K1 Visa Joint Sponsor
Reuniting Couples Since 2003
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 (e) Visa.
According to observations made since 2009, some US embassies may not accept joint sponsors for the K-1 fiancé visa.
Unfortunately, the most popular country for the K1 visa, the Philippines, doesn’t allow them.
They do allow joint sponsors for married couples applying for CR1 visas, but not the fiancé visa.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s at the discretion of the embassy and consular officers
Who can be a joint sponsor of a married K1 Visa applicant that is adjusting status?
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.
It’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or qualified professional to determine the eligibility requirements and to ensure that all necessary forms and documentation are submitted accurately and timely.
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.
Can a K1 Visa use a joint sponsor after marriage to adjust status?
Yes, a K1 visa holder can use a joint sponsor after marriage to adjust their status to that of a 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.
What if the CR1/IR1 sponsor falls short of meeting the poverty guidelines?
If the CR1/IR1 sponsor falls short of meeting the poverty guidelines, there are a few options that can be explored:
1. Joint Sponsor:
The CR1 applicant can find a joint sponsor who meets the poverty guidelines.
A joint sponsor is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder who agrees to financially support the immigrant spouse.
The joint sponsor would need to complete an Affidavit of Support, providing proof of meeting the income requirements.
2. Assets:
If the CR1 sponsor does not meet the income threshold but has significant assets, they may be able to use those assets to meet the requirements.
The assets must be readily available, such as bank accounts, stocks, or real estate.
The assets would need to be valued at a certain level to compensate for the lack of income.
3. Household Members’ Income:
The sponsor can include the income of other household members to meet the poverty guidelines.
This can be done if the household members are either related to the sponsor by blood, marriage, or adoption, or by jointly residing at the same address and having a relationship similar to that of a spouse, parent, or child.
4. Employment Prospects:
If the sponsor does not currently meet the poverty guidelines but can demonstrate a reasonable expectation of future income, they may still be considered eligible.
This could be shown by providing job offers, contracts, or proof of enrollment in education or training programs that will lead to increased income.
It is important to note that these options may have specific requirements and documentation that need to be provided.
It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or seek guidance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for precise information regarding individual circumstances.