Who is the sponsor and who is the petitioner?
Asked by: Mrs. Clementine Friesen DDS | Last update: August 5, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (18 votes)
The individual who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor once the intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident. The sponsor is usually the petitioner who filed an immigrant petition on behalf of the intending immigrant.
What is the difference between petitioner and sponsor?
The person who signs the Affidavit of Support is also called the “sponsor.” The petitioner must complete Form I-864; however if the petitioner's income is insufficient, a joint-sponsor may agree to also complete an I-864 on the applicant's behalf. An Affidavit of Support is legally enforceable.
Who is my petitioner?
Petitioner: A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member or employer (or the employer's agent) who files a family-based or employment-based immigrant visa petition with USCIS.
Who qualifies as a sponsor?
Sponsors must generally be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who meet income and financial requirements. They are legally obligated to provide support until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked for a certain period of time, or meets other conditions.
Can the petitioner not be the sponsor?
No, the petitioner must meet all the requirements to be a sponsor (age, domicile and citizenship), except those related to income, before there can be a joint sponsor.
I-864 vs I-864A FOR THE CO-SPONSOR / JOINT SPONSOR | Affidavit of Support
Who can a US citizen sponsor?
That depends on the relationship between you and the relatives you wish to sponsor for permanent residence. A U.S. citizen may sponsor as many immediate relatives—that is, spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—as they want.
What if the petitioner has no income?
If the petitioner/sponsor does not make enough money to meet the requirements of the Affidavit of Support, then another person can also file an Affidavit of Support and become a joint sponsor. The general rule is that there can be only one joint sponsor.
How much money do I need to sponsor an immigrant?
The minimum income for a household of 2 to sponsor a family member or spouse is $25,550 as of January 2025. Minimum income requirements are lower for active duty military members.
Who should be your sponsor?
It's best if your sponsor is someone you respect and trust but not someone with whom you have long-standing personal relationship. Some people prefer a sponsor of the same gender or who has a similar backstory, but this isn't always necessary for a good sponsor-sponsee relationship.
Who is not eligible to sponsor?
Those with a criminal history including: Aggravated assault or battery. Child abuse or neglect. Domestic violence.
Who is considered the petitioner?
"Petitioner" refers to the party who petitioned the Supreme Court to review the case. This party is variously known as the petitioner or the appellant. "Respondent" refers to the party being sued or tried and is also known as the appellee.
How do you know who is the petitioner?
The person who filed the case is the Petitioner.
How much is the fee for citizenship?
Submit $760 if filing by paper, or $710 if filing online.
Who is a sponsor person?
a person or company that supports a person, organization, or activity by giving money: All the major theatres now have sponsors, especially for high-cost productions.
How many times can a U.S. citizen sponsor a spouse?
How many times can someone petition for a foreign spouse? An American citizen can petition for his/her alien fiancée to immigrate to the United States up to two times.
Who is considered the sponsor?
A sponsor can refer to a range of individuals or entities that support the goals and objectives of some other individual or organization.
How do you answer who is your sponsor?
If your parents are your sponsors, make sure to mention their names; if someone else is sponsoring you, mention their name and your relationship (e.g., “My uncle, James Lee, is paying for my education.”).
Who is the official sponsor?
Official sponsor is a sponsor that makes a certain part of raised funds (within 20–25%). Typically, the given status may be granted by category ("official insurance partner", "official automotive partner", etc.).
How long is a sponsor responsible for an immigrant?
An affidavit of support is a legally enforceable contract, and the sponsor's responsibility usually lasts until the family member or other individual either becomes a U.S. citizen, or is credited with 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years).
How much does it cost to sponsor a non-U.S. citizen?
How much does sponsoring an immigrant cost? There are essentially no costs for sponsoring an immigrant to the U.S. Any sponsor would have to file Form I-864 which is free of charge. However, some sponsors choose to pay for the entire immigration process, which can be costly and add anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000.
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a friend?
Unfortunately, the only way that you can sponsor a person's visa or green card application is if you are the non-citizen's employer, relative, or fiancé(e). The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend.
What are the risks of sponsoring an immigrant?
- Risks from the Immigrant. ...
- Immigrant May Sue You for Financial Support. ...
- Sponsorship is not Necessarily Terminated by Divorce. ...
- Risk from the Government. ...
- US Government May Sue You for Reimbursement. ...
- USCIS May Fine You. ...
- The Opportunity Cost. ...
- The Additional Cost in a Worst Case Scenario.
Does it matter who is the petitioner?
The person who files first, called the petitioner, does not get any preferential treatment compared to the person responding to the divorce petition, known as the respondent.
What if the petitioner does not show up?
But, on occasion, the plaintiff—the person who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint—fails to show up. If this happens to you, the judge will likely dismiss the matter, but not always, and the plaintiff might be able to refile the case.