One of the most common reasons National Visa Center (NVC) cases stall for months—or even years—is because of problems with the I-864 Affidavit of Support. This form is more than just paperwork. It is a legally binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government, and USCIS or NVC will not move your case forward until it is accepted as correct and complete.
Unfortunately, the number one cause of delays at the NVC in 2025 is incomplete, incorrect, or rejected I-864s. Each time the form is returned for corrections, families lose precious time, sometimes pushing interviews back by months. For families waiting to reunite, this can feel devastating.
Let’s break down what the I-864 is, the 2025 income requirements, and the most common mistakes that could derail your case.
What Is the I-864 and Who Must File It?
The I-864 Affidavit of Support is required in almost all family-based immigration cases and some employment-based cases. Its purpose is to prove that the immigrant will have adequate financial support and will not become a “public charge” in the U.S.
The petitioner (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) is always the primary sponsor. By signing, the sponsor commits to financially supporting the immigrant if necessary—even reimbursing the government for public benefits the immigrant may use.
This responsibility lasts until the immigrant:
- Becomes a U.S. citizen,
- Works 40 quarters (about 10 years) in the U.S.,
- Permanently leaves the U.S., or
- Passes away.
👉 In short, once you sign, you’re legally bound. If your I-864 has errors or is incomplete, the NVC will not schedule your immigrant visa interview until it is corrected.
2025 Poverty Guidelines for Sponsors
To qualify as a sponsor, your household income must meet at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% if the sponsor is active-duty military and petitioning for a spouse or child).
Here’s the reality in 2025:
- For a household of 2, the sponsor must show an income of $24,650.
- For a household of 3, the minimum is $31,075.
- For a household of 4, the minimum jumps to $37,500.
👉 Each additional person adds about $6,425 to the required income.
If your income is even slightly under these thresholds, the NVC will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your case. Worse, if you don’t respond correctly, your case could be terminated.
This is where fear sets in: every month of delay at NVC means your loved one is not getting scheduled for their interview, not getting their visa, and not reuniting with you in the U.S.
Using Assets Instead of Income
What if your income falls short? USCIS allows sponsors to use assets to make up the difference.
Qualifying assets may include:
- Savings or checking account balances,
- Property equity,
- Stocks, bonds, or retirement accounts.
But here’s the catch: the value of assets must equal three to five times the income shortfall, depending on whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
For example:
- If you are short by $5,000 and you’re a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse, you need at least $15,000 in assets.
- If you’re a permanent resident, you’d need $25,000 in assets to cover that same shortfall.
This is where many people stumble. They list assets without providing the correct documentation—such as proof of ownership, valuation, and evidence of how the asset can be converted into cash. The result? Delays, RFEs, and rejections.
What If You Need a Joint Sponsor?
If your income and assets are not enough, you may need a joint sponsor.
A joint sponsor must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident,
- Be at least 18 years old,
- Reside in the U.S., and
- Meet the income requirements independently.
But here’s where things go wrong: many applicants assume any joint sponsor will do. In reality, joint sponsors must submit their own I-864, complete with tax transcripts and proof of income. If they forget one document—say, a W-2 or IRS transcript—the entire case gets held up.
We’ve seen families wait six to twelve months longer simply because their joint sponsor’s paperwork wasn’t complete. Imagine the emotional toll: spouses separated, children growing up apart, and opportunities lost.
Common I-864 Mistakes to Avoid
If you want your NVC case to move smoothly, avoid these frequent errors that cause heartbreaking delays:
- Using outdated poverty guidelines
- Sponsors sometimes calculate based on old numbers. USCIS updates guidelines annually. In 2025, even a $1 shortfall can trigger an RFE.
- Failing to include tax transcripts
- NVC prefers IRS transcripts over photocopies of tax returns. Forgetting this can result in rejection.
- Mixing household size calculations
- Many sponsors miscount their household members by forgetting to include dependents or prior sponsored immigrants. A wrong number equals wrong income requirement.
- Not signing the I-864
- An unsigned affidavit is invalid. NVC will not accept scanned or electronic signatures (wet signatures are required in most cases).
- Providing incomplete joint sponsor information
- If your joint sponsor misses a document, your whole case stalls.
- Listing assets without proof
- Saying you have savings isn’t enough. You must show official bank statements, real estate appraisals, or other verifiable evidence.
👉 USCIS provides official guidance on avoiding these mistakes here: Tips for Filing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support.
Why Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt Are Real
When it comes to the I-864, fear isn’t paranoia—it’s justified. Each mistake creates a domino effect:
- Your case gets kicked back by the NVC.
- Your interview is delayed.
- Your family waits longer to be together.
- In worst-case scenarios, your case can be terminated, forcing you to start over.
This is why so many families feel uncertainty and doubt when preparing the I-864. The rules are strict, the financial requirements are unforgiving, and the NVC does not grant leniency for errors.
Final Thoughts
The I-864 Affidavit of Support is one of the most critical—and most error-prone—parts of the immigration process. The 2025 income requirements are precise, the documentation rules are strict, and the consequences of mistakes are severe.
At US Immigration Consultants, we have seen too many families suffer months of unnecessary delays because of I-864 errors. That’s why we take a proactive, detail-oriented approach to reviewing every affidavit before it reaches the NVC.
Unsure if you qualify as a sponsor? Book a consultation and let us review your case. Don’t risk months of delays—get peace of mind today.
