Co-Sponsor - What it means for the Sponsor

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

I will need a co-sponsor for my husband to immigrate. The person I'm asking to co-sponsor is a good friend but wants to well-know what he's getting himself into and what it means for him to be a co-sponsor. My husband will be coming on an IR-1 Visa since we've been married more than 2 years. How long after his entry in the US will the co-sponsor be obligated to sponsor my husband?

[tasakchy 9]

He'll be relieved of his duties once your husband becomes a US citizen. Since you're a USC, he'll be eligible to become a citizen 3 years after he receives his permanent residency.

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

Oh wow that's a long time. For some reason I thought it was until he received a green card or was eligible to work and earn his own income???

[tasakchy 9]

Nope it's actually until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has earned 40 work quarters credited toward Social Security (a work quarter is about three months, so this means about ten years of work), dies, or permanently leaves the United States. (This is from page 8 of the I-864 form)

So the shortest time in your case would be until he's a US Citizen.

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

Ok, thanks for your quick responses

[D N Medellin COL 75]

True regards the length of time that the sponsor is ultimately responsible, however it helps that they recognize that this country's immigration system, for well over a hundred years, has been built on the process of sponsorship. It works.

Growing up I recall stories of my grandparents, my parents and other close relatives immigrating from Europe and the willingness of their sponsors. Many became friends for life. A few weeks ago my aged mother had a telephone call from the daughter of the couple that sponsored her from New York. So in the global pictures sponsorship is at the core of the immigration system set up to insure and help a connection to the immigrant and their new country.

Good luck and keep you head up!