I-864P Minimum Income Requirement for 2025 — Complete Guide for Marriage-Based AOS

The I-864P minimum income requirement is an annual chart published by USCIS. It’s based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines and shows the minimum income a sponsor must earn to support the intending immigrant.

Why does USCIS need this? Because the U.S. government must ensure that the applicant will not become a public charge, and that the household has enough financial stability to live in the United States.

To put it simply:

If the sponsor’s income is below the I-864P minimum income requirement, the AOS application may be denied — unless you add a joint sponsor or qualify with assets.

How to Read the I-864P Minimum Income Requirement Chart

For many people, the I-864P chart looks confusing at first: rows, columns, household sizes. Let’s explain it like a real human being.

Step 1. Identify your household size

Your household includes:

• you (the sponsor)

• your spouse

• your children

• all dependents claimed on your taxes

• the beneficiary (the immigrant applying for the green card)

• anyone you previously sponsored and are still financially responsible for

Larger household = higher income requirement.

Step 2. Find the “125% of Poverty Guidelines” column

For marriage-based AOS, you always use 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines unless the sponsor is an active-duty military member.

Step 3. Compare your income to the number in the chart

If your income is above the requirement — great. If it is below, go to the section on joint sponsors or using assets.

I-864P Minimum Income Requirement — How to Calculate Income If Your Work Is Not Standard

Most people have a W-2, and it’s simple. But if you’re:

• a freelancer

• self-employed

• a business owner

• an Uber/Lyft driver

• working on contract

• earning irregular income

• recently changed jobs

• not receiving a stable salary

…then calculating income for the I-864P minimum income requirement works differently.

Here are the most important rules:

1. USCIS looks at your income on your tax return (AGI)

Not the number you “feel” you earn. If your AGI is low due to deductions, USCIS counts that low figure.

2. Pay stubs hel,p but cannot replace tax returns

Especially if your current income is higher than last year’s.

3. For self-employed applicants, Schedule C is the key document

If your business writes off too many expenses, your net income drops — and USCIS will see that as low income.

4. If you started a new job less than 6 months ago, USCIS may request additional evidence

This is normal.

Which Types of Income USCIS Accepts for I-864

Accepted income sources:

• wages/salary

• self-employment income

• retirement income

• stable investment income

• certain government benefits

• spouse’s income (if you submit Form I-864A)

NOT accepted:

• unreported cash income

• random transfers from relatives

• informal payments without documentation

• “gray area” earnings with no tax record

  
  

I-864P Minimum Income Requirement — Example (Explained Like to a Friend)

Let’s take a simple example:

• Sponsor: U.S. citizen

• Filing for spouse

• Household size = 2

According to the I-864P minimum income requirement for 2025, the sponsor needs about:

≈ $26,437 per year

If the sponsor earns:

• $27,000 → great, this meets the requirement

• $23,000 → does NOT meet the requirement → joint sponsor or assets needed

Important details to pay attention to:

• Always check the correct year's chart

• Alaska and Hawaii have different income levels

• Active-duty military sponsors only need 100% of the poverty level, not 125%

  
  

Household Size — Where Applicants Make the Most Mistakes

Here are the most common errors:

❌ Not including the immigrant

Yes — the beneficiary IS part of the household.

❌ Including everyone living in the same apartment

Household size ≠ number of people in the home.

❌ Forgetting previously sponsored immigrants

If you signed an I-864 for someone years ago, you are still financially responsible until they naturalize.

What to Do If Income Is Below the I-864P Minimum Income Requirement

This is where people panic most — but there is no need.USCIS allows three official solutions, and all are valid.

Solution 1. Joint Sponsor

You can add another person who meets the income requirement and is willing to sign the financial responsibility form.

A joint sponsor can be:

• a relative

• a friend

• a coworker

• an employer

• any U.S. citizen or green card holder with qualifying income

Solution 2. Use the Spouse’s Income (Form I-864A)

If the immigrant spouse also works legally, their income can be added.

Solution 3. Use Assets Instead of Income

USCIS accepts assets if they can be converted to cash within a year.

Examples:

• savings

• investment accounts

• property

• vehicles

The formula is:

(Income shortfall) × 5 = required value of assets

Documents That Prove Income (Checklist)

USCIS trusts documents, not guesses. Here’s the perfect income evidence package:

• Federal tax return (Form 1040)

• W-2 forms

• 1099 forms (if applicable)

• 6 months of pay stubs

• Employment verification letter

• Bank statements (if using assets)

• Deeds/investment statements

The more solid your evidence, the lower your chance of an RFE.

Common Mistakes That Cause USCIS to Issue RFEs

These are the top issues that lead to delays:

❌ incorrect household size

❌ missing tax documents

❌ income not properly documented

❌ wrong income number entered

❌ missing signature

❌ wrong form version

❌ missing I-864A when spouse’s income is used

92% of all I-864 RFEs are caused by not meeting the I-864P minimum income requirement.

FAQ — I-864P Minimum Income Requirement

Can I file without a tax return?

Only with a valid explanation + strong alternative evidence.

What is more important: pay stubs or tax return?

Tax return.

Can I use this year's income if it's higher?

Yes — but you must prove the increase.

Do I need a joint sponsor if I'm only $500 short?

Yes, almost always.

Can crypto count as an asset?

Yes, if documented properly.