In order to smoothen the visa process for family-based visa categories and reduce the number of visa rejections on the pretext of incomplete documentation, the National Visa Center will now accept photocopies and scanned versions of signed Forms I-864 and associated documents. Although original or ‘wet ink’ signatures are no longer mandatory, the form must still be signed; typed names and electronic signatures are not acceptable.

This applies to all categories of family-based categories that need to show financial support in the United States including I-864A, I-864W, and I-864EZ.

U.S. law requires all family-based immigration applicants to have a petitioner submit an Affidavit of Support in the form of the I-864 which reflects his financial ability to support the visa applicant. This is to be accompanied with supporting evidence of their income, such as a federal IRS tax transcript and copies of Forms W-2.

Other things to remember for Form I-864:

• Petitioners must meet a minimum income level called the Federal Poverty Guidelines
•  If sponsor doesn’t meet the Poverty Guidelines, he can include value of assets to make up the deficit
•  Sponsor must be domiciled in the United States
•  Documentation should include Form W-2
•  IRS tax transcripts are a preferred form of proof of income

For more information, read the I-864 Affidavit of Support FAQs.