2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines for I-864P: What Sponsors Need to Know

"Source: uscis.gov"

 If you’re preparing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, understanding the 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines is essential. These federal poverty figures determine whether a sponsor’s income is sufficient to financially support an immigrant and prevent them from becoming a public burden. The guidelines are revised annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the I-864P reference table effective March 1, 2025. 

What Is Form I-864P?

Form I-864P is not a form you submit — it is a reference chart published by USCIS that lists the poverty thresholds used to calculate the minimum income required for sponsors based on household size and location (contiguous U.S., Alaska, or Hawaii). These thresholds are based on the annual HHS poverty guidelines. 

2025 Poverty Guidelines Table (Contiguous U.S.) — 125% Threshold

Below is the 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines table showing the 125% income requirement for a sponsor’s household size in the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This is the column most petitioners will use when filing I-864. 

125% Requirement (I-864P)

Household Size

"Source: USCIS Official Guidelines (Effective March 2025)".

100% FPL (Approx.)

1

$15,650

$19,563*

2

$21,150

$26,437

3

$26,650

$33,312

4

$32,150

$40,187

5

$37,650

$47,062

6

$43,150

$53,937

7

$48,650

$60,812

8

$54,150

$67,687

*For a 1-person household, USCIS does not list a specific 125% figure in the official contiguous table. Here we calculate it by applying 125% to the HHS 100% guideline ($15,650 × 1.25 ≈ $19,563). 

Why the 125% Poverty Requirement Matters

Ensures Economic Self-Sufficiency

The 125% requirement is higher than the basic federal poverty level (FPL) to provide a buffer that reflects living costs more realistically. USCIS requires sponsors to demonstrate income above the poverty threshold to reasonably ensure that the intending immigrant will not become dependent on public assistance. 

Protects the Immigrant and Taxpayers

By requiring income at 125% of the poverty guideline, the U.S. government reduces the likelihood that the sponsored immigrant will need federal, state, or local means-tested benefits. This standard supports both the immigrant’s financial stability and stewardship of public resources. 

Tips for Sponsors Who Don’t Meet the Income Threshold

Not hitting the 125% mark doesn’t automatically disqualify you. USCIS allows alternatives such as:

Adding a Joint Sponsor – A second sponsor with adequate income can help meet the requirement.

Including Household Members’ Income – Certain relatives living in the household may contribute income (with documentation).

Using Qualified Assets – Cash assets (e.g., savings, stocks, property) may be used to make up the difference under strict rules. 

Conclusion

Meeting the 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines at 125% is a core requirement for most Form I-864 Affidavit of Support filings. Understanding and calculating the correct income threshold for your household size ensures a smoother immigration process and compliance with federal sponsorship requirements. Always refer to the official I-864P table from USCIS and consult an immigration professional if your situation is complex.