I-864EZ Instructions TOC

TABLE OF CHANGES – INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for Form I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

OMB Number: 1615-0075

6/19/2017

Reason for Revision: Update to standard language.

Current Page Number and Section	Current Text	Proposed Text
Page 1, What Is the Purpose of Form I-864EZ?	[page 1] What Is the Purpose of Form I-864EZ? Form I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is a shorter version of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, designed for cases that meet certain criteria. Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ is legally required for many family-based immigrants to show that the intending immigrant has adequate means of financial support and is unlikely to become a public charge.	[page 1] [no change]
Page 1, Who May Use Form I-864EZ?	[page 1] Who May Use Form I-864EZ? You may use Form I-864EZ if ALL the following conditions apply: 1. You are the person who filed or is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for a relative being sponsored; 2. The relative you are sponsoring is the only person listed on Form I-130; and 3. The income you are using to qualify is based entirely on your salary or pension and is shown on one or more Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-2s provided by your employers or former employers.	[page 1] [no change]
Page 1, When Not To Use Form I-864EZ?	[page 1] When Not To Use Form I-864EZ? Do not use Form I-864EZ if any of the following conditions apply. Instead, you must complete and submit Form I-864. 1. The relative you are sponsoring is not the only person immigrating based upon the underlying visa petition; 2. You filed or are filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for the immigrant you are sponsoring; 3. You are a joint sponsor; or 4. You are a substitute sponsor filing because the original Form I-130 petitioner is deceased.	[page 1] [no change] 1. The relative you are sponsoring is not the only person immigrating based upon the underlying visa petition. 2. You filed or are filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for the immigrant you are sponsoring. 3. You are a joint sponsor. 4. You are a substitute sponsor filing because the original Form I-130 petitioner is deceased. 5. Your salary or pension is not enough to meet the income requirements as set by the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Pages 1-2, How Is Form I-864EZ Used?	[page 1] How Is Form I-864EZ Used? This affidavit is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S. Government. The person completing and signing this affidavit is the sponsor. By signing Form I-864EZ, you are agreeing to use your income and resources to support the intending immigrant named in this affidavit, if it becomes necessary. You must show on this affidavit that you have enough income to ensure that the sponsored immigrant will not have to rely on means-tested public benefits for support in the United States. In most cases, the submission of this affidavit will make the sponsored immigrant ineligible for Federal, state, or local means-tested public benefits, because an agency that provides means-tested public benefits will consider your income and resources available to the sponsored immigrant in determining eligibility for the program. If the immigrant sponsored in this affidavit does receive a Federal, state, or local means-tested public benefit, the agency providing the benefit may require you to repay the cost of those benefits. That agency can sue you if you do not repay the cost of the benefits provided. [page 2] 1. Who Is Required to File Form I-864W Instead of Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ? The following types of intending immigrants must properly complete and submit Form I-864W, Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant’s Affidavit of Support, instead of a Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ: A. An intending immigrant who has received, or can receive credit for 40 quarters of work. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count and provide evidence of quarters of work; B. An intending immigrant who will, upon admission, acquire U.S. citizenship under section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA); and C. A self-petitioning widow(er) or qualifying battered spouse or child. 2. Who Completes Form I-864EZ? Only the U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national who filed Form I-130 for a family member, may complete this affidavit. A sponsor is required to be at least 18 years of age and domiciled in the United States, its territories, or possessions. (See the Specific Instructions section of these Instructions.) 3. What Are the Income Requirements? To qualify as a sponsor, you must demonstrate that you have an income of at least 125 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. The Federal poverty line, for purposes of this affidavit, is updated annually and can be found on Form I-864P, Poverty Guidelines, at www.uscis.gov/I-864P. If you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and you are sponsoring your spouse or minor child, you only need to have an income of 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. 4. How Do I Count Household Size? Your household size includes yourself and the following individuals, no matter where they live: A. Any spouse; B. Any dependent children under 21 years of age; C. Any other dependents listed on your most recent Federal income tax return; D. The person being sponsored in this affidavit of support; and E. Any immigrants previously sponsored with a Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ affidavit of support whom you are still obligated to support. 5. How Long Does My Obligation as a Sponsor Continue? Your obligation to support the immigrant you are sponsoring in this Form I-864EZ will continue until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can receive credit for 40 qualifying quarters of work in the United States. Although 40 qualifying quarters (credits) of work generally equates to 10 years of work, in certain cases, the work of a spouse or parent adds qualifying quarters toward eligibility. The Social Security Administration can provide information on how to count qualifying quarters (credits) of work. The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrant dies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the United States. Divorce does not end the sponsorship obligation. 6. Do I Have to Report My Change of Address If l Move? Federal law requires that a sponsor report every change of address to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the change. To do this, send a completed Form I-865, Sponsor’s Change of Address, to the Service Center having jurisdiction over your new address. Please see the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/I-865 for more information on filing a change of address as a sponsor. [page 3] NOTE: Do not complete Form I-865 at the same time that you complete Form I-864EZ. You should complete and submit Form I-865 to USCIS only when the address you indicated on the original Form I-864EZ has changed. A sponsor who fails to submit Form I-865 within 30 days of a change of address may be fined. Please see Form I-865 for further directions on filing the Sponsor’s Change of Address. This requirement does not relieve a sponsor who is a lawful permanent resident from notifying USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.	[page 1] [no change] [page 2] [no change] B. An intending immigrant who will, upon admission, acquire U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 320, as amended by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (CCA); and [no change] [deleted]
Pages 3-4, General Instructions	[page 3] General Instructions USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS Web site. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have Internet access, you may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Signature. Each affidavit must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this affidavit, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal guardian may sign the affidavit on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person. If you are under guardianship, your legal guardian may print your name and sign Form I-864 for you. “Legal guardian” includes any person who is appointed and authorized by law to protect your estate as a result of your incapacity. The legal guardian must present proof of the appointment as legal guardian of your estate and a copy of an order from the appointing court or agency specifically permitting the guardian to make your income and assets available for the support of the sponsored immigrant. [new] Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific Instructions section of these Instructions. [new] Copies. You may submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If you submit original documents when not required, the documents may remain a part of the record, and USCIS will not automatically return them to you. [new] Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. How To Fill Out Form I-864EZ 1. Type or print legibly in black ink. 2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this affidavit, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information or attach a separate sheet of paper; type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet. [page 4] 3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed.	[page 2] General Instructions U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have Internet access, you may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. [page 3] Signature. Each affidavit must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this affidavit, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. You must be at least 18 years of age to act as a sponsor and sign Form I-864EZ. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person. [no change] Filing Fee. There is no filing fee for Form I-864EZ with USCIS. For information on processing fees when filing with the U.S. Department of State (DOS), see www.travel.state.gov. Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific Instructions and/or What Evidence Must You Submit sections of these Instructions. Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application, petition, or request. After USCIS receives your affidavit and ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an appointment. If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that: 1. You provided or authorized all information in the affidavit; 2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your affidavit; and 3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing. Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be immediately destroyed upon receipt. Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator’s signature. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the certification contain the translator’s printed name and the date and the translator’s contact information. [no change] [page 4] [no change]
Pages 4-8, Specific Instructions, Part 1. Qualifying to Use Form I-864EZ	[page 4] Specific Instructions Form I-864EZ is divided into nine parts. The information below will help you fill out the affidavit. Part 1. Qualifying to Use Form I-864EZ You may use Form I-864EZ if the statements in Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.c. are all true. If you do not select “Yes” for all three boxes, you do NOT qualify to use Form I-864 EZ and therefore must use Form I-864. Submission of the incorrect affidavit will delay processing. Item Number l.a. Select “Yes” if you are the petitioner who is filing or who has already filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative; Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e); Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative; or Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. Item Number l.b. Select “Yes” if you are using only your own earned or retirement income that you can document with an IRS Form W-2. If you are self-employed, you must select “No” to the question and you cannot use Form I-864EZ. Item Number l.c. The term “immigrating with” in this statement means “on the same visa petition.” Thus, if the person you are sponsoring is an immediate relative (spouse, child, or certain parents of U.S. citizens), you can automatically select “Yes” for this box because every immediate relative has his or her own visa petition. If the person you are sponsoring is a family-based preference immigrant, and the family members listed on the same visa petition are immigrating with or within six months of the sponsored immigrant, you must select “No” for this box, and you cannot use Form I-864EZ. Part 2. Information About the Immigrant You Are Sponsoring (Intending Immigrant) Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.c. Name of Immigrant. Provide the full name of the immigrant you are sponsoring. Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.i. Mailing Address. Provide the mailing address of the immigrant you are sponsoring. Item Number 3. Daytime Telephone Number. Provide the daytime telephone number of the immigrant you are sponsoring. Item Number 4. Date of Birth. Provide the date of birth of the immigrant you are sponsoring in mm/dd/yyyy format. Item Number 5. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any). Provide the A-Number (if any) of the immigrant you are sponsoring. An “A-Number” is an Alien Registration Number assigned by the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or USCIS. If the intending immigrants you are sponsoring have not previously been in the United States or have only been in the United States as tourists, they probably do not have A-Numbers. Persons with A-Numbers can locate the number on their INS or USCIS-issued documentation. Item Number 6. USCIS ELIS Account Number (if any). If the immigrant you are sponsoring has previously filed an application, petition, or request using the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS), provide the USCIS ELIS Account Number he or she was issued by the system. The USCIS ELIS Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. If he or she was issued a USCIS ELIS Account Number, enter it in the space provided. Item Number 7. U.S. Social Security Number (if any). Provide the U.S. Social Security Number (if any) of the immigrant you are sponsoring. [page 5] Part 3. Information About You (Sponsor) Item Numbers1.a. - 1.c. Name of Sponsor. Provide your full name. Item Numbers 2.a. - 3. Mailing Address. Provide your mailing address. Item Numbers 4.a. - 4.h. Physical Address. Provide your physical address (place of residence) if it is different from your mailing address. Item Number 5. Country of Domicile. Provide the name of the country where you maintain your principal residence and where you plan to reside for the foreseeable future. If your mailing address and/or place of residence is not in the United States, but your country of domicile is the United States, you must attach a typed or printed explanation and documentary evidence indicating how you meet the domicile requirement. If you are not currently living in the United States, you may meet the domicile requirement if you can submit evidence to establish that any of the following conditions apply. 1. You are employed by a certain organization. Some individuals employed overseas are automatically considered to be domiciled in the United States because of the nature of their employment. The qualifying types of employment include employment by: The U.S. Government; An American institution of research recognized by the Secretary of Homeland Security (The list of qualifying institutions may be found at 8 CFR 316.20); C. A U.S. firm or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade and commerce with the United States, or a subsidiary of such a firm or corporation; D. A public international organization in which the United States participates by treaty or statute; E. A religious denomination having a bona fide organization in the United States, if the employment abroad involves the person’s performance of priestly or ministerial functions on behalf of the denomination; or F. A religious denomination or interdenominational missionary organization having a bona fide organization in the United States, if the person is engaged solely as a missionary. 2. You are living abroad temporarily. If you are not currently living in the United States, you must show that your trip abroad is temporary and that you have maintained your domicile in the United States. You can show this by providing proof of your voting record in the United States, proof of paying U.S. state or local taxes, proof of having property in the United States, proof of maintaining bank or investment accounts in the United States, or proof of having a permanent mailing address in the United States. Other proof could be evidence that you are a student studying abroad or that a foreign government has authorized a temporary stay. 3. You intend in good faith to reestablish your domicile in the United States no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. You must submit proof that you have taken concrete steps to establish you will be domiciled in the United States at a time no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. Concrete steps might include accepting a job in the United States, signing a lease or purchasing a residence in the United States, or registering children in U.S. schools. Please attach proof of the steps you have taken to establish domicile as previously described. Item Number 6. Date of Birth. Provide your date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format. Item Numbers 7. - 9. Place of Birth. Provide your city or town, state or province, and country of birth. Item Number 10. U.S. Social Security Number (Required). You must provide your U.S. Social Security Number. Item Number 11. USCIS ELIS Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application, petition, or request using the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS), provide the USCIS ELIS Account Number you were issued by the system. The USCIS ELIS Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. If you were issued a USCIS ELIS Account Number, enter it in the space provided. Item Number 12.a. - 12.d. Citizenship or Nationality. Provide your citizenship or nationality. [page 6] Item Number 13. Military Service. Select “Yes” if you are the petitioning sponsor and on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard other than for training. If you provide evidence that you are currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and you are petitioning for your spouse or minor child, you will need to demonstrate income at only 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, instead of at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (See Form I-864P for information on the Federal Poverty Guidelines at www. uscis.gov/I-864P.) Select “No” if you are not on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard. Part 4. Information About Your Household Size This section asks you to add together the number of persons for whom you are financially responsible. Some of these persons may not reside with you. Make sure you do not count any individual more than once, since, in some cases, the same person could fit into two categories. Item Number l.a. This line is already completed for you, and it includes the intending immigrant and you. Item Number l.b. If you are married, and your spouse was not included in Item Number 1.a., enter “1” here. Item Number l.c. Enter the number of unmarried children you have who are under 21 years of age, even if you do not have legal custody of these children. You may exclude any unmarried children under 21 years of age, if these children have reached majority under the law of their place of domicile, and you do not claim them as dependents on your Federal income tax returns. Item Number l.d. Enter the number of lawful permanent residents whom you are currently obligated to support based on your previous submissions of Form I-864 or Form I-864EZ as a petitioning, substitute, or joint sponsor. Include only those persons who have already immigrated to the United States. Do not include anyone for whom your obligation to support has ended through the sponsored immigrant’s acquisition of U.S. citizenship, death, abandonment of lawful permanent residence in the United States, acquisition of 40 quarters of earned or credited work in the United States, or obtaining a new grant of adjustment of status while in removal proceedings based on a new affidavit of support, if one is required. Item Number l.e. Enter the number of any other dependents. You must include every person whom you have claimed as a dependent on your most recent Federal income tax return, even if that person is not related to you. Even if you are not legally obligated to support that person, you must include the person if in fact you did support that person and claimed the person as a dependent. Item Number 1.f. Add together Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.e. and enter the number in the space provided. Part 5. Information About Your Employment and Income Item Number 1. Indicate if you are currently employed or retired. Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.c. If you are currently employed, provide your occupation and employer information. Item Numbers 3.a. - 3.b. If you are retired, provide the name of your former employer and the date you retired. Item Number 4. Current Individual Annual Income. Enter your current individual earned or retirement annual income that you are using to meet the requirements of this affidavit and indicate the total on this line. You may include evidence supporting your claim about your expected income for the current year if you believe that submitting this evidence will help you establish the ability to maintain sufficient income. You are not required to submit this evidence, however, unless specifically instructed to do so by a Government official. For example, you may include a recent letter from your employer showing your employer’s address and telephone number and indicating your annual salary. You may also provide pay stubs showing your income for the previous six months. Item Numbers 5.a. - 6.c. Federal Income Tax Information. You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years. You are not required to have the IRS certify the transcript or photocopy unless specifically instructed to do so by a Government official; a plain transcript or photocopy is acceptable. Telefile tax records are not acceptable proof of filing. [page 7] Do not submit copies of your state income tax returns. Do not submit any tax returns that you filed with any foreign government unless you claim that you were not required to file a Federal income tax return with the United States government, and you wish to rely on the foreign return solely to establish the amount of your income that is not subject to tax in the United States. If you provide a photocopy of your tax returns, you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099 that relates to your returns. Do not include copies of these forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your returns rather than a photocopy unless you filed a joint tax return with your spouse. If you were required to file a Federal income tax return during any of the previous three tax years but did not do so, you must file any and all late returns with the IRS and attach an IRS-generated tax return transcript documenting your late filing before submitting the I-864EZ. If you were not required to file a Federal income tax return under U.S. tax law for any other reason, attach a typed or printed explanation including evidence of the exemption and how you are subject to it. Residence outside of the United States does not exempt U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from filing a U.S. Federal income tax return. See “Filing Requirements” in the IRS Form 1040 Filing Instructions to determine whether you were required to file. For purposes of this affidavit, the line for Total income on IRS Forms 1040 and 1040A is considered when determining income. For persons filing IRS Form 1040EZ, the line for adjusted gross income is considered. Obtaining Tax Transcripts. You may use IRS Form 4506-T to request tax transcripts from the IRS. Complete IRS Form 4506-T with the ending date for each of your three most recent tax years listed on line 9. Follow all instructions for completing and filing Form 4506-T with the IRS. Part 6. Sponsor’s Contract, Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature Read the contract carefully and then sign and date the affidavit. If you do not sign and date your Form I-864EZ in Item Numbers 6.a. - 6.b., the immigrant you are sponsoring cannot be issued a visa or be granted adjustment of status. Item Numbers 1.a. - 6.b. Select the appropriate box to indicate that you either read this affidavit yourself or someone interpreted this affidavit for you from English to a language in which you are fluent. If applicable, select the box to indicate if someone prepared this affidavit for you. Further, you must sign and date your affidavit and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every affidavit MUST contain the signature of the sponsor (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If you are under guardianship, your legal guardian may print your name and sign the Form I-864EZ for you. See General Instructions for definition of “legal guardian.” Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature Item Numbers 1.a. - 6.b. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the instructions and questions on this affidavit to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section, provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the affidavit. Part 8. Contact Information, Statement, Certification, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit, If Other Than the Sponsor Item Numbers 1.a. - 8.b. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your affidavit, if other than you, the sponsor. If the same individual acted as both your interpreter and preparer, that person should complete both Part 7. and Part 8. If the person who completed this affidavit is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you prepare this affidavit MUST sign and date the affidavit. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your affidavit is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she must also submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your affidavit, f his or her representation extends beyond preparation of this contract. [page 8] Part 9. Additional Information. Item Numbers 1.a. - 5.d. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this affidavit, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 9., you may make copies of Part 9. to complete and file with your affidavit, or attach a separate sheet of paper. Include your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet. We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed contract to review in the future and for your records.	[page 4] Specific Instructions Form I-864EZ is divided into nine parts. The information below will help you fill out the affidavit. [no change] Item Number l.c. If the person you are sponsoring is an immediate relative (spouse, child, or certain parents of U.S. citizens), you can automatically select “Yes” for this box because every immediate relative has his or her own visa petition. If the person you are sponsoring is a family-based preference immigrant, and there are family members listed on the same visa petition that are immigrating with or within six months of the sponsored immigrant, you must select “No” for this box, and you cannot use Form I-864EZ. [no change] [page 5] Item Number 6. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If the immigrant you are sponsoring has previously filed an application, petition, or request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), provide the USCIS Online Account Number he or she was issued by the system. The immigrant you are sponsoring can find his or her USCIS Online Account Number by logging in to their account and going to the profile page. If the immigrant you are sponsoring previously filed certain applications, petitions, or requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility, he or she may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing him or her a USCIS Online Account Number. If he or she received such a notice, his or her USCIS Online Account Number can be found at the top of the notice. If he or she was issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the space provided. The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. [no change] [page 6] 3. You intend in good faith to reestablish your domicile in the United States no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. You must submit proof that you have taken concrete steps to establish you will be domiciled in the United States at a time no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. Concrete steps might include accepting a job in the United States, signing a lease or purchasing a residence in the United States, or registering children in U.S. schools. Attach proof of the steps you have taken to establish domicile as previously described. [no change] Item Number 11. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application, petition, or request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), provide the USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. You can find your USCIS Online Account Number by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. If you previously filed certain applications, petitions, or requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account Number can be found at the top of the notice. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the space provided. The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. Item Numbers 12. - 14. Citizenship or Nationality. Provide your citizenship or nationality. Item Number 15. Military Service. Select “Yes” if you are the petitioning sponsor and on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard other than for training. If you provide evidence that you are currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and you are petitioning for your spouse or minor child, you will need to demonstrate income at only 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, instead of at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. (See Form I-864P for information on the Federal Poverty Guidelines at www. uscis.gov/I-864P.) Select “No” if you are not on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard. [no change] [page 7] [no change] You are not required to have the IRS certify the transcript or photocopy unless specifically instructed to do so by a Government official; a plain transcript or photocopy is acceptable. [no change] If you were required to file a Federal income tax return for the most recent tax year but did not do so, you must file any and all late returns with the IRS and attach an IRS-generated tax return transcript documenting your late filing before submitting the I-864EZ. If you were not required to file a Federal income tax return under U.S. tax law for any other reason, attach a typed or printed explanation including evidence of the exemption and how you are subject to it. Residence outside of the United States does not exempt U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from filing a U.S. Federal income tax return. See “Filing Requirements” in the IRS Form 1040 Filing Instructions to determine whether you were required to file. [no change] [page 8] Part 6. Sponsor’s Contract, Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature [no change] Item Numbers 1.a. - 6.b. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this affidavit yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. Further, you must sign and date your affidavit and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every affidavit MUST contain the signature of the sponsor (or parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If you are under guardianship, your legal guardian may print your name and sign Form I-864EZ for you. See General Instructions for definition of “legal guardian.” Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature Item Numbers 1.a. - 7.b. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the instructions and questions on this affidavit to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section, provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the affidavit. Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit, if Other Than the Sponsor Item Numbers 1.a. - 8.b. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your affidavit, if other than you, the sponsor. If the same individual acted as both your interpreter and preparer, that person should complete both Part 7. and Part 8. If the person who completed this affidavit is associated with a business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you prepare this affidavit MUST sign and date the affidavit. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you complete your affidavit is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may be obliged to also submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative or G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States, along with your affidavit. Part 9. Additional Information Item Numbers 1.a. - 7.d. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this affidavit, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 9., you may make copies of Part 9. to complete and file with your affidavit, or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet. [no change]
Page 8, What Evidence Should You Submit?	[page 8] What Evidence Should You Submit? You must submit all evidence requested in these instructions with your affidavit. If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS or the Department of State may reject or deny your affidavit for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.	[page 8] What Evidence Must You Submit? You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your affidavit. If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS or DOS may reject or deny your affidavit for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Page 8, What Is the Filing Fee?	[page 8] What Is the Filing Fee? There is no filing fee for Form I-864EZ with USCIS. For information on processing fees when filing with the Department of State, see www.travel.state.gov.	[page 9] What Is the Filing Fee? There is no filing fee for Form I-864EZ with USCIS. For information on processing fees when filing with DOS, see www.travel.state.gov.
Page 8, Where to File?	[page 8] Where to File? Please see the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/l-864EZ or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this affidavit. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. For information on filing with the Department of State, see www.travel.state.gov.	[page 9] Where to File? Please see the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/i-864ez or call our USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most current information about where to file this affidavit. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. For information on filing with DOS, see www.travel.state.gov.
Page 8, Address Change	[page 8] Address Change If you have changed your address, you must inform USCIS of your new address within 30 days of the change. To do this you must complete and file Form I-865, Sponsor’s Change of Address. For information on filing Form I-865, go to the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/I-865 or contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. NOTE: Do not complete Form I-865 at the same time that you complete Form I-864W. You should complete and submit Form I-865 to USCIS only when the address you indicated on the original Form I-864W has changed. If you are a lawful permanent resident sponsor, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. For information on reporting a change of address to the Department of State, see www.travel.state.gov. NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to USCIS Lockbox facilities because these facilities do not process change of address requests.	[page 9] Address Change A sponsor who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or her previous residence. To do this you must complete and file Form I-865, Sponsor’s Change of Address. For information on filing Form I-865, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-865 or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. NOTE: Do not complete Form I-865 at the same time that you complete Form I-864EZ. You should complete and submit Form I-865 to USCIS only when the address you indicated on the original Form I-864EZ has changed. If you are a lawful permanent resident sponsor, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. For information on filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. For information on reporting a change of address to the Department of State, see www.travel.state.gov. NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process change of address requests.
Page 9, Processing Information	[page 9] Processing Information Initial Processing. Once USCIS or the Department of State accepts your affidavit we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this affidavit, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS or the Department of State may reject or deny your affidavit. Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your affidavit. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. USCIS will return any requested originals when they are no longer needed. Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your affidavit. At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks. Decision. The decision on Form I-864EZ involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.	[page 9] Processing Information Initial Processing. Once USCIS or DOS accepts your affidavit we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill out this affidavit, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS or DOS may reject or deny your affidavit. Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your affidavit. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original. [no change] [deleted]
Page 9, USCIS Forms and Information	[page 9] USCIS Forms and Information To ensure you are using the latest version of this affidavit, visit the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can now schedule an appointment through our online system, InfoPass, at infopass.uscis.gov. Use the InfoPass appointment scheduler and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. InfoPass generates an electronic appointment notice that appears on the screen. If filing with the Department of State, see www.travel.state.gov.	[page 10] USCIS Forms and Information To ensure you are using the latest version of this affidavit, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833. Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at www.uscis.gov. Select “Schedule an Appointment” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.
Page 9, Penalties	[page 9] Penalties If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-864EZ, we will deny your Form I-864EZ and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution. The Government may pursue verification of any information provided on or in support of this affidavit, including employment, income, financial or other institutions, the IRS, or the Social Security Administration. If you include in this Form I-864EZ any information that you know to be false, you may be liable for criminal prosecution under the laws of the United States. If you fail to give notice of your change of address, as required by 8 U.S.C. 1183a(d) and 8 CFR 213a.3, you may be liable for the civil penalty established by 8 U.S.C. 1183a(d)(2). The amount of the civil penalty will depend on whether you failed to give this notice because you were aware that the sponsored immigrant received Federal, state, or local means- tested public benefits. If the failure to report your change of address occurs with knowledge that the sponsored immigrant received means-tested public benefits (other than benefits described in section 401(b), 403(c),(2), or 4ll(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which are summarized in the contract in Part 6., such failure may result in a fine of not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000. Otherwise, the failure to report your change of address may result in a fine not less than $250 or more than $2,000.	[page 10] [no change] If you fail to give notice of your change of address, as required by 8 U.S.C. 1183a(d) and 8 CFR 213a.3, you may be liable for the civil penalty established by 8 U.S.C. 1183a(d)(2). The amount of the civil penalty will depend on whether you failed to give this notice because you were aware that the sponsored immigrant received Federal, state, or local means- tested public benefits. If the failure to report your change of address occurs with knowledge that the sponsored immigrant received means-tested public benefits (other than benefits described in section 401(b), 403(c),(2), or 4ll(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which are summarized in the contract in Part 6.), such failure may result in a fine of not less than $2,000 or more than $5,000. Otherwise, the failure to report your change of address may result in a fine not less than $250 or more than $2,000.
Page 10, USCIS Privacy Act Statement	[page 10] USCIS Privacy Act Statement AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this affidavit, and the associated evidence, is contained in 8 U.S.C. 1182a(4), 1183a, 1184(a), and 1258. PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this affidavit is to determine if you have established eligibility for the immigration benefit for which you are filing. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking. DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision in your case or result in denial of your affidavit. ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this affidavit with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS-USCIS-007- Benefits Information System and DHS-USCIS-001- Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy]. DHS may also make the information available, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.	[page 10] USCIS Privacy Act Statement AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this affidavit, and the associated evidence, is collected under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 213A. PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this affidavit is to show that the applying immigrant has adequate means of financial support without concern of becoming reliant on the U.S. Government for financial support. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking. DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision in your case or result in denial of your affidavit. INA section 213A(i) requires the collection of your Social Security number. Failure to provide the requested information, and any requested evidence, may prevent USCIS from accepting and approving this affidavit, and the intending immigrant may not be able to immigrate to the United States. ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this affidavit with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-007- Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-001- Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
Page 10, Paperwork Reduction Act	[page 10] Paperwork Reduction Act An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 2 hours and 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the affidavit, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the affidavit. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0075. Do not mail your completed Form I-864EZ to this address.	[page 11] Paperwork Reduction Act An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 2 hours and 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the affidavit, preparing statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the affidavit. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140; OMB No. 1615-0075. Do not mail your completed Form I-864EZ to this address.
Page 11, Checklist	[page 11] Checklist The following items must be submitted with Form I-864EZ: For ALL sponsors: [] A copy of your individual Federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of each and every Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. You may submit this information for the three most recent tax years, pay stubs from the most recent six months, and/or a letter from your employer if you believe any of these items will help you qualify. For SOME sponsors: [] If you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and are sponsoring your spouse or child using the 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, proof of your active military status. [] If your legal guardian is signing this Form I-864EZ for you, the legal guardian must present: [] Proof of the appointment as legal guardian of your estate; and [] A copy of an order from the appointing court or agency specifically permitting the legal guardian to make your income and assets available for the support of the sponsored immigrant.	[page 11] [no change] For SOME sponsors: [] If you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard and are sponsoring your spouse or child using the 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, provide proof of your active military status. [no change]

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