to a successful application. Whether through your income, a co-sponsor, or assets, it’s important to ensure you meet the necessary criteria to help your spouse or family member begin their new life in the U.S.
