Limit on How Many People I can Sponsor (Financial Support)?

[KozmicBlues 592]

Hello! I tried searching forums but wasn't having much luck finding an answer to this specific scenario.

 

Background: I petitioned my fiance last year on a K1 visa. He arrived earlier this year and we are now married and pending his AOS (green card). I completed the I-864 affidavit of support form as his financial support on the AOS and I-134 on his K1 interview. 

 

Question:

I have a friend, she is like a sister, who wants to come visit me and my husband in the US from India. She would need to apply for a tourist visa, but I know there are requirements for travelers to prove their financial support in order to qualify for a tourist visa. She was told by a travel consultant that she would need a financial sponsor to apply. My question is, if I offer to be her financial sponsor (which I'm totally fine with), would it cause problems for me being able to be the financial support for my husband's family in the future? His parents and brother will be planning to visit us within the next 1-2 years and of course they are my main priority so want to make sure it wouldn't prevent me from being able to financially sponsor all of them in the future. 

 

I guess the form for this would be the I-134? I see it has a question about listing previous financial supports submitted for people, but only has 2 spaces available and doesn't mention any limits on how many times you can submit financial support.  

 

Appreciate any help you guys might be able to give me!

Edited April 24, 2018 by KozmicBlues

[apple21 953]

i134 is not required when applying for a tourist visa. She can put your name on the DS160 as the PERSON PAYING FOR THE TRIP but that’s about it... however it’s not a guarantee for approval. 

 

Technically there’s no sponsorship for the B2 visa. It’s not like the K1 or any other immigrant visa where a proper sponsor is required. 

Edited April 24, 2018 by apple21

[KozmicBlues 592]

5 minutes ago, apple21 said:

i134 is not required when applying for a tourist visa. She can put your name on the DS160 as the one sponsoring the trip and that’s about it... however it’s not a guarantee for approval. 

 

Technically there’s no sponsorship for the B2 visa. It’s not like the K1 or any other immigrant visa where a proper sponsor is required. 

Are you sure? I recall when my fiance was originally going to apply for a tourist visa (we decided against it since it was high probability of being denied) that the requirements specifically talked about showing a financial support. I can't find the exact list he had but it specifically mentioned the affidavit of support form. Here's a link to IMMI talking about the sponsor documents required for reference:

 

https://www.***removed***/visitor-visa/sponsor-documents.html

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

This has always been a topic of discussion... while it seems really there is no such thing as "Sponsorship" for a tourist visa, I mean, would you give a tourist visa to someone who couldn't afford to even pay for their own trip somewhere? What would be the chances or reasons for that person to return home?

 

Now, that being said, I did myself several years back offer to sponsor my now husband (this is before I came onto VJ or we started the K-1 process). I sent a letter detailing I would be where he was staying for the 2 weeks, I would finance him fully and all. It actually had no negative or positive affect on his application. It was denied because he was 4 weeks short of completing his two year home stay rule for previous J-1 internship in the US. Now each country is different, but again, if someone can't afford their own travels, what are the chances they would even return home?

 

Also, I-864 for AOS is legally binding where as the I-134 is not. So technically as long as your finances allow for how ever many people you sponsor, you can almost sponsor unlimited.

Edited April 24, 2018 by Ben&Zian

[KozmicBlues 592]

1 minute ago, Ben&Zian said:

This has always been a topic of discussion... while it seems really there is no such thing as "Sponsorship" for a tourist visa, I mean, would you give a tourist visa to someone who couldn't afford to even pay for their own trip somewhere? What would be the chances or reasons for that person to return home?

 

Now, that being said, I did myself several years back offer to sponsor my now husband (this is before I came onto VJ or we started the K-1 process). I sent a letter detailing I would be where he was staying for the 2 weeks, I would finance him fully and all. It actually had no negative or positive affect on his application. It was denied because he was 4 weeks short of completing his two year home stay rule for previous J-1 internship in the US. Now each country is different, but again, if someone can't afford their own travels, what are the chances they would even return home?

Thanks, I totally understand that. I'm sure she can show a decent amount of finances on her own and actually can afford the trip without my financial support, but my understanding of tourists visas from India is that they really want the traveler to prove they have sufficient financial support for their travels. The only support I'm giving is hosting here which helps with the costs of accommodations and of course food/transportation that we will take care of. I figured she could just have my financial support document as a back-up in case they have concerns with her being able to support her own travels, but I was worried about the # of people I can be a "financial support" for. 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

2 minutes ago, KozmicBlues said:

Thanks, I totally understand that. I'm sure she can show a decent amount of finances on her own and actually can afford the trip without my financial support, but my understanding of tourists visas from India is that they really want the traveler to prove they have sufficient financial support for their travels. The only support I'm giving is hosting here which helps with the costs of accommodations and of course food/transportation that we will take care of. I figured she could just have my financial support document as a back-up in case they have concerns with her being able to support her own travels, but I was worried about the # of people I can be a "financial support" for. 

 

Her being able to show adequate funds is crucial I would think. Of course your support/accomodations are a benefit. Does she have any travel history outside of India?? That also goes a long way.

Such as my husband, he had had two internships prior to his tourist visa interview years back so he had good standing on his travel history outside the Philippines with no overstay or anything. 

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

35 minutes ago, KozmicBlues said:

Are you sure? I recall when my fiance was originally going to apply for a tourist visa (we decided against it since it was high probability of being denied) that the requirements specifically talked about showing a financial support. I can't find the exact list he had but it specifically mentioned the affidavit of support form. Here's a link to IMMI talking about the sponsor documents required for reference:

 

https://www.***removed***/visitor-visa/sponsor-documents.html

Two points:

One..that website is not an official DoS link; it appears to be run by a collection of shady Indian characters and advice is suspect as best. 

Two.. your spouse just got to the US and any talk of 'sponsoring' friends or family down the road should give you pause. Check to make sure you're not being taken for a ride. 

 

As others have noted, there is no sponsoring anyone for a B2 visa. Applicants qualify on their own merit.

[KozmicBlues 592]

8 minutes ago, WeGuyGal said:

Two points:

One..that website is not an official DoS link; it appears to be run by a collection of shady Indian characters and advice is suspect as best. 

Two.. your spouse just got to the US and any talk of 'sponsoring' friends or family down the road should give you pause. Check to make sure you're not being taken for a ride. 

 

As others have noted, there is no sponsoring anyone for a B2 visa. Applicants qualify on their own merit.

1. IMMI is a really well-known site for Indian immigration comments. I've received a lot of super helpful information on the site and forums related to my own personal immigration to India. While I can't speak specifically to its legitimacy, I don't see it as being any different than VJ. This link I shared is also not the only place I've seen mention of the financial support - like I said, my husband was looking into tourist visa before we went the K1 route and found out the same info from different sources. And now my friend is being told the same by a travel lawyer in India so its obviously a common theme for tourist visas in India.

2. Appreciate you taking the time to respond, but quite frankly - this comment really pisses me off. Me and my husband are married, we are a partnership, his family is not just his family - they are my family too. I have known my husband for over 5 years and he became my best friend first before anything else. I trust him with my life more than I have ever trusted another human being. I will sponsor my in-laws here because like my husband, I also miss them terribly and it breaks my heart that we have to be apart with no easy way to visit. I understand you are just speaking generally here and looking out for the best interests of people, but these types of comments are the reason those of us in these immigration situations face such discrimination. Just because someone immigrated here from another country does not mean their intentions should ALWAYS be questioned. 

 

/end rant 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, KozmicBlues said:

 

 

She was told by a travel consultant that she would need a financial sponsor to apply.

Her travel consultant is talking nonsense. I hope she didn’t pay her for this advice. 

 

She mostly needs to show proof of her own ties to go back to india to get a visa. 

 

If you don’t believe us, perhaps you will believe the official US government/Dept of State page on visitor visas:

 

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

Edited April 24, 2018 by SusieQQQ

[apple21 953]

1 hour ago, KozmicBlues said:

Are you sure? I recall when my fiance was originally going to apply for a tourist visa (we decided against it since it was high probability of being denied) that the requirements specifically talked about showing a financial support. I can't find the exact list he had but it specifically mentioned the affidavit of support form. Here's a link to IMMI talking about the sponsor documents required for reference:

 

https://www.***removed***/visitor-visa/sponsor-documents.html

 

Yes I’m sure. My parents recently applied for a tourist visa and got approved. No document was asked from them (although they are retired already). My brother is the one they wrote as the person paying for the trip and the interviewing officer never asked for proof of finances. 

[apple21 953]

If you feel compelled to bring the affidavit of support then go ahead. Let us know the outcome. 

 

Good luck. 

[WeGuyGal 1,052]

28 minutes ago, KozmicBlues said:

1. IMMI is a really well-known site for Indian immigration comments. I've received a lot of super helpful information on the site and forums related to my own personal immigration to India. While I can't speak specifically to its legitimacy, I don't see it as being any different than VJ. This link I shared is also not the only place I've seen mention of the financial support - like I said, my husband was looking into tourist visa before we went the K1 route and found out the same info from different sources. And now my friend is being told the same by a travel lawyer in India so its obviously a common theme for tourist visas in India.

 

Therein lies the difference.. a few VJ members have found that site's advice on visas or immigration to the US as legally suspect. 

 

Well-known doesn't always equate to completely legit.  VJ and IMMI are very, very different. Way different!

[Unlockable 7,315]

2 hours ago, KozmicBlues said:

Hello! I tried searching forums but wasn't having much luck finding an answer to this specific scenario.

 

Background: I petitioned my fiance last year on a K1 visa. He arrived earlier this year and we are now married and pending his AOS (green card). I completed the I-864 affidavit of support form as his financial support on the AOS and I-134 on his K1 interview. 

 

Question:

I have a friend, she is like a sister, who wants to come visit me and my husband in the US from India. She would need to apply for a tourist visa, but I know there are requirements for travelers to prove their financial support in order to qualify for a tourist visa. She was told by a travel consultant that she would need a financial sponsor to apply. My question is, if I offer to be her financial sponsor (which I'm totally fine with), would it cause problems for me being able to be the financial support for my husband's family in the future? His parents and brother will be planning to visit us within the next 1-2 years and of course they are my main priority so want to make sure it wouldn't prevent me from being able to financially sponsor all of them in the future. 

 

I guess the form for this would be the I-134? I see it has a question about listing previous financial supports submitted for people, but only has 2 spaces available and doesn't mention any limits on how many times you can submit financial support.  

 

Appreciate any help you guys might be able to give me!

There is no sponsorship for visitor visas. Think of it this way, do you and husband need a sponsor to go have a honeymoon in Paris, France? No.

 

Sponsorship for a visitor visa is a huge myth. Many foreigners cling to the myth because they think it will help.

 

2 hours ago, KozmicBlues said:

Are you sure? I recall when my fiance was originally going to apply for a tourist visa (we decided against it since it was high probability of being denied) that the requirements specifically talked about showing a financial support. I can't find the exact list he had but it specifically mentioned the affidavit of support form. Here's a link to IMMI talking about the sponsor documents required for reference:

 

https://www.***removed***/visitor-visa/sponsor-documents.html

That website does offer info and resources to help with immigration but it is also plagued with misguided information. Requirement to have a sponsor for visitor visa is one of the biggest misinformation that comes from that site.

 

 

[geowrian 22,337]

7 hours ago, KozmicBlues said:

Are you sure? I recall when my fiance was originally going to apply for a tourist visa (we decided against it since it was high probability of being denied) that the requirements specifically talked about showing a financial support. I can't find the exact list he had but it specifically mentioned the affidavit of support form. Here's a link to IMMI talking about the sponsor documents required for reference:

 

https://www.***removed***/visitor-visa/sponsor-documents.html

There's a reason that website is masked here. There's plenty of good info, but there's also a lot of misinformation. The link directly from the DOS is above. I'll take the official source responsible for all embassies & consulates as the more reputable source.

You can provide an I-134, but it won't do anything for their case except maybe make you feel like you had some sort of role in the outcome.

 

6 hours ago, KozmicBlues said:

1. IMMI is a really well-known site for Indian immigration comments. I've received a lot of super helpful information on the site and forums related to my own personal immigration to India. While I can't speak specifically to its legitimacy, I don't see it as being any different than VJ. This link I shared is also not the only place I've seen mention of the financial support - like I said, my husband was looking into tourist visa before we went the K1 route and found out the same info from different sources. And now my friend is being told the same by a travel lawyer in India so its obviously a common theme for tourist visas in India.

It sure is. And I'm sure they do good business, but it doesn't make the advice any more accurate. It's an urban myth that's been going on for many years and will probably never die.

 

6 hours ago, KozmicBlues said:

I will sponsor my in-laws here because like my husband, I also miss them terribly and it breaks my heart that we have to be apart with no easy way to visit.

Except you can't sponsor a tourist. If they want to immigrate later and your wife becomes a USC, you can be a financial sponsor at that time. Until then, there's nothing you can do but welcome them and show them a good time when they arrive if they are approved.

[CEE53147 559]

7 hours ago, KozmicBlues said:

Thanks, I totally understand that. I'm sure she can show a decent amount of finances on her own and actually can afford the trip without my financial support, but my understanding of tourists visas from India is that they really want the traveler to prove they have sufficient financial support for their travels. The only support I'm giving is hosting here which helps with the costs of accommodations and of course food/transportation that we will take care of. I figured she could just have my financial support document as a back-up in case they have concerns with her being able to support her own travels, but I was worried about the # of people I can be a "financial support" for. 

 

Unless you own the residence in which they will be staying, your landlord may limit the number of visitors and the length of time they may stay.  When we visited DS for a week (even though it was our first visit in his several uears of tenancy), he had to get special permission because the apartment complex limited visits to 2 overnights.  Cities too limit the occupancy of residences - even those occupied by the owner.