Understanding I-864 Joint Sponsorship for Marriage-Based Green Cards (Part 1)

Financial sponsorship is a critical component of obtaining a green card for partners who wish to reunite in the U.S. through marriage. However, when the primary sponsor is not financially qualified and a joint sponsor is sought, a number of problems ensue:Whether family members need to be counted in the financial burdenPaul?How does a family member who has received a green card affect co-sponsorship?This article will delve into these issues and provide you with a thorough guide to help smooth the path of your marriage green card application.

When a joint guarantor is required

Green card applicants who are applying for a relative and have filed a Form I-864 Economic Sponsorship "United States citizen"or"U.S. Permanent Resident", but income or assets below the federal poverty level require a co-sponsor (co-sponsor)

Conditions for becoming a financial sponsor

Whether you are a financial sponsor or a joint sponsor, the following conditions must be met:

1.At least 18 years of age

2.U.S. Citizen/U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident

3.Have sufficient income/property

*Remarks: You will need to prove that you have enough income to support your family and the relatives you are sponsoring. Normally the sponsor's annual income must not be less than 125% which corresponds to the income at the federal poverty level.

As long as the above conditions are met, the co-sponsor can be a relative, friend, or acquaintance of the green card applicant.

*Related content can be found in the articleHow to Meet the Financial Requirements for a Marriage-Based Green CardThe

Whether family members of the joint guarantor need to be counted

1.If the co-sponsor is marriedThe spouse's income may also be included and the co-sponsor's spouse will be counted as a member of his or her family. In this case, the cosponsor is required to file Form I-864A, which contains information about the family member (spouse).Form I-864A is a separate form used by the family member to pledge to use his or her income and/or assets to help support the sponsored immigrant.

2.If the co-sponsor's family member has obtained a green card or citizenshipThis will not normally affect the eligibility of the co-sponsor to act as a joint guarantor, unless these family members are also subject to the financial support requirement of the co-sponsor. If the co-sponsor has a family of his or her own to support, these family members will need to be included in the calculation of the family income and the income of the co-sponsor will need to be sufficient to meet the financial support requirements of the entire family, including these family members.

3.If the co-sponsor's family members expect him to continue sponsoring themThis may affect the ability of the co-sponsor to act as a co-sponsor for other applicants, as it will increase the financial sponsorship criteria that the co-sponsor will need to meet. In such cases, the co-sponsor may be required to provide additional evidence to demonstrate that his or her financial capacity is sufficient to support the additional sponsored persons

Special provisions for sponsored persons

*In addition, the sponsored person is not eligible for the following four federal social welfare programs for the first five years of entry into the U.S. (and remains ineligible after the green card is issued until the financial sponsor's obligations end):

Food Stamp(Food Stamps)

Medical assistance for poor countries(Medicaid)

Social wage subsidies(Supplemental Security Income)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)