My sponsor volunteers at the church, without salary. Do we need a co-sponsor?

It is important to understand that, for the Family Based visa, the sponsor needs to prove that they have sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant, ensuring that the immigrant does not become a public charge in the United States. This parameter is generally measured based on a percentage of the federal poverty level.

In your case, if the sponsor is a volunteer at the church and does not receive a salary, there may be difficulties in proving the required income. The U.S. government sets a minimum income (or assets) requirement that often corresponds to 125% of the poverty level for the sponsor”s family. Thus, if the sponsor”s only source of income is this volunteer activity, it probably will not reach the necessary amount.

In this scenario, it may be necessary to have a co-sponsor, also called a joint sponsor, who has legal and proven income to meet the immigration program”s criteria. This other sponsor must demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to assume responsibility for the immigrant alongside the primary sponsor. Each case has its particularities, so a detailed analysis of the sponsor”s full financial situation and the available documents is essential.

Remember the importance of strictly following the United States immigration laws and policies and consulting reliable and up-to-date sources for appropriate guidance. It is advisable to consult official USCIS information directly and, if possible, seek advice from specialized professionals (with no obligation) who can provide a personalized analysis, avoiding scams or miraculous promises of guaranteed results.

Every situation is unique, so careful preparation of documentation and understanding of requirements are essential steps for the immigration process. I hope this information helped clarify your question.

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.