K-1 Visa Income Requirements (Updated): Minimum Income To Sponsor Your Fiance

Most K-1 visa sponsors must show that their income meets or exceeds 100% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size using Form I-134, which means comparing current annual income to a government chart that changes every year. For example, a 2026 household of two in the 48 contiguous states might need at least $21,150 at the 100% level, as an example only, and sponsors should always confirm the latest HHS and USCIS figures. After your fiancé arrives on a K-1 visa and you marry, the standard usually increases to 125% of the guidelines when you file Form I-864 for a marriage-based green card, with a 100% threshold only for certain active duty military sponsors.

Pollak PLLC, a Fort Lauderdale immigration law firm with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Dallas, helps K-1 sponsors across Florida, Texas, and the United States evaluate income eligibility and prepare financial documentation for both the K-1 process and the later marriage-based green card.

What Is the Minimum Income for a K-1 Visa Sponsor in 2026?

The minimum income for a K-1 visa sponsor in 2026 is generally set at 100% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for the sponsor’s household size. For K-1 cases handled by consulates that serve the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, consular officers usually look at the 100% poverty guideline level for the relevant household size when reviewing Form I-134. Higher figures apply for sponsors in Alaska and Hawaii, because those states have separate HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For example, under the 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines, a K-1 sponsor in the contiguous United States with a household of two generally needs to show at least $21,150 in qualifying income to meet the 100% threshold. These figures are updated every year, so you should always confirm the current numbers on the latest HHS and USCIS charts before relying on them. The National Visa Center (NVC), USCIS, DOS, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) all point back to those poverty guideline tables when explaining K-1 and marriage based income tests.

How Do K-1 Visa Income Requirements Protect Against Public Charge?

K-1 visa income requirements are part of the broader public charge framework, which focuses on whether a future immigrant is likely to depend on certain government benefits. At the K-1 stage, consular officers review Form I-134 to decide whether the U.S. citizen sponsor appears able to support the foreign fiancé financially. Later, when the couple files for a marriage based green card with Form I-864, the income test becomes more formal and enforceable.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Department of State, and the National Visa Center all rely on the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines as a baseline for these decisions. Meeting the minimum income threshold is an important part of showing financial stability, but it is never a guarantee of approval. Officers can look at the overall financial picture, including the credibility of income documentation and the sponsor’s broader circumstances.

What Are the K-1 Visa Income Requirements in 2026?

For K-1 visa sponsors in 2026, the core requirement is to show income at or above 100% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for the sponsor’s household size, usually using Form I-134. Consular officers focus on whether the sponsor’s income appears sufficient and likely to continue, based on tax returns, pay stubs, employer letters, and other financial documents. The guidelines are different for households in the contiguous United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, and they are adjusted periodically.

At the K-1 stage, the focus is on whether the U.S. citizen sponsor can support the fiancé during the period before permanent residence is granted. For most sponsors in the contiguous United States, that means meeting the 100% poverty guideline standard. After marriage, when the couple files Form I-864 for a marriage based green card, the required level typically increases to 125% of the poverty guidelines.

To give a clearer picture, the table below shows example 2026 guideline amounts for a couple of household sizes. These examples assume a sponsor living in the contiguous United States.

Example 2026 Guideline Amounts (Contiguous United States – Example Only)

These are example figures based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines and may change. Always confirm current amounts on official HHS or USCIS charts, including the most recent Form I-864P, before relying on any specific number.

In practice, a K-1 sponsor in Fort Lauderdale or Dallas needs to compare the household’s annual income to the relevant line in the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. If the income meets or exceeds the 100% level for the household size, the sponsor is more likely to satisfy the consular officer’s expectations on Form I-134. If the income falls below that line, additional planning, documentation, or alternative strategies may be needed before filing.

How Do the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines Affect K-1 Visa Sponsors?

The HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines are at the center of the K-1 income test. For K-1 visas, consular officers generally use Form I-134 and look for income at or above 100% of the guidelines for the sponsor’s household size. Each year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes updated poverty guideline tables, which USCIS and DOS then reference in their materials and in Form I-864P.

In simple terms, the federal government updates these poverty guidelines every year based on household size. K-1 sponsors compare their annual income to those numbers to see whether they meet the 100% level. For example, under a 2026 chart for the contiguous United States, a household of two might need at least $21,150 to meet 100%, while a household of three might need at least $26,800. These examples are provided for illustration only and may not match the final published figures. Sponsors should always review the latest HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines and Form I-864P before making decisions.

Different figures apply for Alaska and Hawaii, where cost of living is higher and the poverty guidelines are adjusted accordingly. Sponsors living in those states need to review the specific HHS tables that apply to their location. Whether you live in Broward County, Miami Dade County, Dallas County, or another part of the United States, the key is to identify your correct household size, find the matching line on the current poverty guideline chart, and confirm that your income meets or exceeds the relevant amount.

Do K-1 Visa Income Requirements Change Every Year?

Yes. K-1 visa income requirements are tied to the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are normally updated every year. That means a sponsor filing Form I-129F in late 2024, whose fiancé interviews at a consulate in early 2025, may be evaluated under a different poverty guideline chart than a sponsor filing in mid 2026. The National Visa Center and consular posts follow the latest guidance when scheduling interviews and reviewing Form I-134.

For sponsors whose income is very close to the minimum, timing can matter. A small increase in the poverty guideline numbers or a change in income, such as a new job or reduced hours, can shift a sponsor from above to below the threshold, or the other way around. A sponsor working in Broward County or Miami Dade County who is right at the line might want to talk with a Fort Lauderdale K-1 visa lawyer about whether to file immediately or wait until a stronger income history is available.

How To Calculate Household Size and Qualifying Income for a K-1 Visa

Many K-1 sponsors are confident about their income, but become uncertain when they start counting household members or trying to decide which income sources are acceptable. Misunderstandings about household size and qualifying income are common, especially for sponsors with children from previous relationships, self employment, or a recent move from Dallas to South Florida.

This section focuses on two questions. First, who counts in the household for K-1 purposes. Second, which income sources can help meet the K-1 visa income requirements.

Who Counts in Household Size for K-1 Visa Purposes?

Household size is more than just the sponsor and the fiancé. For K-1 purposes, officers often look to the same concept used in Form I-864, even though K-1 cases use Form I-134. The idea is to count everyone the sponsor is responsible for supporting.

Common household members include:

• The U.S. citizen K-1 sponsor
• The foreign fiancé
• Any unmarried children under 21 living in the household or claimed as dependents
• Any other dependents claimed on the sponsor’s most recent federal tax return
• Any immigrants the sponsor previously agreed to support and is still legally obligated to support

Consider a sponsor living in Fort Lauderdale who has one U.S. born child and is engaged to a fiancé abroad. That sponsor’s household size will usually include the sponsor, the child, and the fiancé, for a total of three. A sponsor in Broward County who recently moved from Dallas and still claims a college age child as a dependent, even if the child lives part of the year elsewhere, may have a larger household size than expected. Miscounting household size can cause income calculations to be off, which is why a careful review of the last tax return and any prior support obligations is important.

What Types of Income Can Be Used To Meet K-1 Visa Requirements?

K-1 sponsors can use a variety of income sources to meet the minimum income threshold, as long as the income is documented and likely to continue. Consular officers generally look for stable, recurring income that shows the sponsor can support the fiancé after arrival.

Common qualifying income sources can include:

• Wages and salary from a U.S. employer
• Hourly pay, overtime, and certain regular bonuses or commissions
• Self employment income reported on federal tax returns
• Certain pensions, retirement income, or annuities
• Rental income from real estate, if documented and ongoing
• Interest or dividends from investment accounts, if reliable and recurring

Foreign income or remote work income from a U.S. or foreign employer may sometimes be considered if there is a strong reason to believe the income will continue after the fiancé enters the United States. Consular officers reviewing Form I-134 often look at both historical income on tax returns and current income evidence, such as pay stubs and employer letters, to decide whether the sponsor appears financially stable.

How Should Self Employed K-1 Sponsors Prove Their Income?

Self employed sponsors in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida, or Dallas often face extra scrutiny because their income can fluctuate from year to year. It is important to show that the business is active, the income is ongoing, and there is a reasonable expectation that it will continue at a level that meets the poverty guidelines for the household size.

Helpful documents for self employed K-1 sponsors include:

• Recent federal tax returns, often for the last one to three years
• Year to date profit and loss statements
• Bank statements showing regular business deposits
• Copies of ongoing contracts, client agreements, or invoices

Because self-employment income can go up and down, consular officers tend to look at the overall pattern rather than a single month. A self employed sponsor who has lived and worked in Dallas for several years, then relocated to Broward County while keeping the same clients, may be in a strong position if the tax returns and bank records show consistent income above the 100% poverty guideline level.

Financial Documents To Prove You Meet K-1 Visa Income Requirements

K-1 sponsors often know that they have enough income, but they are unsure which documents will actually matter at the consular interview. In K-1 cases, consular officers rely heavily on what is submitted with Form I-134, and they want to see both past income and current income.

What Financial Documents Do K-1 Visa Sponsors Need To Submit?

Most K-1 sponsors should be prepared to submit a core set of financial documents that show income history and current income. These often include:

• Most recent federal tax return or IRS transcript
• W-2s and or 1099s, if applicable
• Recent pay stubs, for example the last three to six months
• Employer verification letter with job title, salary, and start date
• Bank statements if needed to show stable income or savings

Consular officers for K-1 visas review these documents alongside Form I-134 to decide whether the sponsor appears to meet the K-1 visa income requirements. Strong, consistent documentation can give officers more confidence that the sponsor will be able to support the fiancé after arrival.

How Many Years of Tax Returns Do I Need for a K-1 Visa?

Many consulates focus on the most recent tax year, because it gives a current snapshot of the sponsor’s income. However, officers may look at two to three years of returns, particularly when income has fluctuated or when the sponsor works in a field such as commission based sales or gig work. Providing extra years can help show a stable pattern and offset questions about a single unusual year.

In some cases, a sponsor who recently moved from Dallas to South Florida and is now working in Fort Lauderdale can rely on past tax returns from Texas, combined with current pay stubs from a new employer in Broward County. The key is to present a consistent narrative that explains career changes and shows that current income meets or exceeds the poverty guideline level.

What Happens if Your Income Is Too Low for a K-1 Visa?

Not every K-1 sponsor will meet the minimum income threshold on the first try. Some sponsors are still early in their careers, others are between jobs, and some have variable income that looks weaker on paper than it is in reality. When income falls below the HHS poverty guideline level for the sponsor’s household size, the K-1 case can face additional questions, delays, or even denial.

At a high level, sponsors who fall short of the K-1 visa income requirements often consider several paths:

• Increasing or stabilizing income before filing
• Using a joint sponsor where the consulate allows it
• Including certain household member income with proper documentation
• Relying on documented savings or assets where persuasive
• Exploring whether a CR 1 or IR 1 spousal visa is a better fit

If a sponsor files with income significantly below the poverty guideline, the consular officer may issue a request for additional evidence, send the case into administrative processing, or ultimately refuse the visa. Many couples in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami Dade County, and Dallas would prefer to identify issues before filing rather than learning about them at the interview stage. A careful review of household size, income sources, and timing can help avoid avoidable problems.

Can I Use a Joint Sponsor if I Do Not Meet K-1 Visa Income Requirements?

In some K-1 cases, sponsors submit multiple Forms I-134 to address an income shortfall, usually from close family members or friends who are willing to help. These additional sponsors may provide their own tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements so the consular officer can see a broader financial support network.

However, the U.S. Department of State does not guarantee that consulates will accept joint sponsors in K-1 cases, and local consular practice varies significantly. Some posts are known to be more restrictive and may give little weight to joint sponsors, while others consider them more openly. A Fort Lauderdale immigration lawyer who regularly works with K-1 and marriage based cases can help couples understand how the consulate handling their fiancé’s case typically treats joint sponsors and whether this strategy is realistic.

Can Assets or Savings Help if My K-1 Visa Income Is Too Low?

Assets and savings can sometimes strengthen a K-1 file, especially when income is just below the poverty guideline, but they usually play a smaller role in K-1 I-134 cases than they do in immigrant visa cases that rely on Form I-864. For marriage based green cards, USCIS allows certain assets to be converted into an income equivalent, using formulas that multiply the difference between actual income and the required level. In K-1 cases, the reliance on assets is more discretionary.

Examples of assets that may help include:

• Savings accounts with a consistent balance
• Certificates of deposit or similar cash equivalents
• Investment accounts with a documented value
• Home equity, if clearly documented and realistically accessible

Large, well documented savings or investments may reassure a consular officer that the sponsor and fiancé have a financial cushion, even if income is slightly below the guideline level. There is no fixed formula for how officers weigh assets in K-1 cases, which is why sponsors should treat assets as a supplement to income rather than a full substitute.

Should We Consider a Marriage Based Green Card Instead of a K-1 Visa?

For some couples, especially those dealing with income shortfalls or complex financial situations, a marriage based green card through a CR 1 or IR 1 visa may be a better path than a K-1. Spousal visa cases rely on Form I-864 and typically require income at 125% of the poverty guidelines, but the rules around joint sponsors and household member income are clearer and more formalized than in K-1 cases.

Choosing between a K-1 fiancé visa and a CR 1 or IR 1 spousal visa depends on several factors, including processing times, where the couple wants to marry, the sponsor’s income history, joint sponsor options, and immigration history. Pollak PLLC can review both paths with couples in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, South Florida, and Dallas, and help them decide which option fits their timing, budget, and long term plans.

K-1 Income Requirements vs. Marriage Green Card Income Requirements

K-1 and marriage based green card cases use different forms, different income thresholds, and different legal frameworks. Understanding those differences can help couples plan ahead, rather than being surprised by a higher standard after the wedding.

At the K-1 stage, the sponsor files Form I-129F, and the consular officer reviews Form I-134 to decide whether the fiancé is likely to become a public charge. The income test usually looks for 100% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for the sponsor’s household size. After marriage, the sponsor files Form I-864 as part of the adjustment of status or immigrant visa process, and that affidavit is a legally enforceable contract under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The standard is normally 125% of the poverty guidelines, with a 100% threshold for certain active duty military sponsors.

The table below offers a simple comparison.

This comparison is general. Couples should always review the latest instructions on Forms I-134, I-864, and I-864P and consider how their own household size and income fit into the current charts.

Why Are Income Requirements Higher for Marriage Green Cards?

Once a K-1 fiancé becomes a permanent resident, the U.S. citizen sponsor signs Form I-864 under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is a legally enforceable promise to support the immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size, or 100% for certain active duty military sponsors. The goal is to reduce the likelihood that permanent residents will need to rely on certain means tested public benefits.

By contrast, Form I-134 at the K-1 stage is more discretionary. It still matters, because consular officers use it to assess financial stability, but the legal obligations and income thresholds are different. The higher standard at the I-864 stage reflects the more permanent nature of lawful permanent resident status compared to a temporary K-1 visa.

When Do K-1 Sponsors Need To File Form I-864?

K-1 sponsors encounter Form I-864 only after several steps. The general timeline looks like this:

• The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F to start the K-1 process.
• The foreign fiancé attends a consular interview, where the officer reviews Form I-134 and supporting financial documents.
• After the fiancé enters the United States and the couple marries, the sponsor files Form I-864 with the adjustment of status or immigrant visa process to request a green card.

For a sponsor in Fort Lauderdale, the required income may effectively rise between step two and step three. At the K-1 stage, a household of two might need to meet a 100% poverty guideline example such as $21,150. At the marriage based green card stage, the same household might need to meet an example 125% number such as $26,438. These figures are examples only. Each year, the official Form I-864P updates the exact amounts, and sponsors need to check the current chart to confirm the real thresholds that apply when they file.

Common Questions and Mistakes About K-1 Visa Income Requirements

Many K-1 sponsors have similar questions about how income rules work in practice and where the main pitfalls lie. Addressing these questions early can save time and reduce stress, especially for couples separated between Fort Lauderdale or Dallas and a consular post abroad.

How Do I Calculate My Household Size for K-1 Visa Income Requirements?

To calculate household size, start with the sponsor and add the foreign fiancé, then include anyone else the sponsor has a legal duty to support. That usually means all dependents claimed on the most recent federal tax return, plus any immigrants the sponsor agreed to support on a prior Form I-864 and is still obligated to support. The K-1 household size calculation is closely tied to the approach used for marriage based cases, even though Form I-134 is technically different from Form I-864.

Common mistakes include forgetting to count children who live part time in another household but are still claimed as dependents, or overlooking a prior sponsorship obligation from an earlier marriage. Sponsors in Fort Lauderdale or Dallas with blended families or prior immigration history should review their full situation with an immigration lawyer before assuming they fall into a smaller household size category.

What Happens if I Do Not Meet the Minimum Income for a K-1 Visa?

If a sponsor does not meet the K-1 visa income requirements, the consular officer may request additional evidence, ask for updated financial documents, or refuse the visa. The exact outcome depends on how far below the guideline the income appears and how persuasive the overall financial picture is. Couples sometimes respond by adjusting filing timing, exploring joint sponsor options where the consulate allows them, presenting additional savings or assets, or considering a marriage based green card route.

Because these decisions involve risk, many sponsors choose to work with a K-1 visa lawyer before filing, so they can understand the likely reaction from the consulate handling their case.

What if I Recently Changed Jobs or Have Variable Income?

Sponsors who recently changed jobs, moved between cities such as Dallas and Fort Lauderdale, or rely on commission based income often face more detailed questions. Consular officers may look closely at current pay stubs, the new employment contract or offer letter, and prior tax returns to decide whether the new income level appears stable. A sponsor whose income is rising, and whose new position clearly pays above the relevant poverty guideline, may still qualify even if the most recent tax return shows a lower number, as long as the current evidence is strong and consistent.

Does Debt or Credit Score Affect K-1 Visa Income Requirements?

Debt and credit scores do not sit at the center of the K-1 income test, which focuses mainly on household size and income compared to the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. Having credit card balances, car loans, or student loans does not automatically disqualify a sponsor. However, extremely high debt or obvious signs of financial instability can influence how a consular officer evaluates the overall financial picture. Sponsors should focus first on meeting the poverty guideline thresholds, then be ready to explain any unusual financial circumstances if needed.

Does My Income Have To Come From a U.S. Employer To Qualify for a K-1 Visa?

Income does not always need to come from a traditional U.S. employer, but consular officers will ask whether the income is realistic and likely to continue after the fiancé enters the United States. For example, a sponsor living in Fort Lauderdale who works remotely for a company based in another state or another country may still qualify if the employer expects the relationship to continue and the income level meets the poverty guideline threshold. The main question is whether the sponsor will have reliable income after the couple is living together in the United States, not just at the time of filing.

How Pollak PLLC Helps K-1 Sponsors in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida, and Beyond

K-1 income questions can be stressful, especially for couples who are already anxious about distance and separation. Many sponsors are unsure whether their income is high enough, whether they counted household size correctly, or how the later marriage based green card stage will affect their plans. Pollak PLLC helps K-1 sponsors understand how all of these pieces fit together.

How Can an Immigration Lawyer Evaluate Your K-1 Visa Income Eligibility?

Pollak PLLC reviews sponsors’ tax returns, pay stubs, job history, household size, and planned timeline to assess whether they meet K-1 visa income requirements and later Form I-864 thresholds. Our firm assists clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, South Florida, Dallas, and across the United States and worldwide through virtual consultations. By analyzing both current and projected income, our firm can help couples understand where they stand, what documentation they need, and how upcoming changes in the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines might affect their case.

Managing Attorney Karen Lee Pollak brings decades of exclusive immigration law experience to each matter, with a focus on helping families, professionals, and investors navigate complex U.S. immigration rules with clarity and confidence.

What Does Working With Pollak PLLC on a K-1 or Marriage Green Card Involve?

Working with Pollak PLLC on a K-1 or marriage based green card matter means having a legal team that looks at both stages from the start. Our firm helps couples plan for the K-1 interview and the later green card application, rather than addressing each step in isolation. When appropriate, clients can also be connected to the K-1 practice page or related services, such as a Fort Lauderdale K-1 visa lawyer or Fort Lauderdale family green card lawyer, for more detailed information.

Core services can include:

• Evaluating K-1 visa income eligibility and household size under current HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Developing a strategy that compares K-1 and CR 1 or IR 1 spousal visa routes
• Preparing and reviewing Forms I-129F, I-134, and I-864, along with supporting financial documentation
• Monitoring case progress with USCIS, the National Visa Center, and consular posts, and advising on responses to requests for evidence or additional documents

Whether a sponsor lives near The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale or in the Dallas area, Pollak PLLC provides clear guidance that helps couples make informed choices about their immigration journey.

Need Help With Your K-1 Visa? Reach Out to Pollak PLLC Today

If you are worried about whether your income is high enough for a K-1 visa in 2026 or you want to plan ahead for the later Form I 864 stage, Pollak PLLC can help you review your options. The firm advises K-1 sponsors on income requirements, supporting documents, and how to coordinate the K-1 process with the marriage based green card that follows.

Pollak PLLC maintains offices in the Dallas area and in Fort Lauderdale, but represents clients across Florida, Texas, and the rest of the United States. The firm also works with sponsors and couples around the world through phone, secure online forms, and virtual meetings. If you need guidance on K-1 visa income requirements, K-1 financial documents, or the transition from K-1 status to a marriage-based green card, schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer at Pollak PLLC to talk through your situation and plan next steps.