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If my sponsor does not meet the income requirement, can I use a co-sponsor?

If the sponsor does not meet the income requirement for the Family Based visa, it is possible to use a co-sponsor who meets the financial and legal requirements of the USCIS.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 25, 2026
2 min read
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The United States immigration requires the sponsor to demonstrate financial ability to support the immigrant so that he/she does not become dependent on government benefits.

In the case of the Family Based visa, if the sponsor does not meet the required income, it is possible to use a co-sponsor (sometimes called a “joint sponsor”) to complement the income evidence. The co-sponsor must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or, in specific situations, meet other requirements set by the USCIS.

Just like the primary sponsor, the co-sponsor needs to complete Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) and demonstrate that his/her annual income meets the minimum requirement, usually set as 125% of the poverty level for the family size.

Each party involved in the process must be aware of the importance of following all rules established by the United States immigration laws. Therefore, it is essential that the entire process is carried out carefully and that documents and information are presented correctly and completely.

I strongly recommend that you consult official sources and seek guidance from specialized professionals in the area. This way, you avoid falling for scams or promises of miraculous results often propagated in dubious marketing campaigns.

In summary, yes, if your sponsor does not meet the minimum required income, including a co-sponsor is a viable option. However, always remember to follow the legal criteria and seek updated information from reliable sources to ensure that your process complies with the current regulations.

Learn more about Family Based

Type
Family-sponsored Green Card
Sponsor
U.S. citizen or LPR
Petition
Form I-130
Processing
12 months to several years
All about Family Based

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

If my sponsor does not meet the income requirement, can I use a co-sponsor?

If the sponsor does not meet the income requirement for the Family Based visa, it is possible to use a co-sponsor who meets the financial and legal requirements of the USCIS.

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