The USCIS I-864 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor a family member for a green card. One similar document is the I-134, Affidavit of Support. While both forms serve to demonstrate the financial ability of a sponsor, the I-134 is typically used for non-immigrant visa applicants, such as tourists or students. Unlike the I-864, which is legally binding and requires sponsors to support the immigrant financially until they can support themselves, the I-134 does not carry the same level of obligation.
Another document that shares similarities with the I-864 is the I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The I-130 is the first step in the family-based immigration process, establishing the relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant. While the I-864 focuses on the sponsor's financial capability, the I-130 emphasizes the legitimacy of the familial relationship. Both forms are essential for a successful immigration application, but they serve different purposes in the overall process.
The I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is another related document. This form is used by conditional residents who obtained their status through marriage and need to prove that their marriage is genuine. While the I-864 is about financial support, the I-751 ensures that the marriage is not solely for immigration benefits. Both documents highlight the importance of stability—financial in the case of the I-864 and relational for the I-751.
The I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, also bears some resemblance to the I-864. Though primarily focused on granting work permits to certain immigrants, it is often submitted alongside the I-864 when applying for a green card. The I-765 allows immigrants to work while their applications are being processed, which can be critical for financial stability. Thus, while the I-864 ensures financial support, the I-765 enables the immigrant to contribute to their own support during the waiting period.
Additionally, the I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is similar in that it involves a sponsor, but it is specifically for employment-based immigration. The I-140 requires the employer to demonstrate the ability to pay the offered wage, similar to how the I-864 requires a family member to show financial support capability. Both forms play a vital role in their respective immigration categories, highlighting the need for a reliable financial foundation, whether through family ties or employment.
The DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is another document that parallels the I-864. This application is submitted by individuals seeking an immigrant visa and requires information about the applicant’s background, including financial support. While the I-864 is a separate affidavit that specifically addresses the sponsor's financial responsibility, the DS-260 encompasses a broader range of information necessary for the visa process. Both documents are essential for ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge.
Lastly, the Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, is relevant in this context. This form was designed to assess whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge. While the I-864 focuses on the sponsor's income and assets, the I-944 evaluates the applicant's own resources and skills. Both forms aim to ensure that immigrants have sufficient means to support themselves, thereby reducing the likelihood of reliance on government assistance.