What You Need To Know About Affidavits Of Support

If you are applying for a green card, the odds are good that you have heard about the affidavit of support. An affidavit of support is a document by which a United States citizen or green card holder assumes financial responsibility for a foreign relative applying for a green card. You must have a financial sponsor willing to complete this affidavit if you are a foreign national applying for a United States green card. In this article, we will review the general requirements for a financial sponsor. The information in this article is intended to be general. However, if you would prefer personalized feedback based on your specific case, you are welcome to contact Shirazi Immigration Law to schedule a consultation.

Requirements for a Financial Sponsor

The first and most critical requirement for a financial sponsor is that they be a United States citizen or green card holder. Second, your sponsor must be an immediate relative. When it comes to selecting a relative, it’s important to understand that the relationship that you have with the sponsor can impact the level of preference that your application is treated with. Additionally, they must have an income that is at least 125% above federal poverty guidelines. The current federal poverty guideline for 2021 is $26,500, so an individual would need a minimum income of $33,125 in order to qualify and successfully complete the affidavit. In addition to the requirements of a sponsor, it’s also important to consider the obligations they are taking on. A sponsor is essentially assuming financial responsibility for you until you have become a U.S. citizen or completed 40 hours of work. The sponsor’s responsibilities may also cease if you permanently leave the country or cease to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

What if Your Sponsor Doesn’t Meet the Income Threshold?

If you have someone who is willing to sponsor you but does not meet the minimum income threshold, there is good news. Assuming they meet all other requirements, there are actually a number of things you can do to help a sponsor meet the necessary income. First off, an individual’s income is not limited to their salary, savings, or even liquid cash. Assets, including stocks, bonds, property, and savings, can all be included in the income valuation. Alternatively, you can have another family member or even someone who is not related to you sign on to help the sponsor meet the income requirement. Finally, if you are currently earning income and your employer will not change after you receive your green card, you can count your own income toward the threshold.

Talk to an Immigration Attorney

If you are interested in applying for a green card or becoming a U.S. citizen, or if you require assistance with an immigration-related matter, contact the experienced Atlanta citizenship lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law and schedule a consultation. With offices in Moultrie and Atlanta, Georgia, our lawyers are ready to help you. Contact us today.

Resource:

uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/affidavit-of-support