Affidavit of Support I-864: Guide for Sponsoring Your Filipina Wife
Of all the immigration forms you’ll sign, the Affidavit of Support often causes the most stress. This guide is specifically for Western men sponsoring a Filipina, breaking down your legal duties and financial requirements in plain English.
As you prepare to bring your Filipina fiancée or wife to the United States, you will encounter Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support. Whether she’s arriving on a K-1 Fiancée Visa or a CR-1 Spousal Visa, this document is one of the most significant commitments you will make. It’s a legally enforceable contract between you and the U.S. government, solidifying your promise to support her financially.
The purpose of the Affidavit of Support I-864 is to prove that your Filipina partner will not become a “public charge.” This guide will demystify the form and clarify your responsibilities as you take this crucial step in your journey together.
What is the Affidavit of Support?
Think of Form I-864 as your sworn financial promise to the U.S. government. By signing it, you accept full financial responsibility for your Filipina wife. You are guaranteeing that you will maintain her at an income level of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. In many ways, this legal document formalizes the promise of care and support that is deeply valued in Filipino culture.
The 125% Income Requirement Explained
To qualify as a sponsor, your current annual household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for your household size. Your household size includes you, your immigrating Filipina spouse, any of your unmarried children under 21, and anyone else you claim as a dependent on your taxes. For most new couples, the household size is two.
| Household Size | 100% of Federal Poverty Guideline (2025) | 125% Required Minimum Income (2025/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $20,440 | $25,550 |
| 3 | $25,820 | $32,275 |
| 4 | $31,200 | $39,000 |
| 5 | $36,580 | $45,725 |
Note: These figures are based on the 2025 guidelines. The government typically updates these numbers in the first quarter of each year. Always check the official USCIS I-864P page for the current poverty guidelines when you file.
What If You Don’t Meet the Income Requirement?
If your income doesn’t meet the 125% threshold to sponsor your Filipina wife, there’s no need to panic. This is a common situation, and USCIS provides several clear pathways to qualify.
Option 1: Use Assets
You can use the value of your assets to supplement your income. This can include savings, stocks, bonds, and real estate. The rule is that the cash value of your assets must be at least three times the shortfall between your income and the 125% requirement when sponsoring a spouse.
Option 2: Use a Joint Sponsor
This is the most common solution. A joint sponsor is another U.S. citizen or permanent resident who signs a separate I-864, accepting the same legal responsibility. They must meet the 125% income requirement on their own.
The Big Question: How Long Does This Obligation Last?
This is a significant, long-term contract that only terminates when one of the following five events occurs:
- Your Filipina wife becomes a U.S. citizen (typically 3-5 years after getting her Green Card).
- She has legally worked for 40 qualifying quarters (approximately 10 years), as credited by the Social Security Administration.
- She permanently leaves the United States and gives up her residency.
- She passes away.
- You (the sponsor) pass away.
Crucial Warning for Men Marrying a Filipina: Divorce Does NOT End Your I-864 Obligation
This is the most critical point to understand. The U.S. government enforces this financial commitment legally, even if the marriage ends. Divorce does not terminate the Affidavit of Support. This is one of the brutal truths of marrying a Filipina that necessitates careful consideration, which is why some couples explore a prenuptial agreement.
Navigate Your Journey with Your Filipina Partner
The I-864 is a key step. Explore our complete library of guides covering everything from the K-1 visa to helping her adjust to life in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sponsoring a Filipina
Can I bring my Filipina wife to the USA?
Yes, you can sponsor your Filipina wife to immigrate to the U.S. through processes like the spousal visa, which requires you to file an Affidavit of Support to prove you can financially support her.
What is the main purpose of the Affidavit of Support when sponsoring a Filipina?
The main purpose is to prove to the U.S. government that your Filipina partner will have adequate financial support from you and will not become a “public charge” who relies on government welfare.
Who needs to file an Affidavit of Support for Philippine immigration to the US?
The U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident who is sponsoring their Filipina partner (the petitioner) must file the Affidavit of Support.
Do I need to file Form I-864 for my Filipina spouse?
Yes, the I-864 is a mandatory part of the immigration process when your Filipina spouse applies for her spousal visa and/or Green Card.
Is Form I-864 required for my Filipina’s K-1 Fiancée Visa application?
No, it is not required for the initial K-1 visa petition. However, you are required to file the I-864 after you get married in the U.S. and she applies for Adjustment of Status to get her Green Card.
What is the minimum income to sponsor my Filipina wife in 2025/2026?
For a typical household size of two (you and your wife), the minimum annual income required is $25,550. This amount is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and increases with household size.
What can I do if my income is too low to meet the I-864 requirement?
You have two main options: you can use personal assets (which must have a cash value of at least three times the income shortfall) or find a qualified joint sponsor to co-sign the affidavit.
Can my relative in the Philippines act as a joint sponsor?
No. A joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident who resides in the United States and meets the income requirements independently.
How long am I financially responsible for my Filipina wife after signing the I-864?
Your legal obligation continues until she becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked for 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years), permanently leaves the U.S., or either one of you passes away.
If my Filipina wife and I get divorced, does that end my I-864 obligation?
No. This is a critical point to understand: divorce does not terminate the Affidavit of Support contract. Your financial responsibility continues until one of the other five terminating conditions is met, a reality discussed in our guide on marrying a Filipina.
What specific government benefits am I responsible for repaying?
You are responsible for repaying any “means-tested public benefits” she might receive, which typically include programs like Medicaid, SNAP (Food Stamps), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Can my Filipina wife’s job offer in the U.S. count toward the income requirement?
Generally no. Her income can only be counted if it comes from a lawful source that will continue after she immigrates. A job she hasn’t started yet would not typically qualify.
Will signing the Affidavit of Support for my wife affect my credit score?
Signing the form itself does not affect your credit score. However, if a government agency sues you to repay benefits and wins a court judgment against you, that judgment could then impact your credit.
Do I have to file a new I-864 for my wife every year?
No, the Affidavit of Support is filed only once during the immigration process for her Green Card.
Where can I find the most current official income requirements?
You should always check the official USCIS I-864P page on their website, as the Federal Poverty Guidelines are updated each year.
A Key Step on Your Journey Together
By signing the Affidavit of Support, you are not just navigating bureaucracy; you are making a profound, legally-binding commitment that mirrors the lifelong promise you are making to your Filipina wife. Understanding your responsibilities is the first step to confidently building your new life together.
The Next Step: Applying for the Green Card
After the I-864 is approved as part of the visa process, the next major step is Adjusting Status to get the Green Card.
