Thousands of families seeking to enter the United States encounter the same difficulty: in order to do so legally, they need a sponsor. Now, what are the requirements to become a sponsor? How many people can be sponsored? Today at Urbina Immigration Law we will look at all of these issues.
Don’t tackle the complex immigration system on your own. If you are having difficulty bringing your loved ones into the country, Urbina Immigration Law can help. Contact our attorneys today and take the first step toward family reunification.
Table of Contents
Requirements for sponsoring persons in the family petition
To sponsor a family member or friend, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Meet the minimum annual financial income established by USCIS.
At Urbina Immigration Law, our attorneys can give you the legal help you need to simplify the sponsorship process for family and friends. Our professionals will accompany you every step of the way. Contact us today and take the first step towards reuniting with your loved ones.
How many people can I sponsor?
In principle, there is no restriction on the number of people you can sponsor. However, the amount of minimum income required to sponsor a family member varies depending on the number of people you want to sponsor.
Don’t let the complexities of the system keep you from helping your loved ones. At Urbina Immigration Law, our attorneys can help you understand all the financial requirements for sponsoring a family member. Contact us today and get the legal help you need to reunite with the people you love.
What is the minimum income that a sponsor must have?
The income a sponsor must have is stipulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) according to poverty guidelines. These indicate the minimum annual income that a family must have in order not to be considered poor, according to the number of members.
However, to be eligible as a sponsor, USCIS stipulates that your annual income must be at least 125% of the poverty guidelines figure. This is because it must ensure that it can financially support the foreigner in question without running the risk of becoming a public burden.
Income table for sponsoring a family member 2023
In the following table you will find the income or poverty guidelines in effect:
| Sponsor’s Household Size (family members) | Non-U.S. Military Sponsors | U.S. Military Sponsors |
| 2 | $26,650 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $31,075 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $37,500 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $43,925 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $50,350 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $56,775 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $63,200 | $50,560 |
| $6,425 for each additional person. | 5,140 for each additional person. |
Please note that poverty guidelines may change from year to year, affecting your eligibility as a sponsor. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an immigration attorney. At Urbina Immigration Law we can assist you. Contact us and take the first step to sponsor your loved ones.
What documents do I need to submit to sponsor a family member?
To become a sponsor of an individual you must submit the following documentation:
- Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative.
- Form I-864: Affidavit of Economic Sponsorship.
- Form I-864A: Financial Sponsorship Agreement between Sponsor and Sponsored Household Member.
- Form I-865: Notice of Change of Sponsor’s Address (if your case requires it).
- Form I-864EZ: Affidavit of Financial Sponsorship Under Section 213A of the Act (if your case requires it).
- Birth certificate of the sponsor and the family member.
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc.).
- Proof of sufficient financial support (tax returns, financial statements, etc.).
Depending on your case, the authorities may request certain additional documentation. Therefore, it is important to have an immigration attorney to help you gather all the necessary documentation. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Contact us and let’s get your documents in order.
Does USCIS take into account other aspects to demonstrate the solvency of the sponsor?
Yes, in addition to the poverty guidelines, USCIS evaluates other aspects to determine whether the sponsor has the financial ability to fulfill his or her commitment. These include assets, debts, expenses, credit history, and employment.
What if I don’t have enough income to sponsor a family member?
In the event that your income does not meet the minimum established in the Poverty Guidelines, you may be able to make up the difference by submitting the value of your assets on Form I-864EZ. In these cases, the authorities will evaluate your income levels by adding personal assets, income and assets of those who have signed Form I-864A.
When does the financial responsibility for sponsoring a family member end?
A sponsor’s financial responsibilities end when the sponsored person meets one of the following requirements:
– Become a U.S. citizen.
– Completes 40 quarters of work in the United States (10 years).
– Permanent departure from the United States.
– Death.
What happens if the sponsored person receives public sector assistance after becoming a permanent resident?
In the event that the sponsor is unable to provide the basic financial support, both the sponsored individuals and the federal or state agency that provided benefits may initiate legal proceedings against the sponsor for repayment of the funds.
Sponsor a family member with legal assistance
Having a sponsor in the country is an extremely important factor for any migrant wishing to legally enter the United States. A U.S. citizen or resident can reunite with loved ones by becoming their sponsor, helping them both legally and financially.
However, the process can be confusing and requires a great deal of precision in filling out the paperwork and calculating the necessary income. For this reason, having the help of an immigration attorney is key. At Urbina Immigration Law we can assist you. Contact our team and take the first step to help the people you love.
Sources
USCIS – How can I financially sponsor someone who wants to immigrate?
USCIS – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines 2023
Other resources
What are the requirements for family reunification in the United States?
What is the difference between Green Card and citizenship?
Family Reunification Parole in the United States: A Complete Guide
How to apply for American residency by family petition, step by step
Green card by marriage in the United States, in detail
Form DS 260: The essential step for your immigrant visa
Family reunification in the U.S.: At what age can a child petition for his or her parents?
Family sibling petition: what you need to know as a U.S. citizen
