Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) Asset Requirement Calculator

How to use: Calculate a Form I-864 income gap and asset target

This Form I-864 asset requirement calculator starts with the Affidavit of Support poverty guideline for the sponsor’s household size and location. It applies the selected income percentage, compares that required annual income with projected countable income, and uses assets only when a shortfall remains. The calculator uses the 2026 Affidavit of Support poverty guideline table and helps you estimate:

• The poverty guideline for your household size and region (contiguous U.S., Alaska, or Hawaii).
• The required income at 125% (standard) or 100% (certain active-duty cases).
• Your income shortfall (if any).
• The minimum assets required by applying an asset multiplier (commonly 1×, 3×, or 5×).
• Your adjusted assets total after applying a liquidation factor to each asset you list.

What to enter for a Form I-864 asset calculation

For this Form I-864 calculation, enter annual U.S.-dollar amounts and a household size for the sponsor whose affidavit is being prepared. Use income that is stable and reasonably expected to continue. For assets, list items that can be converted to cash within about one year without serious hardship, then apply a liquidation factor for penalties, taxes, liens, or quick-sale discounts.

• Household size: Include the sponsor, the intending immigrant(s), dependents claimed on the sponsor’s tax return, and any other people required by the I-864 instructions.
• Location: Poverty guidelines differ for the 48 contiguous states (plus D.C. and territories), Alaska, and Hawaii.
• Filing date: The guideline table in effect on the Form I-864 filing date controls, so verify the current official table before filing.
• Required income multiple: Most cases use 125%. Certain active-duty military sponsors petitioning for a spouse or unmarried child under 21 may use 100%.
• Projected countable household income: Annual income you expect to be countable for the next 12 months.
• Asset multiplier category: A simplified selection that applies 5× (general), 3× (U.S. citizen sponsoring spouse/child), or 1× (certain orphan adoption cases).

Form I-864 income shortfall and asset formulas used

The Form I-864 calculation follows this sequence:

1. Look up the poverty guideline P for your household size and location.
2. Compute required income R = P × m, where m is 1.25 or 1.00.
3. Compute shortfall S = max(0, R − I), where I is your income.
4. Compute required assets A = S × k, where k is 1, 3, or 5.

For each Form I-864 asset entered, the calculator applies an adjustment: Adjusted asset value = Declared value × (Liquidation factor ÷ 100). It then sums adjusted values across all assets.

Worked example: Form I-864 assets covering an income shortfall

Example (illustrative only): A household of 3 in the contiguous U.S. needs 125% of the 2026 guideline. If the guideline is $27,320, then required income is $27,320 × 1.25 = $34,150. If projected countable income is $28,000, the shortfall is $6,150. If the case uses a 3× asset multiplier, the minimum assets estimate is $6,150 × 3 = $18,450. If you list $14,000 in savings at 100% and a $5,000 CD at 90%, adjusted assets are $14,000 + $4,500 = $18,500, which slightly exceeds the $18,450 estimate.

This Form I-864 example shows that the multiplier applies to the shortfall, not to the entire guideline amount. If projected income already meets the requirement, the shortfall is zero and the required assets output is also zero.

Form I-864 asset documentation tips

Form I-864 asset estimates are most useful when each figure can be supported with documents. In many cases, sponsors prepare a simple asset inventory matching the entries here. Typical evidence may include bank statements, brokerage statements, proof of ownership, and records of liens or loans that reduce net value. If you apply a liquidation factor, such as 90% for a CD with an early-withdrawal penalty, retain a note explaining it.

• Cash and savings: often supported by recent statements showing current balance and account holder.
• Certificates of deposit: statements plus any early withdrawal penalty schedule; use a lower liquidation factor if needed.
• Stocks or mutual funds: brokerage statements; consider market volatility when choosing a factor.
• Real estate equity: appraisal or market analysis and proof of mortgage balance; equity is value minus debt, then discounted for selling costs.
• Vehicles: generally only persuasive if you have more than one and can show the extra vehicle is not essential; use a conservative factor.

This Form I-864 page does not determine whether USCIS will accept an asset. It quantifies the selected asset target and compares it with the discounted values you enter.

Introduction: Form I-864 household size notes and their effect

Form I-864 household size is one of the largest drivers of the poverty-guideline threshold. A common source of confusion is that the I-864 household size is not always identical to the number of people on a tax return. For example, you typically count the sponsor, the sponsor’s spouse (if any), dependent children, any other dependents claimed, the intending immigrant, and any additional immigrants being sponsored on the same affidavit. If a household member’s income is being used via Form I-864A, that person may also be part of the household size calculation.

For Form I-864 planning with a joint sponsor, remember that the joint sponsor completes a separate affidavit using that sponsor’s own household size, income, and assets. You can run this calculator separately for the primary sponsor and joint sponsor to compare the documentation each affidavit would require.

Form I-864 assumptions, limitations, and documentation notes

• Guideline year: The built-in table uses 2026 Affidavit of Support guideline amounts. Poverty guidelines change annually, and the table in effect on the I-864 filing date controls.
• Household size rules: This tool does not validate who must be counted; it uses the number you enter.
• Income countability: USCIS may treat certain income types differently depending on stability and evidence.
• Asset acceptability: Not every asset is equally persuasive; documentation and liquidity matter.
• Not legal advice: This page provides an estimate for planning; verify details with official instructions or a qualified professional.

Next steps after estimating your Form I-864 asset requirement

After calculating your Form I-864 income gap, use the summary table to compare documented scenarios, such as a cautious versus less cautious income estimate or different liquidation factors. If a shortfall remains, possible paths can include additional qualifying assets, a household member’s qualifying income through Form I-864A, or a joint sponsor.

When a Form I-864 result is close to the threshold, consider whether your documentation leaves a buffer. A small surplus can absorb rounding, evidence differences, or a more conservative treatment of variable income. The summary table’s “Asset cushion” line shows the difference between adjusted assets and the calculated target.