The filing fee for Form I-864, known as the Affidavit of Support, is $0.
When sponsoring a relative for a green card, Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the sponsoring U.S. citizen or green card holder, or a joint sponsor, meets the necessary income requirements to financially support the green card applicant upon their arrival in the United States.
A common question among applicants and sponsors concerns the associated fees for this form.
Form I-864 Filing Fee
As of 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not charge a filing fee for Form I-864. This makes it one of the few USCIS forms that does not require an upfront payment when submitted.
To clarify the cost of this specific form:
| Government Form | What It's Used For | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-864 (Financial Support Form) | Demonstrating that the sponsoring relative (U.S. citizen or green card holder) or the joint sponsor meets the income required to support the relative seeking a green card once in the United States | $0 |
Important Considerations Beyond the Filing Fee
While there is no direct fee for Form I-864 itself, it's important to understand that the overall green card process involves various other costs. These can include:
- Application Fees for Other Forms: The primary immigration petition (e.g., Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative) and the green card application (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) or immigrant visa application (DS-260) will have their own separate fees.
- Biometrics Fee: Applicants often need to attend a biometrics appointment, which incurs a fee for fingerprinting and background checks.
- Medical Examination Fee: A required medical exam by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon or panel physician is a significant cost, varying by provider.
- Attorney Fees: Many individuals choose to hire an immigration attorney, which adds to the total expense.
- Translation and Postage Costs: Fees for translating documents not in English and and mailing costs for applications can also accumulate.
Where to Find Official Fee Information
For the most current and official information on all USCIS fees, it is always recommended to check the official USCIS website directly or a reliable immigration resource that frequently updates its information based on USCIS announcements, such as Boundless.com.
In summary, sponsors can rest assured that filing Form I-864 itself will not incur a cost from USCIS.
