Financial Requirements for Immigration to the USA

Financial Requirements for Immigration to the USA

To immigrate to the USA, you’ll need to demonstrate financial stability and meet specific requirements. Here’s an overview:

Income Requirements

• Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): Sponsor’s income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines:
  • 1 person: $14,580
  • 2 people: $19,720
  • 3 people: $24,860
  • 4 people: $30,000

Assets and Resources

• Cash and savings: Liquid assets (e.g., cash, stocks, bonds) must be at least 5 times the poverty guidelines
• Property: Value of property (e.g., real estate, vehicles) can be used to supplement income
• Retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts can be used to demonstrate financial stability

Employment-Based Immigration

• H-1B visa: Employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the occupation
• EB-1 visa: Self-petitioners must demonstrate extraordinary ability and significant contributions

Sponsor Requirements

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident: Sponsor must be at least 18 years old and meet income requirements
• Joint sponsor: Allowed if primary sponsor’s income is insufficient
• Co-sponsor: Allowed for certain family-based immigration categories

Public Charge Rule

• Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds: Applicants must demonstrate they won’t become a public charge (i.e., reliant on government assistance)

Consult an immigration attorney or official USCIS resources for personalized guidance on financial requirements