I-864A Joint Sponsor in Torrance: When Your Sponsor Needs Help
How joint sponsors and household members can help meet income requirements
Quick Answer
For families in Torrance where the primary sponsor doesn't meet income requirements for a green card petition, a joint sponsor can help. SoCal Immigration Services helps families understand their options and prepare proper sponsorship documentation.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For families in Torrance where the primary sponsor doesn't meet income requirements for a green card petition, a joint sponsor can help. SoCal Immigration Services helps families understand their options and prepare proper sponsorship documentation.
What is Form I-864A?
• Used when primary sponsor's income is insufficient
• Allows household members to combine their income with the sponsor
• Creates a legally enforceable obligation
• Different from a joint sponsor (I-864)
• Can be used alongside or instead of a joint sponsor
I-864A vs. Joint Sponsor: What's the Difference?
| Feature | I-864A (Household Member) | Joint Sponsor (Separate I-864) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can file | Lives with sponsor | Anyone meeting requirements |
| Income combined? | Yes, with sponsor | No, independent |
| Must meet 125% alone? | No, combined with sponsor | Yes, must meet alone |
| Relationship required? | Must live with sponsor | None required |
| Form used | I-864A | Separate I-864 |
When Do You Need a Joint Sponsor or I-864A?
- •Primary sponsor's income is below 125% of poverty guidelines
- •Sponsor is self-employed with variable income
- •Sponsor recently started a new job
- •Sponsor has significant assets but limited income
- •Tax returns show lower income than current earnings
- •Sponsor has other sponsored immigrants counting against household size
Who Can Be a Household Member (I-864A)?
- 1Live with the Sponsor
The household member must reside in the same residence as the primary sponsor.
- 2Be Related or Have Lived Together 6+ Months
They must be a relative listed on the sponsor's tax return OR have lived with the sponsor for at least 6 months.
- 3Be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Lawful Status
The household member must have lawful immigration status in the United States.
- 4Be Willing to Accept Legal Responsibility
They must sign a contract accepting joint and several liability for supporting the immigrant.
Who Can Be a Joint Sponsor?
- •Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- •Be at least 18 years old
- •Be domiciled in the United States
- •Have income of at least 125% of poverty guidelines for combined household
- •Sign their own Affidavit of Support (I-864)
- •Accept legal responsibility for supporting the immigrant
Income Requirements for 2025
| Household Size | 125% Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|
| 2 | $25,550 |
| 3 | $32,187 |
| 4 | $38,825 |
| 5 | $45,462 |
| 6 | $52,100 |
| 7 | $58,737 |
| 8 | $65,375 |
| Each additional | +$6,637 |
How to Calculate Household Size
- •The sponsor
- •The sponsor's spouse and dependents
- •Any other people claimed as dependents on sponsor's taxes
- •The immigrant being sponsored
- •Any immigrants the sponsor previously sponsored who are not yet citizens
- •Any relatives accompanying the immigrant
Documents Needed for I-864A
- •Completed Form I-864A
- •Proof of relationship or residence (lease, utility bills, etc.)
- •Most recent federal tax return (or transcript)
- •W-2s and/or 1099s for most recent year
- •Proof of current employment (letter, pay stubs)
- •Proof of immigration status (green card, citizenship certificate, etc.)
- •Proof of same address as sponsor
Documents Needed for Joint Sponsor
- •Completed Form I-864 (their own)
- •Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- •Federal tax returns for past 3 years
- •W-2s and/or 1099s
- •Current employment verification
- •If using assets: proof of assets (bank statements, property deeds)
- •Proof of domicile in the United States
Using Assets Instead of Income
• Assets must be worth at least 3x the difference between income and requirement (5x if sponsoring a spouse or child of sponsor)
• Acceptable assets: bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate equity
• Assets must be easily converted to cash
• Joint sponsor's assets can also be used
• Immigrant's assets can count toward this requirement
Joint Sponsorship for Arab Families in Torrance
• Adult children sponsoring elderly parents with limited income
• Recently arrived sponsors using household member income
• Self-employed business owners documenting income
• Multiple siblings contributing to sponsor a parent
• Finding qualified joint sponsors in the community
Our Arabic-speaking staff ensures all documentation is properly prepared.
Our I-864A Services in Torrance
- •Income requirement calculations
- •Household size determination
- •I-864A preparation for household members
- •I-864 preparation for joint sponsors
- •Asset documentation when income is insufficient
- •Tax return analysis and documentation
- •Arabic language support
- •Coordination of multiple sponsors if needed
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I have both a household member (I-864A) and a joint sponsor?
A: Yes. You can combine household member income with the primary sponsor AND have a separate joint sponsor file their own I-864. This is sometimes needed for large families or low-income sponsors.
Q:How long does the sponsorship obligation last?
A: The obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, works 40 qualifying quarters, permanently leaves the U.S., or dies. Divorce does not end the obligation.
Q:Can the immigrant work and contribute to household income?
A: The immigrant's income can only count if they are already in the U.S. with work authorization and their income will continue from the same source after getting the green card.
Q:What if my joint sponsor lives in a different state?
A: A joint sponsor can live anywhere in the United States. They don't need to live near you or the immigrant.
Q:Can a friend be a joint sponsor?
A: Yes. A joint sponsor doesn't need to be related to you. Anyone who meets the requirements (U.S. citizen or LPR, meets income requirement, is at least 18) can be a joint sponsor.
Q:What happens if the immigrant uses public benefits?
A: If the immigrant uses certain means-tested public benefits, the government can sue the sponsor(s) to recover the costs. This is why the I-864 is a legally enforceable contract.
Need Sponsorship Help in Torrance?
Don't let income requirements delay your family's green card. Let us help you find the right sponsorship solution.
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