Form I-864W: What You Need to Know

Do you want to obtain a family-based US green card? You might need to file Form I-864 or Form I-864W depending on your eligibility and other important factors.

In this article, we will talk more about Form I-864 and Form I-864W and the associated eligibility criteria. Let’s get started.

What is Form I-864?

Form I-864 is also known as the Affidavit of Support. Most applicants who want to get a family-based US green card, as a part of their application process, need to submit Form I-864.

This form is needed to show that the immigrant has enough financial support and will not become a public charge. Essentially, Form I-864 is a contract with the US government and a sponsor wherein sponsor promises to support the concerned immigrant if the immigrant is unable to do anything on their own.

What is Form I-864W?

If you have worked in the US for at least 10 years, or specifically speaking, if you have earned credit equivalent to 40 quarters of Social Security payments or you will become a US citizen once you move to the US because your parent is a US citizen and you are at least 14 years old, then, in that case, you are required to submit Form I-864W instead of Form I-864.

Who is Exempt from Filing an Affidavit of Support?

Not all the immigrants trying to move to the States need to submit an Affidavit of Support.

Reasons for Exemption

You are not required to submit Form I-864 only when:

• You have or are credited with 40 quarters of covered employment
• You are a self-petitioning widow or widower
• You are the child of the battered spouse of a US citizen or the battered spouse of US citizen
• You are a child and meet the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act enacted in 2000 and you can become a US citizen right after your entry into the US

Employment-Based Waiver

If you have earned or received at least 40 eligible quarters under the Social Security Act, you no more need to submit Form I-864 but Form I-864W. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

• Complete the Form I-864W on your computer.
• Print the application form.
• Sign it.
• Include all the supporting documents and attach the bar code sheet.
• Next, mail all these documents to the NVC.

Self-Petitioning Widower

• Complete the Form I-864W on your computer.
• Print the application form.
• Sign it.
• Include all the supporting documents and attach the bar code sheet.
• Next, mail all these documents to the NVC.

Self-Petitioning Battered Child or Spouse

• Complete the Form I-864W on your computer.
• Print the application form.
• Sign it.
• Include all the supporting documents and attach the bar code sheet.
• Next, mail all these documents to the NVC.

Child Beneficiary

If you are a child who will become a US citizen as soon as you enter the US, in that case, you need to:

• Complete the Form I-864W on your computer.
• Print the application form.
• Sign it.
• Include all the supporting documents and attach the bar code sheet.
• Next, mail all these documents to the NVC.

However, you need to fulfill certain set of requirements:

• You should be under 18 years of age.
• You must have at least one American citizen parent by naturalization or by birth
• You must live in the physical and legal custody of the American citizen parent

I-864W Instructions

Part 1

Here, you need to provide all your biographical information. You don’t need to provide a Social Security Number until and unless you have a legally valid one. You might have an A-number or Alien Registration Number. It is an eight or nine-digit number that you will receive only if you have an encounter with US immigration authorities.

Part 2

You will need to provide valid reasons as to why you are excused from the general requirement of submitting a Form I-864. It is essential to base your argument with proper proof.

Part 3

Enter the name on the first blank line, and then sign the form and enter the date.

That’s all. You are done.

Tips for Filing Form I-864W

Although filing Form I-864W is pretty easy and straightforward, here are a few tips which will make the entire process even smoother:

Who Completes This Form?

This form is to be completed by the intending immigrant who intends to move to the US. If the concerned immigrant is under 14 years of age, in that case, their corresponding US parent must complete and sign the form on their behalf. Alternatively, their guardian could also complete the form if they are not 14 years old yet.

What You Should Submit?

You are required to submit original Form I-864. The form is considered original if it has it is signed duly in black ink.

Tips for Completing Form I-864W

Part 1

You are required to complete this section in full. Make sure that you provide all the information accurately and precisely.

Part 2

In this section, provide the most appropriate reason as to why you didn’t file Form I-864.

Part 3

Sign this form in black ink, and enter the date. You must sign this form if you are at least 14 years of age. If you are under 14, your parent or legal guardian may complete and sign the form for you.

The Wrap Up

With this, we have come to the end of this article. It is important to know the differences between Form I-864 and Form I-864W. Know your available options and provide accurate information to speed up the processing time.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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