Common Mistakes when submitting the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

alenaraylaw
Sep 2
2 min read

Common Mistakes with the
I-864, and the affidavit of support form

When applying for a green card or sponsoring a family member through the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), even small mistakes can lead to frustrating delays—or worse, a denial. USCIS carefully reviews every detail of your financial documentation, and certain errors are more common than you might think. In this article, we’ll cover the top mistakes to avoid so you can protect your case and move forward with confidence.

Filing taxes incorrectly:

If you are legally married, you cannot file taxes as “single” or “head of household.” USCIS may flag this as a red flag, and you may need to amend your returns with the help of a certified public accountant (CPA).

Failing to update documents before the interview:

USCIS or the U.S. consulate may request updated tax returns, recent pay stubs, and employment verification before making a decision.

Self-employment proof issues:

If you are self-employed without a registered corporation, immigration officials may require more detailed proof of income, such as multiple years of 1099 forms.

Avoiding these mistakes can make the difference between a smooth approval and months—or even years—of delays. Every case is unique, so the safest way to prepare your Affidavit of Support is to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can review your documents, guide you through the process, and help you respond to any requests from USCIS.

Related Guides

How to Calculate Your Household Size for the Affidavit of Support – Learn who counts toward your household size and how it affects the income requirement.
What to Do If Your Income Is Not Enough – Explore options like joint sponsors, using the applicant’s income, or counting assets.
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This is for general information purposes only. For advice about your specific situation, contact an experienced immigration attorney.