Will co-signing for a relative create problems in sponsoring my parents and brother in the future?

[huto 0]

Hello Everyone,

I am a Permanent Resident in the US. Recently my mother in-law has requested that I co-sign to help sponsor her sister over to the US from Asia. However, in the future when I gain citizenship, I plan on sponsoring my parents and brother over to the US from Canada. Will helping my in-law co-sign now create complications in sponsoring my parents and brother in the future? Also is income a factor? I currently make a salary of 67,000.

[YuAndDan 153]

No, however you will need to add any prior immigrants that you sponsored, or joint sponsored to the counts for any future immigrants that you may sponsor, effectively increasing the number on your I-864.

If the joint sponsored immigrant is no longer a green-card holder, or becomes a US citizen, then you would not need to count them on future I-864s

[RICARDO4EVA2 199]

agree... It doesnt affect u now but when u are ready to submit the affidavit of support for your parents the person/s you previously sponsored as co-sponsor etc will count against u.. Until they become a citizen or worked 40 credits.

[RICARDO4EVA2 199]

So if u made enough to sponsor your parents... You may now have to look for a sponsor... If thats the case and I was un your shoes I would pass it up.

[Jojo92122 1,925]

Hello Everyone,

I am a Permanent Resident in the US. Recently my mother in-law has requested that I co-sign to help sponsor her sister over to the US from Asia. However, in the future when I gain citizenship, I plan on sponsoring my parents and brother over to the US from Canada. Will helping my in-law co-sign now create complications in sponsoring my parents and brother in the future? Also is income a factor? I currently make a salary of 67,000.

There are two issues; 1) your responsibility to your mother-in-law's sister, and 2) whether you will make enough to sponsor your family and your mother-in-law's sister.

Issue 1

When you are a joint sponsor on the I-864, you are responsible for reimbursing the US government if the immigrant receives any means tested benefits. The I-864 is not just a piece of paper. It is a legal obligation to pay back any means tested benefits. For example, if your mother-in-law's sister receives Medicaid, you will be responsible for paying the government back for ALL costs. Are you willing to pay her medical bills? If you don't pay, you will not be able to petition for your family.

Issue 2

What if you lose your job and take another one that pays you less? Do you want children? On the I-864s for your family, you will need to count your minor children and ALL immigrants previously petitioned for. Don't count on your mother-in-law's sister becoming a US citizen, lots of people who qualify to take the test don't do it at all.

Personally, I would never ever sign an I-864 for anyone who was not a close relative. You don't know what the future will be. Any risk, even a small one, is not one I would be willing to take if it put bringing my parents and brother to the US at risk.

Edited January 4, 2011 by Jojo92122

[huto 0]

Thank you so much everyone for taking time out of your busy schedule to help answer my question. I sincerely appreciate the wealth of information that you've provided me with.