I will be sponsoring my husband but since I don't work, I will be needing a joint sponsor. It will either be my mom or my sister and her husband. Well, her husband had a few questions before he would commit. I totally understand and wanted to find the information out for him.

1-If the immigrant got hurt and couldn't work, how does that affect the sponsor? I told my sister it wouldn't affect them, because it would just be the immigrant's responsibility to figure out how to support himself. Is that right? Isn't it just agreeing that they won't go on welfare?

2-He also wanted to know if the sponsor wasn't able to work for some reason, would it affect the immigrant.

3-Does it show up on a credit report for the sponsor that they are in fact sponsoring someone? My sister and her husband are planning on building a house soon and don't want it to affect their chances at getting a loan for it. I totally understand but had no idea about that, so I need to find out.

If noone knows, can someone direct me somewhere where I may be able to find the answers?

Thanks!
Tammy

1 If the immigrant were to use any means-tested benefits from the government the sponsor is responsible to repay the government.

2 No the sponsor could not execute the I-864 if they were not working before filing it, however if the sponsor became unemployed after filing the I-864 they are still responsible for any benefits drawn by the immigrant

3 NO

Hi to all.

Does anyone have any direct knowledge of the government ever actually coming after a immigrant sponsor to try and collect on means tested funds received by the immigrant? Even though it could happen, I have heard (anecdotes only - no direct knowledge) that that rarely , if ever, comes to pass.

Warm Regards,
Samby

YuAndDan-Thanks!

Samby-Yeah, I'm sure it's extremely rare. I never would have even asked those questions if my brother-in-law didn't want the answers before he would commit to sponsoring.

As long as he trusts you and your husband, he can feel totally comfortable signing it. He won't have to actually do anything unless your husband ever gets means-tested benefits before becoming a citizen (and then he'd only be responsible when/if the govt tried to claim the money from him), and I'm guessing you would both do everything you could to never get to that point. Also, does your husband plan to naturalise as soon as possible? If so, you can reassure your sister's husband that the potential responsibility will end roughly three years after your husband gets his green card.