When applying for a marriage-based green card—whether through the spouse visa process (CR-1/IR-1) or adjustment of status—the sponsoring partner must demonstrate the financial ability to support the immigrant spouse. This financial responsibility ensures the immigrant will not become reliant on government assistance in the United States.
For most sponsors, the minimum annual income required in 2025 is $25,550. This figure assumes the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, not on active military duty, and is sponsoring only one relative.
Minimum Income Requirements (2025)
To sponsor a family member for a green card, the U.S. sponsor must provide proof of income through tax returns and current employment. The federal government sets annual income thresholds based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which vary depending on:
Household size
State or territory of residence
Military or non-military status
Below are the 2025 income thresholds for 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which apply to most sponsors:
2025 Minimum Annual Income Requirements for Most Sponsors (125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Household Size
48 States, D.C., U.S. Territories
Alaska
Hawaii
2
$26,437
$33,037
$30,400
3
$33,312
$41,637
$38,312
4
$40,187
$50,237
$46,225
5
$47,062
$58,837
$54,137
6
$53,937
$67,437
$62,050
7
$60,812
$76,037
$69,962
8
$67,687
$84,637
$77,875
Each Additional Person
Add $6,875
Add $8,600
Add $7,913
2025 Minimum Annual Income Requirements for Military Sponsors (100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines)
If the sponsor is on active duty in the U.S. military and sponsoring a spouse or child, the minimum income requirement is reduced to 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:
Household Size
48 States, D.C., U.S. Territories
Alaska
Hawaii
2
$21,150
$26,430
$24,320
3
$26,650
$33,310
$30,650
4
$32,150
$40,190
$36,980
5
$37,650
$47,070
$43,310
6
$43,150
$53,950
$49,640
7
$48,650
$60,830
$55,970
8
$54,150
$67,710
$62,300
Each Additional Person
Add $5,500
Add $6,880
Add $6,330
Note: Household size includes the sponsor, the immigrant, any children under 21, dependents on tax returns, anyone immigrating with the primary beneficiary, and anyone else being sponsored on a separate affidavit.
Guide to Income Sources and Alternatives
What Types of Income Can Be Counted?
Sponsors can include the total income reported on line 9 of IRS Form 1040. Eligible sources include:
Wages and salaries
Retirement benefits
Alimony or child support
Dividends and interest
Other legal sources of income
Can Household Members’ Income Be Included?
Yes. If the sponsor alone does not meet the income requirement, they can include income from adult household members (parents, siblings, children) if those individuals agree to financially support the immigrant.
The household member must complete Form I-864A to formalize this commitment.
Can a Co-Sponsor Help?
Yes. If the sponsor (and household) cannot meet the income threshold, a joint sponsor may step in.
The joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder living in the U.S.
They must meet the full income requirement on their own.
A joint sponsor submits a separate Form I-864.
What If My Income Isn’t Enough?
Sponsors can use assets to supplement their income if they fall short of the minimum threshold.
Eligible Assets Must Be:
Convertible to cash within one year
Not subject to significant loss or hardship
Owned by the sponsor or a qualifying household member
Asset Examples:
Cash and savings accounts
Certificates of deposit (CDs)
Stocks and mutual funds
Property equity (net value of a home)
Vehicles (only the second vehicle if another is needed for transportation)
Meeting the financial requirements to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is a key part of the immigration process. By understanding the 2025 income thresholds, acceptable income sources, and available asset alternatives, sponsors can better prepare for a smooth application.
For the most current details, consult the official USCIS Form I-864P (Poverty Guidelines) and Form I-864 instructions.
Have Immigration Questions?
Our federal immigration attorney Seth Finberg handles H-1B, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, O-1, EB-5, E-2, and removal defense cases nationwide.
