I-184 Sponsors: What are they responsible for?

[queenie10 3]

It was my understanding that the I-864 sponsor was only financially responsible for if the beneficiary got public assistance. My potential co-sponsor called the INS to find out more about the responsibilities and was told that he would be held liable for any money owed, such as an unpaid credit card, medical bills, civil suits, etc.

What is the sponsor financially responsible for?

[Anh map 2,098]

This I-864 FAQ from the State Dept. website can help to learn more about it. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3183.html Page 1 of the I-864 also lists what the sponsor would be responsible for. While there has been litigation where a sponsor was held liable for "life expenses" that involved the primary sponsor (the US citizen spouse). You would be sued prior to any co-sponsor.

For what it's worth, INS doesn't exist anymore. It's now USCIS.

[mystic 11]

It is also my understanding as it states on the form I864 instructions... the co sponsor is responsible for any public assistance meaning welfare benefits such as medical, food stamps, housing, etc...... They are not responsible for loans or anything of that nature. Also be aware that the co sponsors income must be included on any application for public assistance therefore it usually makes the applicant ineligible to receive such benefits therefore making the risk almost 0

[queenie10 3]

That's what I thought. I don't know if they're just making that up or the person at USCIC gave them bad info. It freaked me out because I doubted we would ever be able to get a co-sponsor under those conditions. Thanks for your responses.