K1 Co-joint Sponsor
Reuniting Couples Since 2003
FilAm Immigration Services
Do I need a co-joint sponsor? It is very important to know before ever applying for the K1 Visa, where the sponsor stands when it come to providing supporting documentation during a K1 visa interview.
Every sponsor must be sure and check through the USCIS poverty guidelines, if they meet the financial requirement, or not.
If you do not, then you need to know that the alien fiance stands a very good chance at being denied the K1 Visa during their interview.
The US Embassy in Manila Philippines is one of many embassies that will not honor a cosponsor or joint sponsor through a required I-134 Affidavit of Support.
What is a joint sponsor
A joint sponsor is an individual who agrees to financially support the foreign fiancé(e) in case the sponsoring fiancé(e) does not meet the income requirements.
The joint sponsor must be a US citizen or permanent resident who meets the necessary income requirements and is willing to take on the financial responsibility.
It is important to provide accurate and up-to-date financial documentation, including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements, to show sufficient income from both the sponsor and the joint sponsor.
The joint sponsor will need to complete a Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to demonstrate their ability to financially support the fiancé(e) if required.
Does the US Embassy in Manila accept a joint sponsor as part of getting a K1 Visa?
There has been no official announcement (meaning if they accept it or not, they only mention that laws do not disallow co-sponsorship) by the U.S. Embassy Manila about their policy for accepting joint or co-sponsors when applying for a K1 Fiancé Visa.
According to observations made since 2009, some US embassies may not accept joint sponsors for the K1 fiancé visa, Thailand and the Philippines has refused to accept joint and co-sponsors affidavit of support during K1 Visa interviews.
However, they do allow joint sponsors for married couples applying for CR1/IR1 visas, but not the fiancé visa.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s at the discretion of the embassy and consular officer. Take note that a K1 Fiance is not yet considered an immediate family member the same as if it where a spouse.
So at what point can I bring on a joint co-sponsor?
Many Couples have been under the impression that a joint or co-sponsor is accepted as part of the interview, however, USCIS will only allow this once the couple has married on US soil.
Who Qualifies to be a joint co-sponsor
A joint sponsor for a married K1 visa applicant who is adjusting status can be any individual who meets the financial requirements set forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The joint sponsor should be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who is at least 18 years old and domiciled in the United States.
To be eligible as a joint sponsor, the individual must have the ability to financially support the K1 visa applicant and meet the income threshold for their household size.
The joint sponsor’s income must equal or exceed 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size, after including their own dependents and any sponsored immigrants.
It’s important to note that both the principal sponsor and the joint sponsor are responsible for meeting the financial obligations during the adjustment of status process.
Therefore, the joint sponsor should be willing to provide their financial information, complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), and assume financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant if necessary.
Requirements of a joint co-sponsor
Does USCIS require a joint sponsor to live at the same zip code as the primary sponsor?
No, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not require a joint sponsor to live at the same zip code as the primary sponsor.
The primary purpose of a joint sponsor is to financially support an immigrant applying for a U.S. visa or permanent residency when the primary sponsor does not meet the necessary income requirements.
The joint sponsor can be a friend, relative, or any other individual who is willing to assume legal responsibility for financially supporting the immigrant.
While the joint sponsor’s residence is not required to be in the same zip code as the primary sponsor, it is important that they meet the income and other sponsorship requirements set by USCIS.
This includes having a sufficient income, being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and being willing to complete the necessary affidavit of support and provide all required financial documentation.
The joint sponsor’s residence location is not a determining factor in the sponsorship process.
Once the K1 Fiance is married, is she recognized as an immediate relative?
Yes, a K1 visa holder can use a joint co- sponsor after marriage in order to adjust their status leading to a legal permanent resident in the United States.
The K1 visa, also known as the fiancé visa, allows the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the country for the purpose of getting married.
After the marriage takes place, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
During the adjustment of status process, the couple will need to demonstrate that they meet the financial requirements to support themselves without relying on government assistance.
Normally, the U.S. citizen spouse is the primary sponsor and is required to meet certain income thresholds.
However, if the U.S. citizen spouse does not meet the income requirements, a joint sponsor can step in and provide the necessary financial support.
A joint sponsor is typically a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who meets the income requirements and is willing to financially sponsor the foreign spouse.
The joint sponsor will need to complete an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and provide supporting documents to demonstrate their ability to financially support the couple.
It’s important to note that both the U.S. citizen spouse and the joint sponsor are legally responsible for financially supporting the foreign spouse.
This obligation typically lasts until the foreign spouse becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked and paid Social Security taxes for a specified time period, or is credited with 40 quarters of work.
In summary, a K1 visa holder can utilize a joint sponsor after marriage to fulfill the financial requirements for adjusting their status to that of a permanent resident in the United States.