IMPORTANT UPDATE — MARCH 9, 2021: Both the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) public charge rule and the Department of State (DOS) public charge policy are currently not in effect. The DHS rule was halted on March 9, 2021, while the DOS policy was paused indefinitely on July 29, 2020. This page reflects those policies, which initially took effect on Feb. 24, 2020, and will not be immediately updated according to the previous, longstanding guidance issued in 1999. Learn more.
When completing the financial support form (Form I-864), the sponsoring spouse (and joint sponsor, if any) needs to provide evidence that they have the financial means to support the spouse seeking a green card. The sponsor is required to provide a copy of their most recent U.S. federal income tax return, as well as proof of assets if they are counting assets to meet the minimum income requirements of a marriage-based green card. Learn more here about the financial documents required as part of Form I-864.
The spouse seeking a green card also needs to submit evidence that they will be able to financially support themselves and therefore will be unlikely to depend on public benefits at any point in the future. The required financial documents differ somewhat depending on whether an individual is applying from within the United States or from outside the United States. We’ve put together a detailed guide about the different types of financial documents required for the spouse seeking a green card.
Examples of the types of financial documents required include federal income tax returns, proof of assets, and evidence of any debts and liabilities. Learn more here about all the required financial documents and acceptable forms of evidence when applying for a marriage green card.