USCIS Updates 2026 Income Requirements for Immigration Support

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated federal poverty guidelines for Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, which is essential for family-based immigration cases. These revised income thresholds will take effect on March 1, 2026, and will apply to all affidavits of support submitted from that date onward.

Sponsors must demonstrate that their household income meets at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services, with amounts varying based on household size and location. For sponsors in the 48 contiguous states and other specified locations, the minimum income for a household of two is set at $27,050, while for a household of eight, it is $69,650.

In Hawaii, the thresholds are higher, with a household of two requiring $31,113. Sponsors whose income does not meet the threshold may still qualify by combining household incomes or using personal assets.

Additionally, sponsors are reminded of their financial obligations once the immigrant arrives, particularly regarding repayment if the immigrant accesses certain public benefits.