What if I don't make enough to sponsor my spouse?

You have three main options: count the cash value of your assets (savings, stocks, property), add a household member's income using Form I-864A, or use a joint sponsor who independently meets the requirement. You are rarely truly stuck.

Does my spouse's income count toward the requirement?

Sometimes. The intending immigrant's income can count if it will continue from the same source after they get the green card. This most often applies when your spouse is already living and working in the US.

Do I Make Enough to Sponsor My Spouse? (2026 Income Requirements)

Q: How much income do I need to sponsor my spouse in 2026?

For a household of 2 in the 48 contiguous states, you generally need at least $27,050 in annual income in 2026 — that's 125% of the federal poverty guideline. A household of 3 needs $34,150 and a household of 4 needs $41,250. Active-duty military sponsoring a spouse only need to meet 100%. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds.

It's the question that stops so many couples before they even start: "Do I actually earn enough to bring my spouse here?" The fear is understandable — but the answer is more hopeful than most people think. Here's exactly how the income requirement works in 2026, and what to do if you fall short.

The number you need in 2026

When you sponsor your spouse, you sign Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support — a legally binding promise to support them financially. To qualify, your household income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size.

For 2026, in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., the minimum income is:

Household of 2: $27,050
Household of 3: $34,150
Household of 4: $41,250

A household of 2 is the most common case — a US citizen sponsoring their spouse with no children. If you're on active duty in the US Armed Forces sponsoring a spouse, you only need to meet 100% of the guideline, not 125%. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds, so check the USCIS I-864P chart if you live there.

How to count your household size correctly

This trips people up, because USCIS counts your household differently than the IRS does. Your household size includes: you (the sponsor), your spouse you're sponsoring, any children or dependents, anyone you claimed on your most recent tax return, and anyone else you're still financially obligated to from a previous Affidavit of Support.

Get this number right first — it determines which income threshold applies to you.

What income counts

USCIS looks at your current income, not just last year's taxes. Qualifying income generally includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, pensions, and rental income. One-time windfalls and capital gains usually don't count.

A common mistake: submitting only your most recent tax return. If your tax return shows a lower number but you earn more now, include recent pay stubs and an employer letter showing your current salary. That present income can make the difference.

Don't earn enough? You have options

This is the part that brings couples real relief. Falling short of the number on your own does not mean the end of the road. You have three established paths:

Option 1: Use your assets

You can count the cash value of assets that could be converted to cash within a year — savings, stocks, bonds, property equity. For a spouse of a US citizen, the assets generally need to equal three times the gap between your income and the requirement. (For most other cases it's five times.)

Option 2: Add a household member's income

If another adult in your household is willing to help, their income can be combined with yours. They sign Form I-864A (Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member), and their income counts toward your total.

Option 3: Use a joint sponsor

A joint sponsor is someone outside your household — a friend or family member — who agrees to take on financial responsibility alongside you. They must be a US citizen or permanent resident, at least 18, living in the US, and they must meet the 125% requirement on their own (for their household plus your spouse). Important: you cannot combine your income with a joint sponsor's. Each is evaluated separately, and the joint sponsor files their own I-864.

Not sure if you qualify? Check in 30 seconds.

Use our free I-864 income calculator to see instantly whether your income meets the 2026 requirement for your household size — no account needed, in 7 languages.

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Frequently asked questions

How much income do I need to sponsor my spouse in 2026?

For a household of 2 in the contiguous states, about $27,050 per year (125% of the poverty guideline). Household of 3 is $34,150 and household of 4 is $41,250. Active-duty military sponsoring a spouse meet 100% instead.

What if I don't make enough?

You have three options: count your assets (at three times the shortfall for a citizen's spouse), add a household member's income with Form I-864A, or use a joint sponsor who qualifies on their own.

Does my spouse's income count?

Sometimes. The intending immigrant's income can count if it will continue from the same source after they receive the green card — most often when your spouse already lives and works in the US.

Which year's poverty guidelines apply?

The guidelines in effect on the date you file your I-864. The 2026 figures took effect March 1, 2026. Always confirm the current numbers on the USCIS I-864P page before filing.

SOURCES

USCIS — I-864P, HHS Poverty Guidelines USCIS — Affidavit of Support US Dept. of State — I-864 FAQs

ClearPath is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Income figures are based on the 2026 HHS Poverty Guidelines (Form I-864P, effective March 1, 2026) for the 48 contiguous states and may change. Always verify current figures at uscis.gov/i-864p before filing.