A joint sponsor is a person who agrees to financially support an immigrant in the United States in order to help them meet the income requirements for immigration or visa purposes. This typically applies to family-based immigration or certain types of visas, such as the K-1 fiancé visa or the K-3 spouse visa. The joint sponsor is often necessary when the primary sponsor (such as a petitioner or a spouse) does not meet the minimum income requirements set by U.S. immigration authorities.
To become a joint sponsor, a person must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and meet the income requirements themselves. They must be willing to assume financial responsibility for the immigrant, including providing financial support to meet the minimum income thresholds required by U.S. immigration laws. The joint sponsor’s income and assets are considered in conjunction with those of the primary sponsor to determine if the minimum financial requirements are met.
Joint sponsors play a critical role in helping family members or other immigrants secure visas or lawful permanent residency in the United States by ensuring that they have adequate financial support. It’s important to note that being a joint sponsor is a legal commitment, and the joint sponsor is responsible for supporting the immigrant until they become eligible to work or become self-sufficient in the United States.
Who can become a joint sponsor?
A joint sponsor for immigration or visa purposes in the United States must meet certain eligibility criteria. To become a joint sponsor, an individual must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder): Joint sponsors must be either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to be eligible.
- Meet the Income Requirements: Joint sponsors are required to have income and assets that meet or exceed the minimum financial thresholds set by U.S. immigration authorities. The specific income requirements can vary depending on the type of visa or immigration application and the number of people they intend to sponsor. The joint sponsor’s income, as well as their household size, is taken into consideration when assessing eligibility.
- Be Willing to Assume Financial Responsibility: Joint sponsors must be willing to assume financial responsibility for the immigrant they are sponsoring. This means they must be prepared to provide financial support to meet the minimum income requirements and support the immigrant until they can work or become self-sufficient in the United States.
- Submit Appropriate Documentation: Joint sponsors must provide the necessary financial documentation, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and other financial records, to prove their income and assets meet the requirements.
- Sign the Appropriate Affidavit of Support Form: Joint sponsors are typically required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Support form, such as Form I-864 (for family-based immigration) or Form I-134 (for nonimmigrant visas), depending on the specific immigration or visa category.
Joint sponsor’s checklist of required documents
When serving as a joint sponsor for an immigrant in the United States, it’s important to provide a complete and accurate set of documents to support the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 or Form I-134) and demonstrate that you meet the income requirements. Below is a checklist of some of the common documents required for joint sponsorship:
- Affidavit of Support Form: Ensure you have completed and signed the appropriate Affidavit of Support form (Form I-864 or Form I-134) accurately.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency: Provide a copy of your U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Green Card (Form I-551) to establish your status.
- Proof of Income: Include evidence of your income, which may include:
- Copies of your most recent federal income tax returns (Form 1040) for the past three years.
- W-2 forms or 1099 forms showing your income.
- Recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer verifying your current employment and income.
- If self-employed, provide business tax returns and financial statements.
- Proof of Assets: If necessary to meet income requirements, provide documentation of your assets, such as:
- Bank statements.
- Investment account statements.
- Property deeds or appraisals.
- Stocks, bonds, or other assets.
- Letter of Employment: Include a letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your job, salary, and length of employment. If self-employed, provide a statement about your business.
- Supporting Documentation for Dependents: If you have dependents listed on your tax returns, provide documentation to establish their relationship and their status as dependents.
- Proof of Domicile: Demonstrate that you are domiciled in the United States. This could include utility bills, a lease or mortgage agreement, or other documents showing your U.S. residence.
- Letter of Intent: Write a letter explaining your willingness to serve as a joint sponsor and assume financial responsibility for the immigrant.
- Copy of Immigrant’s Visa Application: Include a copy of the immigrant’s visa application or petition (such as Form I-130) and any related correspondence with the U.S. government.
- Notarization: Some documents, such as the Affidavit of Support, may require notarization.
- Translations: If any of your documents are not in English, you may need to provide certified translations.