On Finding A Sponsor

[Doug B 0]

Hello -- Our 129-F is submitted, and I'm looking at the timelines for CSC and London/UK Embassy, and it looks like about six months till the interview for most people. I'm planning on starting school in the Fall, so may need to get a sponsor, as my job will not be current by then.

The old I-134 said the sponsor is taking responsibility for 3 years. The newer one doesn't give a time frame, and under item #6 the sponsor agrees that they could be sued if the person sponsored becomes a public charge, and that their own income and assets could be considered if the person sponsored ever applies for food stamps, SSI, etc.

My question is, as I am approaching people to become sponsors, how long is the Affadavit of Support in effect? How long are they assuming this 'risk' of being sued, etc.?

Thanks for any help in clarifying this...

Doug B

[john_and_marlene 162]

Hello -- Our 129-F is submitted, and I'm looking at the timelines for CSC and London/UK Embassy, and it looks like about six months till the interview for most people. I'm planning on starting school in the Fall, so may need to get a sponsor, as my job will not be current by then.

The old I-134 said the sponsor is taking responsibility for 3 years. The newer one doesn't give a time frame, and under item #6 the sponsor agrees that they could be sued if the person sponsored becomes a public charge, and that their own income and assets could be considered if the person sponsored ever applies for food stamps, SSI, etc.

My question is, as I am approaching people to become sponsors, how long is the Affadavit of Support in effect? How long are they assuming this 'risk' of being sued, etc.?

Thanks for any help in clarifying this...

Doug B

The I-134 is not enforceable. The form is still in use by consulates to aid them in the determination regarding whether an applicant will become a public charge, but the form itself has been tested in court and has been declared uninforceable.

The I-864, however, will be needed for adjustment of status and is enforceable. If you need a cosponsor for the adjustment of status, thier obligation is considerable.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

For adjustment of status you need a sponsor that is willing to be responsible for 40 quarters of work. If both of you work this is less than ten years. If you part ways and your fiance/wife/ex refuses to work it could be forever. Normally people think of it being for 10 years. If you don't have a sponsor and don't make enough money adjustment is refused and your spouse will have to leave.

[pushbrk 12,892]

For adjustment of status you need a sponsor that is willing to be responsible for 40 quarters of work. If both of you work this is less than ten years. If you part ways and your fiance/wife/ex refuses to work it could be forever. Normally people think of it being for 10 years. If you don't have a sponsor and don't make enough money adjustment is refused and your spouse will have to leave.

Realistically, the I-864 obligation can last for the sponsor or beneficiary's lifetime, as there is no guarantee the beneficiary will remain married, ever work or ever leave the USA. As a practical matter, the obligation usually lasts between 3 and 12 years. Just over three years as minimum to obtain US Citizenship or 12 years to obtain 40 quarters of work, assuming work will not be either immediate or continuous.