Cosponsor question

[eterri 0]

This is probably yet another stupid question but...

Does the cosponsor have to reside in the US or can a family member of the alien fiance (who lives in the UK) sponsor him?

[Meriem_DZ 37]

From what I have read, it has to be a US citizen.

Meriem

[eterri 0]

Thanks, that's what I figured but for some reason I thought I'd read otherwise. I'll keep looking for the info to be sure but I know of two people who would most likely be willing to help with this.

[Ephesia 0]

http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/affsupp.htm

Who is Required to Be a Sponsor?

If you filed an immigrant visa petition for your relative, you must be the sponsor. You must also be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. You must have a domicile in the United States or a territory or possession of the United States. Usually, this requirement means you must actually live in the United States, or a territory or possession, in order to be a sponsor. If you live abroad, you may still be eligible to be a sponsor if you can show that your residence abroad is temporary, so that you still have your domicile in the United States.

Can anyone else be a sponsor?

INA section 213A permits both a "joint sponsor" and a "substitute sponsor" in certain cases.

Who can be a joint sponsor, and when is a joint sponsor allowed?

If the visa petitioner's household income is not sufficient to meet the requirements of INA section 213A and 8 C.F.R. § 213a, INA section 213A permits a joint sponsor to sign an affidavit of support, in addition to the affidavit of support signed by the visa petitioner. A joint sponsor is someone who is willing to accept legal responsibility for supporting your family member with you. A joint sponsor must meet all the same requirements as you, except the joint sponsor does not need to be related to the immigrant. The joint sponsor (or the joint sponsor and his or her household) must reach the 125 percent income requirement alone. You cannot combine your income with that of a joint sponsor to meet the income requirement.

So ... to answer your question, your co-sponsor MUST be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Edited February 11, 2006 by Ephesia

[eterri 0]

Thanks so very much!!