A Guide to Form I-864EZ: Affidavit of Support for U.S. Immigration

For some family-based immigration petitions, Form I-864EZ is a simplified version of the Affidavit of Support required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The document shows the petitioner has the money to help the intended immigrant and guarantee they won’t turn into a public charge.

This article will address the following subjects:

• The purpose of Form I-864EZ
• Form I-864EZ instructions
• How it differs from Form I-864
• The income requirements
• Required documents for submission
• Detailed instructions on how to fill out the I-864EZ form

What is Form I-864EZ?

Designed for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (petitioners) sponsoring a family member for a green card, Form I-864EZ, sometimes known as the Affidavit of Support Form I-864EZ, guarantees that the sponsor satisfies the income criteria to help the immigrant, therefore guaranteeing that the immigrant will not depend on government assistance.

Form I-864EZ is used for petitioners fulfilling particular requirements:

1. The petitioner sponsors a single family member.
2. The income stated on the petitioner’s W-2 is based just on salary or pension.
3. The financial needs are not met by the income of any shared sponsor or household member.

Usually, this form is shorter and simpler to complete than the standard I-864 affidavit.

Form I-864EZ vs. Form I-864

One often asked question is what differentiates Form I-864EZ from Form I-864. The main difference is that I-864EZ is for a single sponsor who satisfies the income criteria without the need for a partner sponsor or extra household income.

• I-864EZ: For a single sponsor with W-2 straightforward income sources.
• I-864: Needed either if the sponsor has a more complicated income or a shared sponsor’s or household income is involved.

If your circumstances do not fit the requirements for Form I-864EZ, you will have to make use of the more comprehensive I-864. Knowing the variations between I-864EZ and I-864 guarantees that you submit the right form and prevent processing delays.

Form I-864EZ Instructions: Step-by-Step

A seamless immigration process depends on the correct completion of Form I-864EZ. We will lead you through the process below utilizing I-864EZ instructions, straight from USCIS.

Step 1: Download Form I-864EZ

The USCIS website has the I-864EZ form available. Make sure you are using the most current form because outdated forms can be rejected. Once downloaded, either fill it out electronically or print it for hand completion.

Step 2: Complete Part 1 – Information About the Sponsor

Basic personal information about the sponsor—name, date of birth, residence, citizenship status—is needed in this part. Here you’ll indicate that you are the only sponsor and supply your W-2 income information.

Step 3: Complete Part 2 – Information About the Immigrant

This section of the I-864EZ form calls for the immigrant beneficiary’s personal information, including their name, birthdate, and relationship to you.

Step 4: Provide Financial Information

Your W-2 form will show your income as entered here. Make sure the figure satisfies the federal poverty level for your household size. If your income falls short, you may have to move to Form I-864 and include a joint sponsor.

Step 5: Sign and Submit

The sponsor has to sign the form once every part is finished. Unsigned forms won’t be accepted. Before sending USCIS your Form I-864EZ declaration of support, be sure to include the necessary supporting documentation.

What Are the Income Requirements for Form I-864EZ?

Based on federal poverty levels, the sponsor must satisfy USCIS’s minimal income criteria. Usually, the sponsor has to prove that, given their household size, their income is at least 125% of the poverty level. The income criteria guarantee that the sponsor can support the immigrant financially without depending on public benefits.

If your income falls short of these criteria, you may have to change to Form I-864 and include a joint sponsor or household member’s income.

I-864EZ’s Required Documentation

When submitting Form I-864EZ, you must provide supporting documents proving your capacity to sponsor the immigrant financially. Necessary documents include:

1. Evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence could be a green card, passport, or birth certificate.
2. Most recent tax return. You must show your income using a copy of your most recent tax return. If you did not submit taxes, you must explain why not.
3. W-2 form. Form I-864EZ is for sponsors whose income comes from W-2 salaries, so you must send a copy of your W-2 to validate your income.

Ignoring this paperwork might cause delays or denials of the petition.

How to Fill Out the I-864 Form (If Required)

Here is a brief guide on filling out Form I-864 if you must use it instead of Form I-864EZ:

• Part 1: Information About You (Sponsor): Like I-864EZ, this part calls for your personal information, including your valid residence or citizenship.
• Part 2: Immigrant Information: Then provide the beneficiary’s information, including their name, birthplace, and relationship to you.
• Part 3: Financial Information: If necessary, this part of Form I-864 lets you submit extra household income or a shared sponsor.
• Part 4: Sponsor’s Declaration and Signature: Sign the form verifying the accuracy of the information provided.

Form I-864 can be more difficult than I-864EZ, particularly in cases involving a shared sponsor or several income sources. Pay close attention to the I-864 instructions.

Joint Sponsor Situation Examples

Sometimes the petitioner might not meet the income criteria by themselves. Under such circumstances, a shared sponsor can supply the extra money required. Here is an I-864 joint sponsor example:

Assume you are sponsoring your spouse but fall short of the income requirement. A dual sponsor—a friend or relative—can agree to help the immigrant financially, therefore guaranteeing that the income need is satisfied.

Typical Errors to Stay Clear of When Completing Form I-864EZ

• Missed Forms: Missing signatures or incomplete information might cause delays.
• Incorrect Filing Fees: Make sure your form’s submission includes the correct filing fee. Fee adjustments are possible, so always check the USCIS website for the most recent details.
• Failure to Include Supporting Documents: Attach your W-2 form, tax returns, and proof of legal residence or citizenship always.

I-864EZ Supporting Documents

Apart from the form itself, petitioners have to send relevant I-864EZ supporting documentation. This covers your most current W-2 form, tax return, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent status.

Conclusion: Submit Your Form I-864EZ With Confidence

An important first step in the immigration procedure is completing the appropriate affidavit of support form I-864EZ. Following the I-864EZ guidelines and submitting the essential supporting documentation will help to ensure that your petition is handled without needless delays.

See Passage Law for professional legal help with your Form I-864EZ. Our knowledgeable immigration lawyers will guide you through the procedure and guarantee a successful outcome. Need assistance finishing your Affidavit of Support? See Passage Law now for expert advice and set up a consultation!