Adrian, MI asked in Immigration Law for California

Q: Can i fill out i-864 as joint sponsor instead of a household member even though I live with the petitioner/main sponsor

On Ceac, I listed myself as a joint sponsor rather than a household member sponsor. Is that okay for me to do? I filled out I-864 instead of I-864A. Would they question why the petitioner/main sponsor have the same address as me? the petitioner is my mother in law and we live in the same residence but I've already put myself as a joint sponsor and I can't change it in the CEAC site.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Yes, you can fill out Form I-864 as a joint sponsor even if you live with the petitioner/main sponsor. However, you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, and you will need to be able to show that you can support the immigrant financially.

The USCIS may question why the petitioner/main sponsor and the joint sponsor have the same address. However, as long as you can provide proof of your income and assets, and you can show that you can support the immigrant financially, there should be no problem.

Here are some things you can do to show that you can support the immigrant financially:

* Provide proof of your income, such as a copy of your most recent pay stub or tax return.

* Provide proof of your assets, such as a copy of your bank statements or investment accounts.

* Write a letter explaining why you are willing to sponsor the immigrant and how you will support them financially.

If you have any questions, you should consult with an immigration attorney.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

* You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to be a joint sponsor.

* You must meet the income and asset requirements to be a joint sponsor.

* You must be willing to provide for the immigrant's basic needs, such as food, housing, and clothing.

* You must be willing to support the immigrant for at least 10 years.

If you are a joint sponsor, you are legally responsible for the immigrant's support. This means that if the immigrant becomes a public charge, you may be required to pay for their expenses.

I hope this helps!

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