I filed the immigrant visa petition, but can I be a sponsor if I am currently unemployed/retired/student and I am not earning an income?
As the petitioner you are required, by law, to file an I-864 even if you do not earn enough income. If you do not earn enough income, you may add the value of your assets and/or income and assets of your household members, if they are willing. If this still does not meet the federal poverty guidelines, a joint sponsor will be required to file an I-864.
I'm on welfare; can I still sponsor my relative?
As the petitioner you are required, by law, to file an I-864 even if you are currently not earning an income. The welfare benefits you receive can be taken into consideration if you are acting as a sponsor or joint sponsor
What is the definition of "relative" for employment based sponsors?
Spouse, child under the age of 21, son or daughter 21 and over, parent or sibling.
Does the sponsor/joint sponsorīs obligation end with divorce or the death of the sponsor/joint sponsor?
No, divorce does not nullify the I-864. If the sponsor/joint sponsor dies, the sponsor/joint sponsor's estate remains liable for any support or requests for repayment of benefit that arose before the support obligation ended.
What if the sponsor dies before all of the family members of the sponsored immigrant have entered the United States?
If the sponsor dies after the principal sponsored immigrant has entered the United States, but before his or her family members have immigrated, a joint sponsor may file an I-864. Example: A parent files an immigrant visa petition on behalf of a daughter and her family. The daughter and children immigrate to the U.S., but the husband remains in the United Kingdom for 12 months. At the time he wishes to immigrate the sponsor would be required to file a new I-864. However if he had died, a joint sponsor could file an I-864.
I recently immigrated to the United Sates. I've have filed an immigrant visa petition for my spouse/son or daughter in the family based second preference category. As the petitioner I am required to file an I-864 for them. However, given that the I-864 filed on my behalf is still in force, can I do this?
You may file an I-864. If your income does not equal or exceed the poverty level guide for your household size, you will require a joint sponsor
Is there a limit on the number of joint sponsors?
No, there is no limit. However, each joint sponsor must meet the income requirement of the Federal poverty guidelines for your household size,
Filing the I-864
The Sponsor