No, I'm not to sure if he knows what sponsorship entails. Are you willing to explain?
No, I'm not to sure if he knows what sponsorship entails. Are you willing to explain?
The sponsor/co-sponsors would have to (generally) sign the I-864 Affidavit Of Support. This is a contract between the sponsor and the US government, promising that the immigrant won't become a public charge (basically won't go on welfare). They are effectively promising to, if needed, provide support up to 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. Think along the lines of $1100/month.
It used to be that only the government would seek reimbursement from the sponsor if the immigrant did become a public charge, but since 2005/6 there have been an increasing number of lawsuits against sponsors and none - as far as I'm aware - have gone against the immigrant. The I-864 is also being used during divorce cases to calculate spousal support even in cases where ordinarily no spousal support would be ordered (for example, for a short marriage).
The obligation does not end until one of these conditions is met:
1. The immigrant dies;
2. The immigrant leaves the country permanently (abandons their residency)
3. The immigrant earns 40 qualifying SS quarters (works for around 10 years)
4. The immigrant naturalizes (becomes a US citizen).
This is a very serious commitment. And unfortunately most sponsors don't realize the gravity of the potential obligation.
Thank you again for the swift reply. Well the co-sponsor in this case would be her boyfriends mother. She's currently an RN making around 56k a year so I'm sure she's far above the 125% of the poverty line in California. The only issue I see here would be as you said a short marriage ending in divorce but looking at the positive side of things (lets say they do stay together) would the co-sponsor be qualified to sponsor their marriage?