Help needed with i-864 joint sponsorship questions

[Achard 0]

Hello all,

I was recently asked to be a joint sponsor for a family member (using the i-864 form), and I was wondering if any of you would be able to answer a few questions that I have.

My sister (who, like me, is a US citizen) has recently moved to the States after living abroad for most of her life. As she recently married someone who is not a US citizen, they are working on getting him a visa. To help with this, they have asked me to be a joint sponsor, as I have already been living in the US for 5 years. Before I agree to do this, however, I want to make sure I understand all of the consequences that this will have for me, specifically:

1. I understand that I will have to notify the US government every time I change address until my brother-in-law becomes a US citizen--is this correct?

2. I will be living abroad for a year starting next year--will this be a problem? Also, I may move abroad (semi-)permamently in 3 years' time.

3. What (if any) consequences will this have when I file taxes in the future? Will I have to list my brother-in-law as a dependent?

Many thanks in advance for any help with this!

With best wishes,

Achard

[aaron2020 11,651]

1. Yes. You need to update your address. However, most people don't and never have a problem. I am not advising you not to update your address, just letting you know that most people don't have a problem not updating.

2. Not a problem.

3. Signing the I-864 does not make anyone your tax dependent. Your brother-in-law has nothing to do with your taxes.

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The I-864 is a contract where you promise to financially support your BIL in certain situations in exchange for the US issuing him a visa.

There are no tax consequences to you.

There is no restriction on where you can live.

If your BIL gets means tested benefits, then you would be responsible to repay those benefits.

If your BIL decides he does not want to work, then you are obligated to support him at the minimum poverty level.

[Achard 0]

Thank you so much for your reply--this was just what I was looking for!

All best,

Achard