✅ What Is a Joint Sponsor Actually Responsible For?
Many people think being a Joint Sponsor simply means signing a form and showing that your income is sufficient, without taking on any real responsibility.
In reality, once you sign Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), you take on a legally enforceable financial sponsorship obligation.
1. You may be required to provide financial support to the immigrant
If the immigrant's income falls below the applicable legal threshold, the Joint Sponsor may be obligated to provide financial support to help bring the immigrant's income up to 125% of the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines (see Image 2).
2. You may have to reimburse the government for certain public benefits
If the immigrant receives certain public benefits, the government may seek reimbursement from the sponsor. If the sponsor refuses to repay the amount owed, the government may file a lawsuit. Additional costs, such as attorney's fees and collection expenses, may also arise and could become the Joint Sponsor's responsibility (see Image 3).
3. The Joint Sponsor and the Primary Sponsor share legal responsibility
A Joint Sponsor is not merely a backup. If the financial support obligation is not fulfilled, the immigrant or a relevant government agency may take legal action against both the Primary Sponsor and the Joint Sponsor—or pursue the Joint Sponsor directly for the applicable obligations (see Image 3).
4. You must notify USCIS within 30 days if you move
Once the immigrant obtains a Green Card, the I-864 sponsorship obligation generally takes effect. While that obligation remains in effect, if the Joint Sponsor changes address, they must file Form I-865 with USCIS within 30 days.
Failure to update your address as required may result in civil penalties (see Image 4).
5. When does the sponsorship obligation end? (See Image 5)
Generally, the obligation ends when one of the following events occurs:
The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
The immigrant earns 40 qualifying quarters of work (approximately 10 years) after obtaining a Green Card.
The immigrant loses their lawful permanent resident status and leaves the United States.
During removal proceedings, the immigrant obtains a new Green Card based on a newly approved Form I-864.
The immigrant dies.
The Joint Sponsor dies.
‼️ Important Things to Remember:
For the Primary Sponsor, divorce from the immigrant does not terminate the I-864 sponsorship obligation.
For the Joint Sponsor, losing a job or experiencing a decrease in income does not automatically release them from the I-864 sponsorship obligation.
Being a Joint Sponsor is much more than simply "signing a form to help someone out." Before signing Form I-864, make sure you understand that you may be taking on a legal financial obligation that could last for many years.
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