Form I-864 vs. I-864EZ vs. I-864A vs. I-864W

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

These forms are related, but they do not substitute for one another. The cleanest way to choose is to ask three questions in order: who signs, whose income is being counted, and whether the intending immigrant is exempt from the normal affidavit-of-support requirement.

Quick conclusion

Standard sponsor or joint sponsor case: Form I-864 is the default.
Very simple family case using only the petitioning sponsor’s own W-2 salary or pension for one immigrating relative: Form I-864EZ may fit.
You need a household member’s income to help the sponsor qualify: Form I-864A is the household-member contract that works with the sponsor’s affidavit.
The intending immigrant is exempt from the normal affidavit requirement: Form I-864W is the exemption request.

Comparison criteria

This comparison was checked on 2026-07-31 against USCIS affidavit-of-support guidance and the current form pages. The key differences are the signer, the income source, the legal obligation created, and the type of case the form is meant to cover.

I-864A on Smart Savings & Offers

Form I-864 vs. I-864EZ vs. I-864A vs. I-864W

Quick conclusion

Comparison criteria