Joint Sponsor Responsibilities

[zachary michael 0]

Hello,

I am looking into the joint sponsor option for the K1 visa.  I want to be sure that my family and I understand exactly what they would be agreeing to.  I’m wondering if anyone knows if the joint sponsor would be liable to pay any unexpected medical situations or loans.  Or are they only liable to pay back public aid if the immigrant were to use any. Would they only legally be responsible for providing basic necessities?

Also, I’m wondering what exactly is meant that the co-sponsor should “provide support to maintain the sponsored alien at an annual income that is not less than 125 percent of the Federal poverty line during the period in which the affidavit is enforceable.”

This is from the immigration and naturalization act.  I am a little confused about what this is implying.  Does it mean that if the immigrant would not be able to get 125% on their own from working, that they could request the difference from the co-sponsor to get the immigrant up to 125%? Or does it just mean that the co-sponsor income should always be at 125%. If I am able to make this amount would that cancel the co-sponsors obligation?

Also, if anyone knows any place that more thoroughly goes through the implications of what is being agreed to I would appreciate anything.  It seems to me that the actual I-864 and supporting documents on the USCIS website are very brief and not overly specific about what is being agreed to.

[NikLR 13,227]

So there are co-sponsors for the I-134 and then joint sponsors for the I-864.  The I-134 isn't legally binding.  The I-864 is.  The petitioner will ALWAYS be the primary sponsor and the government would sue them first before any joint sponsors.  This would only happen if the beneficiary used means tested benefits before being eligible. 

 

[Boiler 45,488]

The support aspect certainly has come up in Divorce settlements.