Overstay on the Visitor Visa Waiver Program

[Frustrated2NoEnd 0]

The children's father does not support them and does not have frequent contact with them.... his choice, not mine. We are also in the process of obtaining "legal" custody as he would not co-operate with me on a mediator while we were there due to the fact that child support is mandatory. Hopefully, everything will work out well and a visitation schedule can finally be arranged.

Big red flag, this strikes me as being a potential major issue. See Hague Convention.

Thank you for the comment. I'm aware of the Hague Convention however, there are other circumstances involved that lead me to believe that this will not be a concern. If you re-read my post, you will note where I stated "his choice, not mine".

From our research (my mother-in-law has been a God send!), we understand that there is a difference between a "Co-Sponsor" and a "Joint Sponsor". A "Co-Sponsor" is a relative and resides in the same home and the co-mingling of earnings/assets is permitted. A "Joint Sponsor" can be anyone and does not need to reside in the home. This leaves us wondering... WHY does the Joint Sponsor need to qualify for others outside the home when they are specifically stating that they are sponsoring only those individuals named on the form? In the event that something happens to the Petitioner and he/she can't support the family, the Joint Sponsor is responsible only for those that aren't citizens and that are sponsored.

Re read the I-864, no such thing as a joint sponsor, your Husband is the Sponsor. He may nneed a co sponsor, USC or LPR resident in US.

Extract from the I-864:

What Is a Joint Sponsor?

If the person who is seeking the immigration of one or moreof his or her relatives cannot meet the income requirements, a"joint sponsor" who can meet the requirements may submit aForm I-864 to sponsor all or some of the family members. A joint sponsor can be any U.S. citizen, U.S. national, orlawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old,domiciled in the United States, or its territories or possessions,and willing to be held jointly liable with the petitioner for the support of the intending immigrant. A joint sponsor does not have to be related to the petitioning sponsor or the intending immigrant

My husband can support us financially... things are tight but we're managing... but honestly.... how many people make 125% above the poverty line without 2 incomes coming in? I certainly understand the reasoning behind the rule and have no intention of coming to the US to end up in the "system" as I have always worked I just feel for those people who are making very little.

125% is very little. You can do it on minimum wage.

...Depending on the number of individuals you have to claim as being in the household. Regardless, this was not the original question. The original question was.... Does the Joint Sponser have to claim the same number of individuals as the Sponser even though they are only sponsoring the intended immigrant(s).

[Boiler 46,108]

That would depend, it could be the same.

The JS could have their own dependants plus these immigrants and maybe even other immigrants they have sponsored.

So a minimum would be 1 plus the number of immgrants, there is no theoretcial max.

[Frustrated2NoEnd 0]

That would depend, it could be the same.

The JS could have their own dependants plus these immigrants and maybe even other immigrants they have sponsored.

So a minimum would be 1 plus the number of immgrants, there is no theoretcial max.

Thanks Boiler. Since we couldn't find an answer anywhere on the government website, we called USCIS this morning. The Agent told us that the Joint Sponsor lists all of those the Sponsor claimed (including those dependents that lived outside the home) plus themselves and their dependents. This wasn't sitting well so we called back getting a different Agent this time. This Agent told us that the Joint Sponsor would only detail those immigrants being sponsored. Hmmmmm.... ....Okay! So we decided to try a 3rd time since we were getting contradictory information. This time we spoke with a completely different Agent (so 3 different Agents now). The third Agent confirmed what the 2nd Agent Stated...that the Joint Sponsor is only to list themselves, the dependents in their home/taxes, etc, and the individuals being sponsored on the I-864. We have decided to complete the form based on the best 2 out of 3 answers.

[Boiler 46,108]

Its all on the form - How do I count Household size.

[Frustrated2NoEnd 0]

Its all on the form - How do I count Household size.

The Joint Sponsor counts differently than the Sponsor as advised by USCIS.

[DA BOMB 1]

Get a lawyer.