Crucial Steps: Navigating Form I-864 Instructions with Ease

Form I-864, officially known as the “Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA,” is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form used in the immigration process. It is required for family-sponsored immigrants and employment-based immigrants to show that they have adequate financial support and will not become public charges.

General Form I-864 instructions:

Download the Form:

• Obtain the most recent version of Form I-864 from the official USCIS website .

Read the Instructions:

• Before you start filling out the form, carefully read the accompanying instructions provided by USCIS. The instructions provide important information about eligibility, supporting documents, and filing requirements.

Complete the Personal Information:

• Provide your personal information in the designated sections. Include your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), and other requested details.

Provide Sponsor Information:

• If you are the sponsor, provide your information as the primary financial supporter. This includes your relationship to the intending immigrant, employment details, and income information.

Include Household Members:

• List all members of your household, including dependents and other individuals living with you. Provide their names, relationships, dates of birth, and immigration statuses.

Income Information:

• Complete the income section with details about your annual income, including employment income, self-employment income, rental income, and any other sources of income. Attach supporting documents, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, and pay stubs.

Assets and Liabilities:

• Declare any assets you possess, such as real estate, bank accounts, and retirement accounts. Also, provide information on any liabilities or debts you have.

Sponsor’s Contractual Obligations:

• Sign the sponsorship agreement, acknowledging your responsibility for the sponsored immigrant. By signing, you are confirming that you understand and accept the legal obligations associated with being a financial sponsor.

Submit Supporting Documents:

• Include all required supporting documents with your Form I-864. This may include tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, proof of assets, and other financial documents.

Check for Accuracy:

• Double-check all the information you’ve entered to ensure accuracy. Any errors or missing information could lead to delays in processing.

Submit the Form:

• Mail the completed and signed Form I-864 along with supporting documents to the address provided in the instructions.

Form I-751 Instructions

Form I-751, officially known as the “Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence,” is used by conditional permanent residents to request the removal of the conditions on their permanent resident status. This form is typically filed by individuals who obtained their green cards through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Here’s a general guide on how to fill out Form I-751:

Download the Form and Instructions:

• Obtain the latest version of Form I-751 instructions.

Read the Instructions:

• Carefully read the instructions provided by USCIS before completing the form. The instructions will guide you through the process and provide essential information on eligibility, supporting documents, and filing requirements.

Check Eligibility:

• Ensure that you are eligible to file Form I-751. Typically, you can file jointly with your spouse if you are still married and living together. If you are no longer married, you may be eligible to file a waiver of the joint filing requirement based on divorce, annulment, or other reasons.

Complete Form I-751:

• Provide accurate and complete information in all sections of the form. This includes personal information, information about your spouse, and details about your conditional residency.

Attach Supporting Documents:

• Include supporting documents that demonstrate the legitimacy of your marriage and the ongoing nature of your relationship. This may include joint financial records, lease agreements, utility bills, photos, and other evidence.

Include the Filing Fee:

• Check the USCIS website or the instructions for the current filing fee and payment methods. Include the appropriate fee with your Form I-751.

File on Time:

• File your Form I-751 within the 90-day period before your conditional green card expires. Filing too early or too late may result in complications.

Sign and Date:

• Ensure that the form is signed and dated where required. Unsigned forms will be rejected.

Mail the Application:

• Mail the completed Form I-751 along with supporting documents and the filing fee to the address provided in the instructions.

Receive Receipt Notice:

• After USCIS receives your application, you should receive a receipt notice. This notice extends your conditional permanent resident status for 18 months while your petition is being processed.

Attend Biometrics Appointment:

• If required, attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center.

Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE):

• If USCIS requests additional evidence to support your application, promptly respond to the RFE with the required documents.

Await USCIS Decision:

• Once USCIS reviews your petition, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will receive a new permanent resident card.

Form I-751 checklist

Creating a checklist for Form I-751, the “Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence,” can help ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process:

Before You Begin:

Review Eligibility:

• Confirm that you are eligible to file Form I-751. If you obtained conditional permanent residency through marriage, ensure you file within the 90-day period before your green card expires.

Download the Latest Form and Instructions:

• Obtain the most recent version of Form I-751 and carefully read the accompanying instructions from the official USCIS website.

Form I-751 Application:

Complete Form I-751:

• Fill out the form accurately, providing all required information. Ensure both you (the petitioner) and your spouse (if filing jointly) sign and date the form where necessary.
• Gather Supporting Documents:
  a. Personal Documents:
  • Copy of your conditional green card (both sides).
  • Copies of any previous green cards or immigrant visas.
  • Copies of government-issued identification (passport, driver’s license).
• b. Evidence of Relationship:
  • Joint bank account statements.
  • Joint tax returns (if applicable).
  • Joint lease or mortgage documents.
  • Utility bills in both names.
  • Photos showing the couple together and with family/friends.
• c. Proof of Joint Financial Assets:
  • Bank statements showing joint accounts.
  • Insurance policies with both names.
  • Loan documents for joint debts.
  • Any other relevant financial documents.
• d. Affidavits from Third Parties:
  • Letters from friends, family, or colleagues attesting to the authenticity of your marriage.
• e. Waiver (if applicable):
  • If filing for a waiver of the joint filing requirement, provide evidence of divorce, annulment, abuse, or other applicable circumstances.

Include the Filing Fee:

• Check the USCIS website or the instructions for the current filing fee. Ensure you include the correct payment method, such as a check or money order.

Make Copies of the Application:

• Photocopy the entire application and all supporting documents for your records.

Submitting Your Application:

Mail the Application:

• Send the completed Form I-751, supporting documents, and the filing fee to the address specified in the instructions.

Receive Receipt Notice:

• After USCIS receives your application, you should receive a receipt notice. This notice serves as proof that your application is in process.

Attend Biometrics Appointment (if required):

• If USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment, attend as scheduled. Bring the appointment notice and a valid government-issued ID.

Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE):

• If USCIS requests additional evidence, promptly respond with the required documents.

Await USCIS Decision:

• USCIS will review your petition, and if approved, you will receive a new permanent resident card.