The Unified Front: Joint Sponsorship Strategies Revealed

By Albert - On Jan 28, 2024

In the United States immigration process, a joint sponsor plays a crucial role, particularly in family-based immigration cases where the primary sponsor (petitioner) does not meet the financial requirements to sponsor the intending immigrant(s) alone. The joint sponsor is someone who agrees to financially support the immigrant and meets the income requirements set by the U.S. government.

The importance of a joint sponsor can be summarized as follows:

Meeting Financial Requirements: In many cases, to sponsor an immigrant for a family-based visa (such as a spouse or relative), the petitioner must demonstrate they have sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant at 125% or 100% (depending on the specific visa category) of the federal poverty guidelines. If the petitioner’s income falls short of this requirement, a joint sponsor with adequate income can step in to meet the financial obligations.
Assurance of Support: The joint sponsor provides assurance to the U.S. government that the immigrant will not become a public charge and will have adequate financial support to live in the United States without needing public assistance.
Legal Obligation: By becoming a joint sponsor, an individual legally commits to providing financial support to the immigrant, if necessary. This obligation is enforceable by law, and the joint sponsor may be held accountable for any financial support required if the immigrant receives public benefits.
Completing the Affidavit of Support: The joint sponsor, along with the primary sponsor, completes and signs Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which is a legally binding contract ensuring financial support for the immigrant. This form is a crucial part of the immigration application process.
Enhanced Eligibility: Having a joint sponsor increases the likelihood of the immigrant’s visa application being approved, as it helps ensure that the financial requirements set by immigration authorities are met.

Overall, the joint sponsor plays a pivotal role in facilitating family-based immigration by providing financial support and ensuring that the immigrant will not become a burden on the U.S. government.

Joint sponsor eligibility criteria

To be eligible to serve as a joint sponsor for someone immigrating to the United States, an individual must meet certain criteria. Here are the general eligibility requirements for a joint sponsor:

U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence: The joint sponsor must be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Non-citizens without lawful permanent residence status are not eligible to be joint sponsors.
At Least 18 Years Old: The joint sponsor must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the sponsorship documents.
Domiciled in the United States: The joint sponsor must be living in the United States and intend to continue residing in the country during the period of sponsorship.
Financial Eligibility: The joint sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support both their household and the intending immigrant(s) they are sponsoring. They must meet the income requirements set by the U.S. government, typically at 125% or 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, depending on the specific visa category and household size.
Financial Documentation: The joint sponsor must provide documentation to prove their income or assets, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and employment verification letters.
Agreement to Assume Financial Responsibility: By signing the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), the joint sponsor agrees to financially support the immigrant(s) they are sponsoring and reimburse any government agency that provides means-tested public benefits to the sponsored immigrant(s).
No Outstanding Obligations: The joint sponsor must not have an outstanding obligation to reimburse any federal, state, local, or tribal government for any means-tested public benefits previously provided to an immigrant.
Not Receiving Means-Tested Public Benefits: The joint sponsor must not be receiving means-tested public benefits themselves at the time of sponsorship, as this may indicate an inability to provide financial support.
Good Faith Intention: The joint sponsor must genuinely intend to provide financial support to the immigrant(s) and must not have any reason to believe they will not be able to fulfill their obligations.

It’s important to note that these are general criteria, and specific requirements may vary depending on the immigration category and the policies in place at the time of application. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may request additional documentation or evidence to verify the joint sponsor’s eligibility and financial capacity.

How to fill out Form I-864 as a joint sponsor

Filling out Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, as a joint sponsor involves providing detailed information about your financial situation to demonstrate your ability to support the intending immigrant(s). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form I-864 as a joint sponsor:

Step 1: Download the Form

Download the latest version of Form I-864 from the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Step 2: Read the Instructions

Carefully read the instructions provided with Form I-864 to understand the requirements and ensure you have all necessary documentation.

Step 3: Provide Your Personal Information

Provide your full legal name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number (if applicable).
Indicate your citizenship or immigration status.
Include your daytime telephone number and email address (if available).

Step 4: Identify the Sponsored Immigrant

Enter the name of the principal immigrant you are sponsoring.
Provide their relationship to you (e.g., spouse, child, etc.).
Include their Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if they have one.

Step 5: Provide Household Size Information

Indicate the number of immigrants you are sponsoring (including the principal immigrant and any dependents).
Include yourself, your dependents, and any other immigrants you have previously sponsored using Form I-864.

Step 6: Complete Part 3: Your Household Size and Income

Enter the total number of people in your household, including yourself, your dependents, and any immigrants you have sponsored.
Provide information about your income, including your current annual income, income from other sources, and any assets you wish to use to support the sponsored immigrant(s).

Step 7: Complete Part 4: Sponsor’s Contract

Sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is true and correct.
By signing, you agree to financially support the sponsored immigrant(s) and reimburse any government agency for means-tested public benefits provided to them.

Step 8: Provide Supporting Documentation

Include copies of supporting documents to verify your income and assets, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, bank statements, and employment verification letters.
Make sure the documents are legible and up-to-date.

Step 9: Mail the Form

Review the instructions to determine the appropriate mailing address for submitting Form I-864 and supporting documents.
Mail the completed form and all required documentation to the designated USCIS address.

Step 10: Keep Copies for Your Records

Make copies of the completed Form I-864 and all supporting documents for your records.
Keep these copies in a safe place for future reference.

Important Tips:

Double-check all information provided on the form for accuracy.
Be honest and provide truthful information throughout the form.
Ensure that you meet the income requirements as specified by USCIS for your household size.
If you have any questions or concerns, consider seeking assistance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

By following these steps and providing accurate information and supporting documentation, you can effectively fill out Form I-864 as a joint sponsor and fulfill your obligations to support the intending immigrant(s) in their immigration process.

Must the joint sponsor be related to the immigrant?

No, the joint sponsor does not need to be related to the immigrant they are sponsoring. The joint sponsor can be any individual who meets the eligibility criteria and is willing to financially support the immigrant(s) as part of the immigration process. This means that a friend, acquaintance, or even a stranger who meets the requirements can serve as a joint sponsor, provided they are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and meet the financial obligations outlined by the U.S. government.

While it is common for family members to act as joint sponsors, especially in family-based immigration cases, it is not a requirement. The primary consideration for serving as a joint sponsor is the ability to demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant(s) being sponsored and to meet all other eligibility criteria specified by U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

Joint Sponsor Checklist of Documents

When serving as a joint sponsor for an immigrant’s visa application in the United States, you’ll need to provide various documents to demonstrate your financial eligibility and willingness to support the immigrant(s). Here’s a checklist of documents typically required for a joint sponsor:

Personal Information:

Copy of Government-Issued Identification: Provide a copy of your passport (if a U.S. citizen) or your green card (if a lawful permanent resident).
Social Security Number (SSN): Include your SSN on the Form I-864.
Contact Information: Provide your current address, phone number, and email address.

Financial Documentation:

Federal Tax Returns: Provide copies of your complete federal tax returns for the most recent tax year. This includes all pages and schedules (such as Schedule C, Schedule D, etc.) if applicable.
W-2 Forms: Include copies of all W-2 forms for the most recent tax year.
Recent Pay Stubs: Provide recent pay stubs or earnings statements covering the past few months to verify your current income. If self-employed, provide documentation of your business income.
Employment Verification Letter: Obtain a letter from your employer confirming your current employment status, position, salary, and duration of employment. This letter should be on company letterhead and signed by an authorized representative.
Bank Statements: Submit copies of recent bank statements showing your savings, checking, and other relevant accounts.
Assets Documentation: If using assets to meet the financial requirements, provide documentation such as statements for stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, real estate deeds, or any other valuable assets.

Affidavit of Support (Form I-864):

Completed Form I-864: Fill out and sign Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, as the joint sponsor. Provide accurate and truthful information.
Supporting Documents for Form I-864: Attach copies of all required supporting documents, including tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and asset documentation, as outlined in the instructions for Form I-864.

Additional Documentation (if applicable):

Previous Affidavit of Support: If you have previously sponsored other immigrants using Form I-864, provide copies of those forms and any related documentation.
Explanation of Circumstances: If there are any unusual circumstances or factors affecting your financial situation, provide a brief explanation or letter of clarification.

Submission:

Submission Cover Letter: Consider including a cover letter summarizing the documents you are submitting and providing your contact information for any follow-up inquiries.

Important Notes:

Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and up-to-date.
Follow the instructions provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) carefully.
Keep copies of all documents for your records.
If you have any questions or concerns, seek guidance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative.

By providing thorough documentation and meeting the financial requirements, you can effectively serve as a joint sponsor and support the immigrant(s) in their visa application process.

How to calculate the joint sponsor’s household income?

Calculating the joint sponsor’s household income involves determining the total income of all household members, including the joint sponsor, their spouse (if applicable), dependents, and any other individuals who are counted as part of the household. Here’s how you can calculate the joint sponsor’s household income:

Step 1: Identify Household Members

Joint Sponsor: Start by including the joint sponsor as the primary household member.
Spouse: If the joint sponsor is married, include their spouse in the household calculation, regardless of whether the spouse is also sponsoring the immigrant(s).
Dependents: Include any dependents claimed on the joint sponsor’s tax returns, such as children or other individuals for whom they provide financial support.
Other Household Members: Include any other individuals who live with the joint sponsor and are financially dependent on them, even if they are not related by blood or marriage.

Step 2: Determine Income Sources

Earned Income: Include all sources of earned income, such as wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, and self-employment income, for each household member.
Unearned Income: Include income from investments, rental properties, pensions, retirement accounts, alimony, child support, and any other sources of unearned income.

Step 3: Calculate Total Household Income

Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant income documents, including tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, bank statements, and any other income-related documents for each household member.
Summarize Income: Total the income from all sources for each household member separately.
Combine Incomes: Add together the total income for the joint sponsor, their spouse, dependents, and any other household members to calculate the total household income.

Step 4: Verify Consistency with Requirements

Review Income Requirements: Refer to the income requirements specified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the specific visa category and household size.
Ensure Adequate Income: Confirm that the total household income meets or exceeds the required income threshold, typically set at 125% or 100% of the federal poverty guidelines depending on the visa category and household size.

Step 5: Complete Form I-864

Enter Household Income: On Form I-864, Part 3, provide the total household income calculated in Step 3.
Attach Supporting Documentation: Include copies of all relevant income documents to support the reported household income.

Important Considerations:

Ensure all income documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and consistent with tax returns and other financial records.
Follow the instructions provided by USCIS and consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep copies of all documentation for your records and be prepared to provide additional evidence if requested by USCIS during the immigration application process.

By carefully calculating the joint sponsor’s household income and providing accurate documentation, you can demonstrate financial eligibility to support the immigrant(s) in their visa application.

Joint sponsor minimum income requirements

The minimum income requirements for a joint sponsor in the United States depend on various factors, including the specific visa category and the number of people in the sponsor’s household. Generally, joint sponsors must demonstrate that their household income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.

Here’s a basic overview:

Income Threshold: The joint sponsor’s household income must be equal to or greater than 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. This requirement helps ensure that the sponsor can financially support the immigrant(s) without them becoming a public charge.
Household Size: The household size includes the joint sponsor, their dependents (if any), any other individuals they support financially, and the immigrant(s) they are sponsoring. The larger the household size, the higher the income requirement.
Federal Poverty Guidelines: The federal poverty guidelines are updated annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These guidelines vary depending on the number of people in the household and are adjusted for inflation each year.
Specific Visa Category: Different visa categories may have slightly different income requirements. For example, some categories may require only 100% of the federal poverty guidelines instead of 125%. It’s essential to check the specific requirements for the visa category the immigrant is applying under.
Documentation: Joint sponsors must provide documentation to prove their income meets the minimum requirements. This typically includes tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and other income-related documents.
Assets: In some cases, joint sponsors may use assets, such as savings, stocks, or real estate, to supplement their income and meet the minimum requirements. However, not all assets are considered, and USCIS has specific rules regarding which assets can be counted.

It’s crucial for joint sponsors to carefully review the income requirements for their specific situation and ensure they meet or exceed the minimum threshold. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative for guidance on completing the affidavit of support and meeting all requirements effectively.

How many joint sponsors can I have?

There isn’t a strict limit on the number of joint sponsors you can have for an immigration petition or application in the United States. However, it’s important to understand that each joint sponsor must individually meet the income requirements and complete Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to sponsor the intending immigrant(s).

Here are some key points to consider:

Multiple Joint Sponsors: You can have more than one joint sponsor if necessary to meet the financial requirements. This can be particularly helpful if the primary sponsor and a single joint sponsor do not meet the income threshold individually.
Individual Financial Responsibility: Each joint sponsor is individually responsible for providing financial support to the immigrant(s) they are sponsoring. They must meet the income requirements based on their household size and provide evidence of their financial capacity.
Combined Income: The income of all joint sponsors, along with their household members, can be combined to meet the minimum income threshold required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This can help ensure that the immigrant(s) have sufficient financial support.
Documentation: Each joint sponsor must provide documentation to support their income, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and other financial records. USCIS will evaluate the financial eligibility of each sponsor independently.
Communication and Coordination: It’s essential for all joint sponsors to communicate effectively and coordinate their efforts to ensure that the necessary documentation is submitted accurately and on time.

While there is no official limit on the number of joint sponsors, it’s crucial to carefully consider the financial obligations involved and ensure that all sponsors are able to fulfill their responsibilities. Consulting with an immigration attorney or accredited representative can provide guidance on navigating the sponsorship process and meeting all requirements effectively.

How many immigrants a joint sponsor can sponsor?

A joint sponsor in the United States can sponsor as many immigrants as necessary to meet the financial requirements for each immigrant they are sponsoring. However, it’s important to note that each immigrant being sponsored requires a separate Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), and the joint sponsor must meet the income requirements individually for each sponsored immigrant.

Here are some key points to consider regarding the number of immigrants a joint sponsor can sponsor:

Separate Affidavit of Support: For each immigrant being sponsored, a separate Form I-864 must be completed and submitted by the joint sponsor. This form serves as a legally binding contract to financially support the immigrant(s) and is required as part of the immigration application process.
Financial Responsibility: The joint sponsor is individually responsible for providing financial support to each sponsored immigrant and must meet the income requirements based on their household size and the number of immigrants they are sponsoring.
Documentation: The joint sponsor must provide documentation to support their income for each sponsored immigrant, including tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and other financial records. USCIS evaluates the financial eligibility of each sponsor independently for each immigrant being sponsored.
Communication and Coordination: If a joint sponsor is sponsoring multiple immigrants, it’s important for all parties involved to communicate effectively and coordinate their efforts to ensure that the necessary documentation is submitted accurately and on time for each immigrant.
Legal Obligations: By signing the Form I-864 for each immigrant, the joint sponsor agrees to assume financial responsibility for that immigrant and must be prepared to fulfill their obligations in the event the immigrant receives means-tested public benefits.

While there is no official limit on the number of immigrants a joint sponsor can sponsor, it’s crucial to carefully consider the financial obligations involved and ensure that the joint sponsor is able to meet the income requirements for each sponsored immigrant. Consulting with an immigration attorney or accredited representative can provide guidance on navigating the sponsorship process and meeting all requirements effectively.