5 Steps To Complete Form I-864ez Affidavit Of Support

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As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, sponsoring a family member or other eligible individual for a green card can be a complex and time-consuming process. One of the key requirements for sponsoring a loved one is completing Form I-864, also known as the Affidavit of Support. However, not everyone is aware that there is a simplified version of this form, called Form I-864EZ. In this article, we will break down the 5 steps to complete Form I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support.

Understanding Form I-864EZ

Before we dive into the steps, it's essential to understand the purpose of Form I-864EZ and who is eligible to use it. Form I-864EZ is a simplified version of the Affidavit of Support, which is required for sponsors who are petitioning for a family member or other eligible individual to immigrate to the United States. The EZ version is designed for sponsors who meet specific income requirements and have a limited number of dependents.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to use Form I-864EZ, sponsors must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Meet the minimum income requirements (125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• Have a limited number of dependents (no more than 6 dependents, including the sponsor's spouse and children)

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before starting the application process, gather the following required documents:

• Proof of income (tax returns, W-2 forms, etc.)
• Proof of identity (passport, driver's license, etc.)
• Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreement, etc.)
• Proof of relationship to the beneficiary (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)

Step 2: Complete the Form

Once you have gathered the required documents, complete Form I-864EZ by providing the following information:

• Sponsors' personal information (name, address, Social Security number, etc.)
• Beneficiary's information (name, date of birth, etc.)
• Sponsor's income information ( employment status, income level, etc.)
• Information about the sponsor's dependents (name, date of birth, etc.)

Sign and Date the Form

Make sure to sign and date the form in Part 7, "Sponsor's Declaration, Covenant, and Certification." This section is a critical part of the application process, as it confirms that you understand your obligations as a sponsor and that you will provide financial support to the beneficiary.

Step 3: Attach Supporting Documents

Attach the required supporting documents to the completed Form I-864EZ. These documents include:

• Proof of income (tax returns, W-2 forms, etc.)
• Proof of identity (passport, driver's license, etc.)
• Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreement, etc.)
• Proof of relationship to the beneficiary (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit the completed Form I-864EZ, along with the required supporting documents, to the relevant U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office or U.S. embassy/consulate. Make sure to follow the specific filing instructions provided by USCIS or the U.S. Department of State.

Filing Fees

There is no filing fee for Form I-864EZ. However, you may need to pay a fee for the underlying immigrant visa application or adjustment of status application.

Step 5: Wait for Processing and Approval

After submitting the application, wait for USCIS or the U.S. Department of State to process and approve the Form I-864EZ. The processing time may vary depending on the specific application and the workload of the relevant office.

Conclusion

Completing Form I-864EZ is a critical step in the process of sponsoring a loved one for a green card. By following the 5 steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your application is complete and accurate, and that you are one step closer to reuniting with your family member or other eligible individual.

Encouragement to Share and Engage

We hope this article has been informative and helpful in guiding you through the process of completing Form I-864EZ. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to share them with us. Additionally, if you found this article helpful, please share it with others who may be going through the same process.