Impact of Income and Financial Stability on Green Card Eligibility

Published: April 18, 2025

Financial stability is a key requirement in green card eligibility. Most family-sponsored immigrants are required to use the Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to demonstrate they have sufficient means of financial support and present a low risk of becoming a public charge. 

A public charge applies to someone who is and will be primarily dependent on cash assistance or long-term institutional care funded by the government. It can be grounds of inadmissibility, leading to a denial of a green card or visa.

An individual who agrees to support the intending immigrant financially assumes the sponsor role. Generally, this financial responsibility lasts until the immigrant becomes a US citizen or has worked for 10 years. It also ends when the sponsored immigrant dies or ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the US. 

The income and financial requirements ensure that the sponsored immigrant doesn’t burden the government financially. Let’s further explore how income and economic stability impact one’s eligibility for a green card. 

Income Thresholds

A sponsor seeking to provide financial support for a green card application must meet the income threshold of 125% or more of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, as determined by the respective household size. The minimum income requirement for active-duty military sponsors petitioning for a child or spouse is reduced to 100% of the guidelines, which the US government updates every year. 

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) examines household size to determine income eligibility. As a result, applications are unlikely to succeed when the household size is beyond the sponsor’s income. 

Financial Stability

Besides meeting the income threshold, demonstrating a stable source of income is paramount to a successful green card application. Typically, the nature of employment affects financial stability. 

For instance, seasonal work or unemployment benefits are unpredictable, so they may not be adequate to provide a stable income. Most likely, sponsors must provide evidence like tax returns and pay stubs to establish financial stability and earnings history. 

Asset Evaluation

Suppose the sponsor’s income doesn’t meet the required thresholds. It’s possible to add the cash value of liquid assets and home equity as an alternative to income earnings. The assets can cover money in stocks, bonds, property, and savings accounts. 

Notably, the asset’s cash value must be five times the difference between the household income and the required 125% of the federal poverty guideline, unless the sponsored immigrant qualifies for exceptions.

Joint Sponsorship

Enlisting a joint sponsor willing to share the financial obligation is also possible. Although the joint sponsor doesn’t have to be related to the sponsored immigrant, they must satisfy the 125% income requirement alone. They cannot combine their income with the primary sponsor to reach the required income threshold. 

Contact ALG Lawyers to Process Your Green Card Application

Meeting financial requirements poses a significant challenge for numerous families seeking a US permanent residency or green card. Many hesitate to hire an attorney because of the cost and limited budget.  However, working with an experienced Los Angeles immigration lawyer can be cost-effective. Our team at ALG Lawyers can help you present a compelling case to prove financial stability and ensure your case is successful without needing to reapply or redo it. Call us today to arrange an appointment for your green card application.