⚠️ If you’re planning to immigrate to the U.S. through a family-based petition, keep in mind that in 2026, USCIS is taking a much closer look at financial sponsors who sign the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
✅This form confirms that the sponsor has the financial ability to support the immigrant if necessary and will help ensure they do not become dependent on public benefits.
❗️Here’s what USCIS is paying especially close attention:
✔️ tax returns from recent years
✔️ steady, verifiable income
✔️ current employment
✔️ number of dependents
✔️ whether the sponsor’s income meets federal guidelines. If it doesn’t, USCIS is increasingly requiring a joint sponsor.
⚠️Even when the application package is prepared correctly, applicants are still frequently issued a Request for Evidence (RFE). The most common requests include updated tax returns, forms W-2 or 1099, proof of current employment, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and explanations for any changes in income.
✅USCIS looks at more than just how much the sponsor earns – they evaluate the sponsor’s overall financial situation. Officers verify that the sponsor is actually employed, that the reported income matches the tax records, whether the sponsor receives public benefits, and whether there are any inconsistencies in the documentation.
✅The same standards apply to joint sponsors.
❓What does this mean for applicants?
Most family-based immigration cases are still approved successfully, but thorough document preparation has become more important than ever. Before filing, it’s essential to make sure your income meets the requirements, your tax documents are up to date, and all the information across your forms is accurate and consistent.
📌 If you have questions about financial sponsorship, Form I-864, or family-based immigration to the U.S., schedule a consultation with immigration attorney Irina Lust with more than 18 years of experience, she focuses on family-based U.S. immigration.
To schedule a consultation:
✉️ info@myimmigrationlawyerusa.com
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