By Michael H. Markovitch, Esq. on May, 28, 2024
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident planning to sponsor a relative for a green card, you must sign an Affidavit of Support, also known as Form I-864.
By signing Form I-864, you are making a legal promise to support the person you’re sponsoring financially. This is a way to guarantee that they won’t have to rely on government help.
The sponsor must ensure the sponsored immigrant maintains an income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and provide financial assistance if their income falls below this level.
Your financial duties as a sponsor conclude when any of the following occurs:
Divorce does not end your responsibilities under Form I-864. Additionally, courts generally do not recognize private agreements such as pre-marital, post-marital, or divorce contracts as valid reasons to avoid these obligations.
You may withdraw your sponsorship before the green card application is approved. Once permanent residency is granted, your obligations are fixed unless they end under one of the specified conditions.
You must report any address changes within 30 days by submitting Form I-865 to USCIS to avoid fines of up to $5,000.
Signing Form I-864 carries significant legal responsibilities. Make sure you understand these obligations before proceeding. Consider consulting a lawyer if necessary to ensure the person you sponsor can support themselves without public assistance.
This flyer is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this flyer without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.
For further information or questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Michael H. Markovitch.
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