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03/04/2003 Entry: "NEW POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR IV AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT"

The following are the 2003 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia, Alaska and Hawaii.

1. The Department of Health and Human Services on February 7, 2003, published its annual update of the Poverty Guidelines, taking into account increases in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Posts should begin using these new guidelines in calculating levels of income and assets that immigrant visa petitioners and joint sponsors must demonstrate in their I-864 Affidavits of Support.

2. The following are the 2003 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia:

Size of Family Poverty 125% of Poverty Unit Guidelines Guidelines

1 $8,980 $11,225
2 12,120 15,150
3 15,260 19,075
4 18,400 23,000
5 21,540 26,925
6 24,680 30,850
7 27,820 34,775
8 30,960 38,700

For family units with more than 8 members, add $3,140 for each additional member.

3. The following are the Poverty Guidelines for Alaska:

1 $11,210 $14,013
2 15,140 18,925
3 19,070 23,838
4 23,000 28,750
5 26,930 33,663
6 30,860 38,575
7 34,790 43,488
8 38,720 48,400

Add 3,930 for each additional family member.

4. The following are the Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii:

1 $10,330 $12,913
2 13,940 17,425
3 17,550 21,938
4 21,160 26,450
5 24,770 30,963
6 28,380 35,475
7 31,990 39,988
8 35,600 44,500

Add $3,610 for each additional family member.

5. When processing immigrant visa cases subject to the affidavit of support (I-864) requirement under INA 212(a)(4)(C), posts should use the figures in the column on the right, 125% of poverty guidelines, as the minimum income that a petitioner and/or a joint sponsor must demonstrate. Visa officers are also reminded to consider the "totality of circumstances" (including the applicant's age, health, and education) and can deny visa issuance under 212(a)(4)(C) if the applicant appears likely to become a public charge despite satisfying the poverty requirements.

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