QUESTION
How will I be affected if I give my aunt my bank account information to get her visa?
Asked on Sep 02nd, 2011 on Immigration - Georgia
More details to this question:
My aunt is filing for her visa and needs me to help her with proving that I have a bank account and 3 years of filed income taxes. Will this affect me in any way to help her out?
8 ANSWERS
LCA Audits and Investigations Attorney serving Houston, TX
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Fong Ilagan
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If you are going to sign as a joint sponsor, yes, you will be liable for any reimbursement sought by the Federal government for and qualifying means tested benefits your aunt may apply for.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Immigration and Naturalization Attorney serving San Diego, CA
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Feldman Feldman & Associates, PC
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I assume you are being asked to act as a co-sponsor on her case. Were you asked to sign an I-864 affidavit of support or an I-134? If the former this is a contract between you and the Federal government and is in effect until your aunt becomes a USC or has 40 quarters (10 years) of social Security income. If she ever applies for government benefits and her primary sponsor does not have any assets then the government can come back to you to reimburse such funds. If you know your aunt well and don't believe she will be doing this then you should make the decision to help her accordingly.
Answered on Sep 15th, 2011 at 2:10 PM
U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law Attorney serving San Diego, CA
Partner at
Kazmi & Sakata
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This will depend on the type of visa and any specific USCIS form. If you are filing an Affidavit of Support, then you are confirming that you will not let her become a burden on the government and will keep her above the poverty levels.
Answered on Sep 15th, 2011 at 5:32 AM
Immigration and Naturalization Attorney serving San Francisco, CA
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The Law Office of Christine Troy
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Yes it does. You are filing an affidavit of support, from your description. This means you are responsible for certain financial items- specifically state or federal means tested benefits, if your aunt uses them.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2011 at 1:57 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Las Vegas, NV
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Reza Athari & Associates, PLLC
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No it will not affect you. If you do not want your aunt to have your financial information, you may send the affidavit of support (form I-134) directly to the US consulate that she will apply.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2011 at 1:03 PM
Immigration Law Attorney serving Los Angeles, CA
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Law Offices of Alan R. Diamante APLC
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Generally, the National Visa Center or the Consular post will routinely require that an Affidavit of Support be submitted with the application for a visa or request for lawful permanent residency. This request can include a request for tax returns and proof of employment or assets. Be careful if a non attorney is assisting your family member with the process, since non authorized form fillers have been known to commit fraud.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Business Litigation Attorney serving Chicago, IL
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Law Offices of Peter Y. Qiu
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If you are considering doing what you mentioned in connection with I-864, you should consult a lawyer (1) to determine whether doing so is helpful for your aunt and (2) to ensure your understanding of your obligations and consequences for sponsoring your aunt.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Although not clear from your question, it sounds like you have been asked to serve as a joint sponsor for your aunt's immigration application. To do so, in addition to providing documentary evidence of your earnings, you would need to sign an Affidavit of Support, by which you essentially would safeguard the government from having to pay needs-based benefits to your aunt after she were to become a Lawful Permanent Resident. The obligation can last a long time - often for 10 years or until the beneficiary may become a U.S. citizen. It is important for you to learn the details about that obligation in order to make an informed decision about helping in that way.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2011 at 12:27 PM