Becoming a sponsor for someone seeking a green card is a significant role to take on. This person has various responsibilities he or she must uphold.
Each duty of a sponsor assists with the immigration process. They are also important for helping the immigrant to settle into life in the United States.
Financial support
The primary responsibility of a sponsor is to provide financial support to the immigrant. They must ensure he or she has a place to live, food to eat and access to necessary medical care. The sponsor must also be willing and able to support the immigrant financially until he or she becomes a U.S. citizen or has worked for 40 qualifying quarters, whichever comes first.
Compliance
A sponsor is also liable for ensuring the immigrant complies with all requirements of his or her green card application. This includes attending any required interviews, providing any requested documentation and responding to any requests from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Reporting
Sponsors also have to notify USCIS if there are any significant changes in their financial situation that may affect their ability to support the immigrant. This could include a loss of income, a change in employment status or a significant increase in expenses. Failure to notify USCIS of these changes could result in the immigrant losing green card status.
Sponsoring an immigrant for a green card is a legally binding agreement. If a sponsor fails to uphold the agreed-upon duties, it can result in financial ramifications and status issues for the immigrant.