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Your Role as a Sponsor in Family Petitions
The USCIS outlines the sponsor’s pivotal role in family-based petitions. You are responsible for providing financial and legal support to your immigrating family member throughout the process.
Eligibility & Financial Support
To qualify as a sponsor, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set forth by USCIS. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and living in the United States.
Sponsoring is a big commitment, so you need to show you can financially support the intending immigrants by meeting specific income requirements. This is typically evidenced by filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, in which you pledge to provide financial assistance to your family member.
Responsibilities & Liabilities
Signing Form I-864 means accepting several responsibilities and liabilities. You must provide financial support to your relative at a level that does not require them to seek public assistance. This obligation remains in effect until certain conditions are met. You are liable for the sponsored individual until they become U.S. citizens, accumulate 40 quarters of work (equivalent to 10 years), leave the United States permanently, or die.
Failure to fulfill this obligation may result in legal consequences, which involve potential lawsuits to recover any means-tested public benefits the family member receives. You must ensure to notify USCIS of any major shifts in your circumstances. This includes changes in address, employment status, or marital status that may affect your ability to fulfill your obligations as a sponsor.
With so much at stake in the entire immigration process, the best option is to seek legal counsel. Achieving immigration goals with the assistance of an established legal partner is essential to any family petition.
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