Do I Need a Joint (Co-)Sponsor for a K-1 Visa?

Before applying, every sponsor should carefully review the USCIS Federal Poverty Guidelines to confirm whether they meet the income requirement for their household size.

If the sponsor does not meet the minimum income threshold, the K-1 applicant faces a significant risk of refusal at the visa interview. Here’s how to know if you, the sponsor, meet the USCIS poverty guideline.

Important Reality: Joint Sponsors and the K-1 Visa

Unlike spouse visas, joint or co-sponsors are often not accepted for K-1 fiancé visas, especially at certain U.S. embassies.

U.S. Embassy Manila (Philippines)

Based on long-standing observations, the U.S. Embassy in Manila has historically been very strict when it comes to joint or co-sponsors for K-1 visas.

While U.S. immigration law does not explicitly prohibit joint sponsorship for K-1 cases, acceptance is discretionary and determined by the consular officer.

In practice:

• Joint sponsors are frequently not accepted for K-1 fiancé visa interviews in Manila
• The embassy may require the primary U.S. sponsor alone to meet the financial requirement
• This differs from CR-1 / IR-1 spouse visas, where joint sponsors are commonly accepted

What Is a Joint Sponsor?

A joint sponsor is an individual who agrees to share financial responsibility for the foreign national when the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements.

To qualify, a joint sponsor must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be domiciled in the United States
• Meet the required income threshold based on household size
• Be willing to accept legal financial responsibility

For spouse visas and adjustment of status, joint sponsors typically file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with supporting financial documents such as:

• Tax returns
• Pay stubs
• Employment verification
• Bank statements

Does the U.S. Embassy in Manila Accept Joint Sponsors for K-1 Visas?

There has been no official written policy from the U.S. Embassy in Manila clearly stating whether joint sponsors are accepted or rejected for K-1 visas.

However, based on consistent case observations since at least 2009:

• Joint or co-sponsors are commonly refused for K-1 fiancé visa interviews in Manila
• Thailand and the Philippines are among the embassies known for strict enforcement
• Joint sponsorship is routinely accepted for CR-1 / IR-1 spouse visas, but not fiancé visas

Ultimately, the decision rests with the consular officer, and a K-1 fiancé is not yet considered an immediate relative in the same way a spouse is.

When Can a Joint Sponsor Be Used?

This is where many couples get confused.

A joint sponsor is generally allowed only after marriage, when the foreign fiancé applies for Adjustment of Status (AOS) inside the United States.

Once married:

• The foreign spouse becomes an immediate relative
• Joint sponsorship becomes clearly permitted
• Form I-864 is required, and joint sponsors are commonly accepted

Who Qualifies as a Joint Sponsor After Marriage?

For adjustment of status, a joint sponsor may be:

• A family member
• A friend
• Any qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident

The joint sponsor must:

• Meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Include their own household members and dependents
• Be willing to provide full financial documentation
• Accept legal responsibility for financial support

Both the primary sponsor and the joint sponsor share responsibility during the adjustment of status period.

Does a Joint Sponsor Have to Live With the Primary Sponsor?

No.

USCIS does not normally allow a joint sponsor to live in the same household, city, or ZIP code as the primary sponsor.

What matters is:

• Income qualification
• Legal status
• Willingness to sign the affidavit of support
• Ability to document financial stability

Residence location alone is not a deciding factor.

After Marriage: Is the K-1 Visa Holder an Immediate Relative?

The answer is “Yes”.
Once the marriage occurs in the United States:

• The K-1 visa holder becomes an immediate relative
• The couple may file for Adjustment of Status
• A joint sponsor may be used if needed
• Form I-864 is required

The financial obligation generally lasts until the immigrant:

• Becomes a U.S. citizen
• Earns 40 qualifying Social Security quarters
• Permanently leaves the United States

Bottom Line

▪️ Do not assume a joint sponsor will save a weak K-1 case at the interview stage.
▪️ Financial readiness before filing matters.
▪️ Joint sponsors are far more reliable after marriage, not before.

This is one of the most misunderstood and costly mistakes couples make.
Unsure if you meet the poverty guidelines – Contact us