1. What is joint sponsorship?

Joint sponsorship is an arrangement where two or more organizations come together to sponsor an individual for a visa or some other kind of immigration benefit. This would involve both the sponsoring entities providing financial support and other resources for the beneficiary’s immigration process. The purpose of joint sponsorship is to provide a stronger economic security net for the sponsored individual, as it allows for a larger number of people to share the costs and responsibilities associated with the immigration process.

2. When should joint sponsorship be used?

Joint sponsorship should be used when two individuals or organizations are willing to provide the necessary support and financial assistance to an individual seeking permanent residency or a visa in the United States.

3. Who is eligible for joint sponsorship?

Joint sponsorship is an option for people who are both members of a married couple when one of them is applying for U.S. permanent residency. In order to be considered eligible for joint sponsorship, both individuals must have either U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency, and they must demonstrate a commitment to financially supporting the non-citizen spouse’s residency application.

4. What is the Affidavit of Support requirement for joint sponsorship?

The Affidavit of Support requirement for joint sponsorship is that both sponsors must fill out and sign an Affidavit of Support form and provide evidence to show that both sponsors meet the income requirements for joint sponsorship. Both sponsors must also provide evidence that can prove their relationship to the applicant, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documents. Finally, each sponsor must submit a copy of their most recent federal income tax return.

5. What documents are needed for joint sponsorship?

The documents typically needed for joint sponsorship are the financial documents of both sponsors to prove their ability to provide the necessary financial support, such as tax records, pay stubs, and bank statements. Additionally, both sponsors will need to provide copies of valid identification documents such as a passport or driver’s license. Other documents that may be required include proof of address, proof of employment, or proof of relationship.

6. How do I know if my application for joint sponsorship has been approved?

Once your application for joint sponsorship has been submitted, you should receive a letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) informing you of the final decision regarding your application. This letter should include details about whether your application has been approved or denied.

7. How long does the joint sponsorship process take?

The joint sponsorship process can take anywhere from several months to over a year. The length of the process depends on many factors such as the complexity of the case, status of the applicant, availability and response time of the sponsors, and processing times at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

8. Who pays the fees of a joint sponsor?

The joint sponsor is responsible for paying any associated fees.

9. What happens if I can’t find a qualified joint sponsor?

If you’re unable to find a qualified joint sponsor, you may be able to use alternative resources to provide the necessary support for your relative. For example, some sponsors have been able to provide evidence of their employment, savings, assets, or other forms of financial support. You should speak with an immigration attorney for more information about alternative resources.

10. How much income or assets must a joint sponsor have?

The joint sponsor must have an income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. The joint sponsor must also have assets which are equal to or more than the amount of the sponsored immigrant’s financial need.

11. What if the joint sponsor does not meet the financial requirements?

If the joint sponsor does not meet the financial requirements, the petitioning sponsor must provide additional evidence of their own financial ability to support the sponsored immigrant.

12. Can a joint sponsor be held legally responsible if the immigrant fails to support themselves after entering the U.S.?

Yes, a joint sponsor can be held legally responsible if the immigrant fails to support themselves after entering the U.S. The joint sponsor must agree to be financially responsible for the immigrant for a period of 10 years. The sponsor must make sure that the immigrant does not become a public charge, meaning that they do not need to rely on public benefits programs for financial support. If the immigrant does become a public charge, the sponsor may be liable for any benefits received.

13. What is an I-864A form and what is it used for in regards to joint sponsorship?

The I-864A is a form used when a joint sponsor is needed to help meet the income requirements for a family-based immigration application. It is used to provide additional financial support for an immigrant applying for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status based on family sponsorship. It is also used when the petitioner’s income alone is not sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The I-864A serves as an affidavit of support from the joint sponsor, and helps demonstrate that the immigrant has adequate financial resources to cover the costs of living in the U.S. without becoming a public charge. The joint sponsor also agrees to be responsible for any financial support of the immigrant, if necessary.

14. What is the difference between an I-864 and an I-864A form?

An I-864 is an Affidavit of Support form that must be completed and signed by a sponsor for an immigrant in the process of applying for a green card. It is used to confirm that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to financially support the immigrant and ensure that they will not become a public charge. An I-864A is a separate form that must be completed by a joint sponsor, if the primary sponsor does not meet the financial requirements to support the immigrant. This joint sponsor must meet all the financial requirements and also be able to provide evidence of their ability to provide the necessary support.

15. Are there other ways to prove financial support besides a joint sponsor?

Yes, there are other ways to prove financial support, such as through an affidavit of support, bank statements, tax returns, employment letter, or other forms of financial documentation.

16. Are there any other documents that must be presented with the Affidavit of Support for joint sponsorships?

In addition to the Affidavit of Support, joint sponsors must provide documentation to prove their income and assets. This can include tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and other proof of ability to provide financial support.

17. Does the amount of money that a joint sponsor pays make any difference in their ability to become a sponsor?

No, the amount of money that a joint sponsor pays does not make any difference in their ability to become a sponsor. The main criteria for becoming a sponsor are income and assets, not the amount of money that a joint sponsor pays.

18. Is there a limit on the number of immigrants that one person can sponsor using joint sponsorship?

No, there is no limit on the number of immigrants that one person can sponsor using joint sponsorship. However, it is important to note that the sponsors must meet the income and other requirements of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for each immigrant they are sponsoring.

19. Is there an appeal process for those who are denied joint sponsorship?

Yes, there is an appeal process for those who are denied joint sponsorship. A person may submit an appeal to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or a higher court. The appeal must include evidence to support the claim that the original decision was incorrect or unjust. The appeal must also be filed within a certain period of time as specified by the court or agency.

20. Is there any way to shorten the processing time for a joint sponsorship application?

Unfortunately, no. Processing times for joint sponsorship applications vary depending on many factors, including the number of applications filed and the complexity of each case. However, applicants can help speed up the process by submitting complete and accurate applications and making sure all necessary documents are included.