Published: September 12, 2025
Do you intend to apply for a US green card for a loved one? Whether you’re a citizen or permanent resident in the US, you must satisfy the minimum level of income and assets necessary to be eligible as a sponsor for an immediate relative or other family member.
This financial requirement is one of the most significant challenges many families face when securing a green card. Below, we’ll walk you through the purpose of providing financial support to would-be family immigrants and the updated income thresholds for green card sponsorship.
The Purpose of Financial Support in Green Card Sponsorship
Income is one of the factors the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) examines when deciding on applications that are subject to a public charge test. That’s why having a financial sponsor is required for every person who intends to immigrate to the US based on a family-sponsored petition.
Financial support in green card sponsorship helps ensure that the intending immigrant won’t become reliant on government public assistance. In particular, the petitioner who acts as a sponsor for an immigrant must submit an Affidavit of Support.
That’s a legally enforceable contract under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), in which the sponsor agrees to provide financial support for the immigrant specified on the affidavit. One of its requirements is that anyone sponsoring a relative demonstrate enough income or assets to support the intending immigrant.
New Income Thresholds for Green Card Sponsorship
The US government establishes specific income requirements for green card sponsorship based on Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). It’s worth noting that the income thresholds change annually following the poverty guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
For 2025, the sponsor must support the immigrant to maintain their income at no less than 125% of the FPG for their household size. Those who are active-duty military sponsors have a lower income requirement for green card sponsorship, which is established at 100% of the poverty line.
Notably, the required income requirements can differ depending on the sponsor’s household size and location. For instance, the poverty benchmarks for Alaska and Hawaii are higher because of the increased cost of living.
Options When Sponsors Cannot Meet the Financial Requirements
Suppose a sponsor is incapable of fulfilling the minimum income requirement. They must still file the Affidavit of Support and accept legal obligation as the primary sponsor. But the following options are available to meet the financial qualifications:
- Find a joint sponsor who is capable of satisfying the 125% income requirement on their own. While they’re required to meet all similar requirements, they don’t have to be related to the immigrant.
- Factor in the income of other members in the household.
- Sponsors can utilize assets to satisfy the income threshold. Examples of assets typically accepted are stocks, bonds, checking and savings accounts, or property.
Ensure a Successful Green Card Sponsorship With ALG Lawyers
The financial requirements for green card sponsorship are a typical hurdle for many families seeking to reunite in the US. In fact, one of the common reasons green card applicants experience denials is that they were unable to prove they had sufficient financial support to avoid relying on government assistance.
A Los Angeles immigration lawyer will be highly beneficial in providing compelling financial evidence to strengthen your green card application. They can also help explore options such as joint sponsorship to meet the required financial criteria. We, at ALG Lawyers, provides personalized assistance to give your immigration application the best chance of success. Call our team for a one-on-one consultation.
FAQs on What To Know About the New Income Thresholds for Green Card Sponsorship
Are unemployment benefits counted as a source of income?
Sponsors must show reliable and ongoing income to meet the green card sponsorship’s minimum income thresholds. Since unemployment benefits offer temporary financial aid, it doesn’t qualify as a source of income for immigration purposes.
What acceptable documents can sponsors use to verify proof of income?
Sponsors can use numerous documents to verify proof of income when complying with the requirements of the Affidavit of Support. Examples of documents typically accepted include the most recent federal tax return, proof of current earnings, bank statements, and documentation of assets.
Are you still legally bound to financially support your relative after they secure a green card?
Your financial responsibilities as a sponsor don’t end after your relative secures a green card. In general, the green card sponsor is bound to financially support the immigrant until one of the following occurs:
- They obtain US or accumulate 40 quarters of work, meaning they have worked for about a decade.
- You or the individual sponsored passes away.
- The immigrant loses or abandons their lawful permanent residency status and permanently leaves the US.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)