💍 How Much Should My U.S. Citizen Fiancé/Spouse Earn to Petition Me
When a U.S. citizen petitions a fiancé(e) or spouse for a visa—whether a K‑1 fiancé(e) visa or a CR‑1/IR‑1 spousal visa—they must prove they can financially support the immigrant. This requirement is met through the Affidavit of Support (I‑864), which uses the HHS Poverty Guidelines as the benchmark. Petitioners must check the current I‑864P table to confirm the exact income requirement for their household size and state of residence.
How to Use the Tables
To know how much income is required, follow three simple steps:
Identify your state. Use the table for the 48 contiguous states (including D.C. and U.S. territories), or the separate tables for Alaska and Hawaii.
Count your household size. Include yourself, the immigrant(s) you are sponsoring, dependents claimed on your tax return, and any other immigrants you are still financially responsible for.
Determine whether you need 100% or 125%. Active duty military petitioning for a spouse or child only need to meet 100%. All other petitioners must meet 125%.
Income Requirement Tables (Effective March 1, 2026)
For the 48 Contiguous States, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands
For Alaska
For Hawaii
What If the Petitioner’s Income Isn’t Enough?
It’s natural to feel anxious if your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) or spouse doesn’t meet the minimum income requirement. But you can ask a joint sponsor—another U.S. citizen or permanent resident who agrees to take financial responsibility for the immigrant. The joint sponsor must meet the income requirement on their own and file a separate form. This can strengthen your case and ensure the Affidavit of Support is accepted.
What This Means for Couples
Meeting the income requirement is a crucial step in the visa process. It shows USCIS that the immigrant will not become dependent on public assistance. Couples should carefully calculate household size, check the correct state table, and determine whether they need to meet 100% or 125% of the guideline.
How Atheneum International Can Help
The fiancé(e) or spousal visa process can feel overwhelming—forms, deadlines, interviews, and proving your marriage. This is where Atheneum International steps in. We specialize in helping Filipino applicants navigate the U.S. immigration system with confidence.
From preparing your petition to guiding you through the medical exam and embassy interview in Manila, Atheneum International ensures that every detail is handled correctly. Our team is here to provide you with:
✅ A complete list of documents based on your case – no guessing, no confusion.
✅ Your own Visa Partner – a dedicated guide who will walk you through each step so you never feel lost or overwhelmed.
✅ Call and chat support – for updates and questions. For urgent concerns, you can reach us through voice or video call.
✅ Clear guidance from preparation to submission – we’ll explain what each form means, how to fill it out, and when to submit it.
✅ Careful review of your documents – before submission, we’ll double‑check everything to make sure it’s complete and accurate.
✅ Interview preparation and coaching – we’ll help you practice and feel confident before your embassy interview.
✅ Full support until your visa result is released – we stay with you until the very end, celebrating the moment your visa is approved.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Don’t let the complexity of the visa process stand in the way of your future together. Your love story deserves a smooth transition.
📞 Contact us today or connect with us through Facebook to take the first step toward closing the distance and starting your new chapter together.
