Joint Sponsor Requirements in Yorba Linda: When You Need a Co-Sponsor for Immigration
Understanding I-864A joint sponsor income requirements for family immigration
Quick Answer
When sponsoring a family member for immigration, you must meet certain income requirements. If your income falls short, a joint sponsor can help. SoCal Immigration Services helps Yorba Linda and Orange County families understand joint sponsor requirements.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
When sponsoring a family member for immigration, you must meet certain income requirements. If your income falls short, a joint sponsor can help. SoCal Immigration Services helps Yorba Linda and Orange County families understand joint sponsor requirements.
What is a Joint Sponsor?
Key Points:
• Joint sponsor supplements the petitioner's income
• Creates legally binding financial obligation
• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Separate from household member co-sponsor
• Responsibility lasts until immigrant becomes citizen or works 40 quarters
When You Need a Joint Sponsor
- •Your income is below 125% of federal poverty guidelines
- •You cannot count assets to make up the difference
- •Your household income still falls short
- •You are on active duty military (100% poverty guideline applies)
- •Your immigrant family member cannot use their income
2026 Poverty Guidelines for Sponsors
| Household Size | 125% Poverty Guideline | 100% (Military) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $25,550 | $20,440 |
| 3 | $32,188 | $25,750 |
| 4 | $38,825 | $31,060 |
| 5 | $45,463 | $36,370 |
| 6 | $52,100 | $41,680 |
| 7 | $58,738 | $46,990 |
| 8 | $65,375 | $52,300 |
| Each additional | +$6,638 | +$5,310 |
Joint Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
- •Must be U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- •Must be at least 18 years old
- •Must be domiciled in the United States
- •Must meet 125% poverty guideline for their household plus immigrants sponsored
- •Can be a relative, friend, or even someone you just met
- •Does NOT need to be related to you or the immigrant
Joint Sponsor Income Calculation
Step 1: Determine joint sponsor's household size
• Count joint sponsor + spouse + dependents + anyone they already sponsored
Step 2: Add immigrants being sponsored
• Include primary immigrant + derivatives (spouse/children)
Step 3: Find required income
• Look up 125% poverty guideline for total household size
Example:
Joint sponsor has household of 3 (themselves, spouse, 1 child)
Sponsoring family of 3 (immigrant, spouse, child)
Total household size: 3 + 3 = 6
Required income: $52,100 (2026 guidelines)
Joint Sponsor Documents Required
- •Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
- •Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- •Most recent federal tax return with W-2s
- •Last 3 years of tax returns (if requested)
- •Current employment verification letter
- •Pay stubs for last 6 months
- •Evidence of assets (if using to supplement income)
- •Proof of domicile in United States
Joint Sponsor Obligations
• Maintain immigrant at 125% poverty level
• Repay government benefits if immigrant receives means-tested assistance
• Obligation continues until immigrant:
- Becomes U.S. citizen
- Works 40 qualifying quarters (10 years)
- Dies
- Permanently departs the United States
Important: Divorce does NOT end the obligation. This is a serious legal commitment.
Finding a Joint Sponsor
- •Ask family members first (parents, siblings, adult children)
- •Consider close friends who understand the commitment
- •Community or religious organization members may help
- •Multiple joint sponsors can be used if one isn't enough
- •Explain the commitment clearly before asking
- •Have their tax documents reviewed to confirm eligibility
Yorba Linda Joint Sponsor Services
- •Income calculation and eligibility assessment
- •I-864 and I-864A form preparation
- •Document review for joint sponsors
- •Explaining obligations to potential sponsors
- •Alternative options when sponsors aren't available
- •Arabic and English speaking assistance
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Does the joint sponsor have to be related to me?
A: No, the joint sponsor can be anyone - a friend, coworker, community member, or even someone you recently met. They just need to meet the eligibility requirements and be willing to accept the legal obligation.
Q:Can I have two joint sponsors?
A: Yes, if one joint sponsor doesn't have enough income, you can use two joint sponsors. Each must complete a separate I-864 and meet income requirements for the immigrants they're sponsoring.
Q:What happens if the joint sponsor loses their job?
A: The legal obligation continues regardless of job status. The joint sponsor remains responsible for supporting the immigrant and repaying any government benefits until the obligation ends.
Q:Can the immigrant's income count toward the joint sponsor requirement?
A: Generally no. The immigrant's income usually cannot count until after they receive their green card. Exceptions exist for certain employment-based cases.
Q:How long does the joint sponsor obligation last?
A: Until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, works 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years), dies, or permanently leaves the United States. Divorce does not end the obligation.
Q:What if I can't find a joint sponsor?
A: Alternatives include using assets (3x the income shortfall), having household members contribute income, or the immigrant demonstrating sufficient income if already working legally in the US.
Need Joint Sponsor Help in Yorba Linda?
Don't let income requirements delay your family's immigration. We'll help you understand joint sponsor requirements and prepare a strong application.
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