QUESTION
When would the Joint Sponsor Obligation begin?
Asked on Aug 30th, 2012 on Immigration - Texas
More details to this question:
My husband and I are in the process of getting his immigrant visa to live with me in the U.S. (he is from Ukraine). I definitely need a joint sponsor for him, and I have someone that may be able to do it, but they want to know more about the legality issues. Is it true that they would not be obligated to the sponsored immigrant until he becomes a Permanent Resident (after 2 years)?
8 ANSWERS
Civil Litigation Attorney serving New York, NY
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Havens & Lichtenberg PLLC
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There is a clear explanation of sponsor's responsibilities in the instructions to Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. You can find them at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864instr.pdf They also make clear that the responsibilities of a sponsor are not to the immigrant but rather to the U.S. government. And, of course, the sponsor does not have to support the sponsored immigrant until the immigrant is in the U.S.
Answered on Sep 06th, 2012 at 4:10 PM
The joint sponsor is bound by the terms of the affidavit of support until the beneficiary becomes a US citizen.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 4:13 PM
Immigration Law Attorney serving New York, NY
Partner at
Oltarsh & Associates, P.C.
Are you a US citizen? If you are, the wait will be about 6 or 7 month. If you are only a permanent resident, the wait is 2 1/2years, if your co-sponsor wants to speak to a lawyer he/she can call me but I charge for this.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 4:12 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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A Joint Sponsor becomes legally obligated once the immigrant receives his green card, including a conditional green card.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Immigration Law Attorney serving Long Beach, CA
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Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner
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The joint sponsor will be obligated to comply with the term with obligated to support for ten years or until the beneficiary becomes a US citizen.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Bruce A. Coane
Longer than that, yes.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Rebecca T White
You need to have the potential joint sponsor review the instructions on the I-864 carefully and suggest to them that they may want to consult with an attorney prior to agreeing to be a joint sponsor. The affidavit of support would be in effect from the time your husband became a permanent resident, and remain in effect until one of several criteria are met.
Answered on Sep 05th, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Immigration Attorney serving Arlington, TX
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Law Office of Pho Ethan Tran, PLLC
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The joint sponsor's obligation begins as soon as residency has been granted.
Answered on Aug 30th, 2012 at 12:04 PM