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Do you have a loved one you’d like to financially support when they apply to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States? Immigration can be very complex, and knowing the requirements before starting the process is best to ensure you qualify. Otherwise, you may spend time and money gathering evidence and filling out forms only to discover that you can’t sponsor your family member on their application.
How Do I Sponsor an Immigrant?
Specific income requirements must be met to sponsor a person immigrating to the US. These requirements ensure the immigrant will have adequate support while transitioning to finding a job in the US, obtaining housing, and growing their support network.
Those sponsoring an immigrant must complete the government form I-864, called the “Affidavit of Support.” The Affidavit of Support is a legal contract in which the sponsor agrees to financially support the intending immigrant and ensure they do not become a public burden.
The Affidavit of Support collects the financial and biographical information of sponsors.
Form I-864 uses a determination made by the government called “federal poverty guidelines” to decide who can sponsor an immigrant. This form is required in most family-based immigration cases and could also be required in some employment-based cases.
Who Can File Form I-864 To Sponsor An Immigrant?
People with several different types of relationships with the applicant can complete this form, and some immigrants may be able to have multiple people sponsor them. A sponsor can be a family member who can support the immigrant themselves or a group of family members who meet the income requirements to sponsor together. Even someone to whom an immigrant has no blood relation may be able to sponsor them. However, they may need to provide additional explanation and proof of their intentions to support the applicant. A sponsor can also be a business hiring the immigrant once they are in the US.
What Is Required of Sponsors?
To sponsor an immigrant, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident
2. Be at least 18 years old
3. Have proof you live in the US
4. Have enough income or assets to meet the financial requirements
How Much Income Must Sponsors Earn?
The income requirements to sponsor an immigrant vary depending on where you live and how many people are in your household. The more dependents you already support, the higher your income requirement to sponsor an immigrant will be.
The Department of Health and Human Services sets some federal poverty guidelines every year that determine who is eligible to receive benefits from the government. Immigration organizations also use these federal poverty guidelines when making decisions on cases related to family sponsorships and affidavits of support.
What Are The Current Federal Poverty Guidelines?
Most sponsors must earn 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size to sponsor an immigrant. According to the 2023 federal poverty guidelines, if your household size is 2, your income must be at least $24,650 to sponsor an immigrant.
Your income must meet an additional $6,425 for each additional household member. For example, if your household size is 3, your income must be at least $31,075, and if your household size is 4, your income must be at least $37,500.
If you cannot meet the minimum income requirements on your own, you may be able to use assets or find a joint sponsor who can support the immigrant with you to meet the income requirements.
Exceptions to the Federal Poverty Guideline Requirement
There are some exceptions to the immigration sponsor income requirement. For example, suppose a sponsor is on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and is filing an application to sponsor their spouse or child. In that case, they only need to earn 100% of the federal poverty guideline for their household.
While income is significant in determining sponsorship eligibility, it is not the sole factor considered. Immigration authorities may also consider the sponsor’s assets, such as savings, real estate, or investments when assessing their financial capability. Assets can supplement income and help meet the required thresholds, offering sponsors additional flexibility.
The Law Office of Elsy Segovia Can Help!
Sponsoring an immigrant is a noble undertaking that can positively impact lives. To fulfill this role effectively, it’s essential to understand and meet the income requirements set by immigration authorities. Whether sponsoring immediate relatives, family-sponsored immigrants, or employment-based immigrants, the financial obligations outlined in the Affidavit of Support play a crucial role. Insufficient income or evidence can delay an immigrant’s application, lead to rejections, and may even have worse consequences for the immigrant’s ability to apply for future immigration processes.
By ensuring sponsors have the means to support immigrants without relying on public assistance, these requirements promote self-sufficiency and a smooth transition into their new lives. It’s essential that sponsors stay informed about the latest guidelines and consult immigration professionals for personalized advice when considering sponsorship opportunities.
The Law Office of Elsy Segovia, P.C. is committed to helping immigrants and their families meet their immigration goals and get the best possible start in their new lives. The immigration system is complex and can be intimidating. We can help manage your immigration process at every stage: from the application to your interview. Call us at (973) 313-5794 today to schedule a consultation with our trusted legal counsel for visa and residency team!
