You are ready to bring your fiance to the United States. You have the relationship evidence, the photos, the travel records. But there is one question that stops a lot of sponsors in their tracks: do I make enough money to qualify?
The US government requires every K1 visa sponsor to prove they can financially support their incoming fiance so that person does not become dependent on public benefits. It is called the Affidavit of Support, and the income threshold is based on the federal poverty guidelines published each year.
This guide explains exactly what the income requirements are, what counts toward meeting them, and what your options are if your income falls short.
The Basic Income Requirement
As a K1 visa sponsor, you must demonstrate that your household income meets or exceeds 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. This is a lower threshold than the 125% required for most other immigration sponsorship categories, which is one advantage of the K1 path.
What Household Size Means
Your household size for this calculation includes:
- You (the sponsor)
- Your incoming fiance
- Any dependents you already claim on your tax return
- Any other people you have previously sponsored for immigration who are still dependent
For most K1 sponsors without children or prior sponsorship obligations, the household size is two: you and your fiance.
2026 Income Thresholds
The federal poverty guidelines are updated annually. For 2026, the approximate thresholds at 100% of the poverty level are:
- Household of 2: approximately $21,000 to $22,000 per year
- Household of 3: approximately $26,000 to $27,000 per year
- Household of 4: approximately $32,000 to $33,000 per year
Important: these figures are approximate. The exact thresholds are published by the Department of Health and Human Services each year and can shift slightly. Verify the current year’s numbers on the USCIS website or with your immigration attorney before filing.
After the marriage, when you file for adjustment of status (Form I-485), the income requirement increases to 125% of the poverty guidelines. Plan for the higher threshold if you want to avoid complications at that stage.
What Counts Toward Meeting the Requirement
USCIS evaluates your income based on your most recent federal tax return, but other forms of financial evidence can also be considered.
Primary Income Sources
- Wages and salary from employment (shown on your W-2 and tax return)
- Self-employment income (shown on your Schedule C and tax return)
- Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement income
- Rental income from property you own
- Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
Additional Evidence USCIS May Accept
If your tax return alone does not paint a complete picture of your financial ability, you can supplement with:
- Current pay stubs showing ongoing employment
- A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and start date
- Bank statements showing savings and available assets
- Evidence of assets such as property, vehicles, or investment accounts
Assets can be used to supplement income, but USCIS typically values assets at one-third of their net value for sponsorship purposes. So $30,000 in savings would count as approximately $10,000 toward meeting the income requirement.
What to Do If Your Income Falls Short
Falling below the income threshold does not automatically disqualify your K1 petition. There are several legitimate ways to close the gap.
Use a Joint Sponsor
A joint sponsor is a separate person, usually a close friend or family member, who agrees to take on the financial responsibility alongside you. The joint sponsor must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, must be at least 18 years old, and must independently meet the 125% income threshold for their own household size plus the sponsored immigrant.
The joint sponsor files their own Form I-864 and is legally obligated to support the immigrant if needed. This is a serious commitment, and most attorneys recommend explaining the legal implications clearly before someone agrees.
Include a Household Member’s Income
If another person lives in your household, contributes to household expenses, and is willing to be included, their income can be combined with yours on the Affidavit of Support. They must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident with a legal obligation to support you or a willingness to sign Form I-864A.
Show Significant Assets
If your income is just below the threshold, demonstrable assets can make up the difference. Remember that USCIS values assets at roughly one-third of net value, so you need approximately three dollars in assets for every one dollar of income shortfall.
Increase Your Income Before Filing
If you have time before filing the Affidavit of Support, taking on additional employment or increasing your hours can bring your income above the threshold on paper. USCIS looks at your current income level, not just your most recent tax return, so a recent raise or new job can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my fiance’s income count toward the requirement?
Not at the K1 petition stage, because your fiance is not yet in the US and cannot legally work here. After marriage and during the adjustment of status process, your spouse’s income can sometimes be considered if they have an approved Employment Authorization Document and are already earning income.
What if I am self-employed and my tax return shows a low income?
Self-employment income can be complicated because business deductions often reduce the reported income on a tax return. An immigration attorney can help you present additional documentation, such as bank deposits, contracts, and business revenue records, to show that your actual earning capacity is higher than what the tax return reflects.
Can my fiance’s family in another country sponsor them instead?
No. The financial sponsor must be the US citizen petitioner or a joint sponsor who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident living in the United States. Foreign nationals cannot serve as sponsors for immigration purposes.
What happens if USCIS rejects my Affidavit of Support?
If the Affidavit of Support does not meet the income requirement, USCIS will typically issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for additional financial documentation or a joint sponsor. An outright denial on income grounds alone is less common if you respond to the RFE with adequate supplemental evidence.
Is the income requirement different for active-duty military?
Yes. Active-duty members of the US Armed Forces sponsoring a spouse or child only need to meet 100% of the poverty guidelines for the adjustment of status filing, rather than the standard 125%. This lower threshold applies throughout the process for military sponsors.
Ready to Get Married for Your Immigration Case?
Once your income qualification is sorted, the next step is a legal marriage with a certified certificate that USCIS accepts. MarriedLegally handles the ceremony and delivers your certificate within 24 hours, so you can move forward with your filing.
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Related Services:
- Online Marriage Services
- Marriage Certificate for Immigration and Green Card Cases
- K1 Fiance Visa Explained: 2026 Guide
- K1 Visa to Green Card: What Happens After You Marry
- Do You Need an Immigration Attorney?
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We work with K1 visa sponsors in every US state, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Phoenix, Boston, Atlanta, Denver, and Washington DC. Our remote ceremony works regardless of your location or your fiance’s.