Hey there! Thinking about sponsoring a family member to come to the United States? One of the most important documents you'll need to submit is Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. And just like with any official application, a well-written cover letter can make a big difference. This article is here to help you understand what goes into a great I-864 Cover Letter Sample, so you can feel confident submitting your application.
What is an I-864 Cover Letter and Why Does It Matter?
Think of the I-864 cover letter as your personal introduction to the immigration officer reviewing your sponsorship documents. It's your chance to clearly and concisely explain who you are, who you're sponsoring, and why you're submitting the Affidavit of Support. This letter is important because it provides context for your I-864 and can help prevent any confusion or delays in your case. It’s not just a formality; it’s an opportunity to ensure everything is presented in the best possible light.
Here are some key things your cover letter should include:
- Your full name and contact information.
- The full name and date of birth of the person you are sponsoring (the beneficiary).
- The reason for the Affidavit of Support (e.g., family-based green card application).
- A list of all the documents you are including with the I-864.
To make it even clearer, you can organize your supporting documents like this:
| Document Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Form I-864 | Affidavit of Support |
| Proof of Income | Tax transcripts, pay stubs |
| Proof of Status | Green card copy, U.S. passport copy |
Cover Letter for General Sponsorship
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Beneficiary's Full Name] - Case Number [Your USCIS Case Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this cover letter and the enclosed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for the immigration application of my [Relationship to Beneficiary, e.g., spouse], [Beneficiary's Full Name]. [Beneficiary's Full Name] was born on [Beneficiary's Date of Birth].
I am a lawful permanent resident/U.S. citizen and am submitting this affidavit to demonstrate my financial ability to support [Beneficiary's Full Name] and ensure they will not become a public charge in the United States. This Affidavit of Support is being submitted in connection with their application for adjustment of status/immigrant visa.
The following documents are included with this submission:
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by me.
- Proof of my U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (copy of passport/green card).
- My most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040).
- [Number] recent pay stubs.
- [Any other relevant supporting documents, e.g., divorce decree if applicable]
I have carefully reviewed all requirements for the Affidavit of Support and believe I meet the necessary income thresholds. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Cover Letter When You Have a Joint Sponsor
[Petitioner's Full Name]
[Petitioner's Address]
[Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Petitioner's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Beneficiary's Full Name] with Joint Sponsor - Case Number [Your USCIS Case Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please find enclosed the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for my [Relationship to Beneficiary, e.g., parent], [Beneficiary's Full Name], who was born on [Beneficiary's Date of Birth].
As my income alone does not meet the required threshold, I have secured a joint sponsor, [Joint Sponsor's Full Name], to support [Beneficiary's Full Name]'s immigration application. My joint sponsor is a U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident and has completed and signed a separate Form I-864.
The following documents are included for this submission:
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by me.
- My proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (copy of passport/green card).
- My most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040).
- My [Number] recent pay stubs.
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by my joint sponsor, [Joint Sponsor's Full Name].
- Joint sponsor's proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (copy of passport/green card).
- Joint sponsor's most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040).
- Joint sponsor's [Number] recent pay stubs.
- [Any other relevant supporting documents]
I believe all required documentation has been provided to demonstrate my intention and ability to support [Beneficiary's Full Name], along with the assistance of my joint sponsor.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Petitioner's Signature]
[Petitioner's Typed Name]
Cover Letter for a Child Sponsoring a Parent
[Child Petitioner's Full Name]
[Child Petitioner's Address]
[Child Petitioner's Phone Number]
[Child Petitioner's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Parent's Full Name] - Case Number [Your USCIS Case Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is to accompany the enclosed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for my [Parent's Full Name], who was born on [Parent's Date of Birth].
I am a U.S. citizen and am sponsoring my parent for immigration to the United States. I understand the responsibilities of sponsorship and am committed to ensuring my parent does not become a public charge.
Attached you will find:
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by me.
- Proof of my U.S. citizenship (copy of my U.S. birth certificate/U.S. passport).
- My most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040).
- My [Number] recent pay stubs.
- [Any other relevant supporting documents, e.g., birth certificate showing parent-child relationship]
I am aware that as a child sponsoring a parent, the income requirements may differ. I have provided all necessary financial documentation to support this application.
Thank you for your review.
Sincerely,
[Child Petitioner's Signature]
[Child Petitioner's Typed Name]
Cover Letter When You've Changed Domicile
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Beneficiary's Full Name] - Domicile Relocation - Case Number [Your USCIS Case Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is submitted with the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for my [Relationship to Beneficiary, e.g., sibling], [Beneficiary's Full Name], born on [Beneficiary's Date of Birth].
I am writing to inform you that I have recently relocated my domicile from [Previous State/Country] to [Current State/Country]. I am a U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident and continue to meet all requirements to sponsor [Beneficiary's Full Name].
Included with this submission are:
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by me.
- Proof of my U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (copy of passport/green card).
- My most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040), which reflects income earned in [Year of Tax Return].
- My [Number] recent pay stubs from my current employer in [Current State/Country].
- Proof of my new domicile, such as a utility bill or lease agreement for my current address.
- [Any other relevant supporting documents]
I confirm that my intention remains to establish domicile in the United States and to support [Beneficiary's Full Name]. Please review the enclosed documents, which demonstrate my continued ability to fulfill my obligations.
Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Cover Letter for a Deceased Sponsor
[Executor/Administrator's Full Name]
[Executor/Administrator's Address]
[Executor/Administrator's Phone Number]
[Executor/Administrator's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Beneficiary's Full Name] - Deceased Petitioner - Case Number [USCIS Case Number of Deceased Sponsor, if known]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is to provide documentation regarding the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) for [Beneficiary's Full Name], born on [Beneficiary's Date of Birth]. The petitioner for this immigration case, [Deceased Sponsor's Full Name], who was [Deceased Sponsor's Relationship to Beneficiary, e.g., spouse], has unfortunately passed away on [Date of Death].
I am writing as the executor/administrator of the estate of [Deceased Sponsor's Full Name]. As per USCIS regulations, the Affidavit of Support may remain valid if certain conditions are met and if another qualified sponsor is available or if the beneficiary is already a lawful permanent resident. We are submitting the following to address this situation:
- Copy of the death certificate of [Deceased Sponsor's Full Name].
- Letters Testamentary/Administration, proving my legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed by [Deceased Sponsor's Full Name] prior to their passing (if available).
- [If a new sponsor is being substituted, include their Form I-864 and supporting documents as outlined in the "Cover Letter When You Have a Joint Sponsor" example.]
- [Any other relevant supporting documents required by USCIS in such circumstances]
We request that USCIS review these documents and advise on the next steps for the immigration case of [Beneficiary's Full Name]. Please contact me if you require any further information or clarification.
Thank you for your compassionate consideration.
Sincerely,
[Executor/Administrator's Signature]
[Executor/Administrator's Typed Name]
Cover Letter for a Sponsor with Low Income
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Beneficiary's Full Name] - Low Income - Case Number [Your USCIS Case Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this cover letter and the enclosed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for my [Relationship to Beneficiary, e.g., niece], [Beneficiary's Full Name], born on [Beneficiary's Date of Birth].
I am a U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident sponsoring my relative. I understand that my current reported income may be below the poverty guidelines for my household size. I am submitting this affidavit and all accompanying documents to demonstrate my commitment and ability to support [Beneficiary's Full Name].
To supplement my income, I am providing the following:
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by me.
- Proof of my U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (copy of passport/green card).
- My most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040).
- My [Number] recent pay stubs.
-
Documentation of assets that can be used to supplement my income. This may include:
- Bank statements showing savings or checking accounts.
- Information about any stocks or bonds owned.
- Documentation of property ownership (if applicable).
- [If applicable, a letter from my employer stating my future prospects of increased income.]
- [If applicable, evidence of other financial support from family members or friends who are not acting as formal joint sponsors.]
I am confident that the combination of my income, assets, and other demonstrated financial resources will be sufficient to support [Beneficiary's Full Name]. I have provided all available documentation to support my application.
Thank you for your review.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Cover Letter for a Sponsor with Different Income Sources
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of USCIS Service Center handling the case]
Subject: I-864 Cover Letter for [Beneficiary's Full Name] - Multiple Income Sources - Case Number [Your USCIS Case Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies the enclosed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, for my [Relationship to Beneficiary, e.g., friend], [Beneficiary's Full Name], born on [Beneficiary's Date of Birth].
I am a U.S. citizen/lawful permanent resident and am sponsoring [Beneficiary's Full Name]. My financial support for [Beneficiary's Full Name] comes from multiple sources, and I have provided documentation for each.
The following documents are included in this submission:
- Original Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, completed and signed by me.
- Proof of my U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (copy of passport/green card).
- My most recent federal income tax return transcript (IRS Form 1040), detailing my primary employment income.
- [Number] recent pay stubs from my primary employer.
-
Documentation of additional income sources:
- For self-employment/business income: Tax returns for the past [Number] years (Schedule C, etc.) and business bank statements.
- For rental income: Lease agreements and proof of property ownership.
- For investment income: Statements from brokerage accounts or dividend reports.
- For pensions/annuities: Award letters or statements.
- [Any other relevant supporting documents that demonstrate consistent income.]
I have compiled all necessary evidence to demonstrate that my combined income and other financial resources meet the Affidavit of Support requirements. I am committed to ensuring [Beneficiary's Full Name] does not become a public charge.
Thank you for your thorough review.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Submitting an I-864 can seem a bit overwhelming, but with a clear understanding of the process and the importance of your cover letter, you can make it much smoother. Remember, the I-864 Cover Letter Sample is just a template; you need to fill it with your own accurate information and tailor it to your specific situation. By being organized, honest, and providing all the requested documents, you'll be well on your way to successfully sponsoring your loved one.