K-1 Joint Sponsor: Everything You Need To Know

Eligibility, Responsibilities, and When You Need One

Applying for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa requires proving that the U.S. citizen petitioner (also known as the “sponsor”) has the financial ability to support their foreign fiancé(e) upon arrival in the United States. However, not every petitioner meets the minimum income requirement, which may require the use of a K-1 joint sponsor (financial co-sponsor).

If you’re unsure whether you need a joint sponsor or how to find one, this guide will cover everything you need to know, including who qualifies as a joint sponsor, what their responsibilities are, and when you can use one.

What Is a K-1 Visa?

A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancé(e) visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign-born fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. This visa is specifically designed for couples who intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S. The K-1 visa is valid for a temporary stay, and it does not grant permanent resident status.

Once the couple marries, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This process involves submitting additional forms and meeting further requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The K-1 visa is an essential step for couples planning to build their lives together in the United States, providing a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

What Is a K-1 Joint Sponsor?

A K-1 joint sponsor, also known as a financial co-sponsor, is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who agrees to take full financial responsibility for a K-1 visa applicant if the petitioner does not meet the minimum income requirements. The joint sponsor can use his or her income to help meet these financial requirements, similar to how a co-signer functions in loan agreements.

A K-1 joint sponsor does not need to be related to the petitioner or the fiancé(e). They can be a friend, employer, or anyone else willing to financially support the applicant.

Eligibility Requirements for a Joint Sponsor

To qualify as a K-1 joint sponsor, the individual must: ✅ Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) ✅ Be at least 18 years old ✅ Reside in the United States ✅ Meet the minimum income requirement based on household size (see below)

The sponsor’s income must meet the minimum income requirement, which is at least 125% of the U.S. poverty level for their household size.

📌 Important: Some U.S. embassies, such as those in the Philippines and Thailand, do not accept joint sponsors for K-1 visa applications. Always check with the specific U.S. consulate processing your case before relying on a co-sponsor.

When Do You Need a K-1 Joint Sponsor?

A joint sponsor is needed when the U.S. petitioner does not meet the minimum income requirement for the K-1 visa. The sponsor’s obligation to support a family member, such as a spouse or child, lasts until the family member becomes a U.S. citizen or achieves specific work credit.

The Role of a Joint Sponsor

A joint sponsor, also known as a co-sponsor, plays a crucial role in the K-1 visa application process. This individual agrees to sign the affidavit of support on behalf of the primary sponsor, using their income to help meet the necessary income requirements. The concept is similar to a creditor using a co-signer to qualify for a loan.

The joint sponsor shares legal responsibility for financially supporting the intending immigrant. This means that if the primary sponsor does not meet the minimum income requirements, the joint sponsor’s income can be used to bridge the gap. By signing the affidavit of support, the joint sponsor commits to providing financial resources to ensure the immigrant does not become a public charge, thereby fulfilling the requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Current Income Requirements for K-1 Sponsors (2025)

The U.S. citizen sponsor must earn at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify as a financial sponsor. Below is the income requirement based on household size:

📊 Income Requirements for K-1 Visa (2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines)

Household Size	100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines
2	21150
3	26650
4	32150
5	37650
6	43150
7	48650
8	54150

Household size includes:

✔ Yourself (the U.S. petitioner)
✔ Your foreign fiancé(e)
✔ Any children or dependents living with you
✔ Any immigrants you have previously sponsored

🔹 If the petitioner does not meet this amount, they can use a joint sponsor who earns the requisite amount based on their family size plus the fiancee

🔹 If applying for a marriage-based green card later, the sponsor must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines instead. Learn more about marriage-based green card financial requirements.

Legal and Financial Obligations of a Sponsor on Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

Introduction: Understanding Form I-134 and Its Responsibilities

Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is a legally binding document used to demonstrate financial sponsorship for a foreign national applying for certain temporary visas to the United States. This affidavit assures the U.S. government that the applicant has financial backing and will not become a public charge by relying on government assistance.

While Form I-134 is not as legally enforceable as its counterpart, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support for Green Card Applicants), signing it still comes with important financial and legal responsibilities for the sponsor. This guide breaks down the legal obligations, financial commitments, and potential risks that come with being a sponsor on Form I-134.

What Is Form I-134 and When Is It Used?

Form I-134 is used in cases where a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) wants to financially sponsor a foreign national who is temporarily coming to the United States.

Common Visa Types That Require Form I-134:

✔ K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa – A U.S. citizen sponsors their foreign fiancé(e) before marriage.
✔ Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2) – A visitor needs financial backing to prove they will not seek government assistance.
✔ Student Visa (F-1, M-1, J-1) – A sponsor helps cover the applicant’s financial expenses.
✔ Humanitarian Parole & Certain Asylum Cases – Applicants may need a financial sponsor.

Important: Each beneficiary requires a separate Form I-134. If a sponsor is financially supporting multiple individuals, they must file one form per person.

Need to file Form I-134? Download the form and instructions here.

Legal Responsibilities of a Sponsor on Form I-134

Financial Responsibility for the Immigrant

By signing Form I-134, the sponsor legally agrees to provide financial support to the immigrant while they are in the United States on a temporary visa. This means:
✔ Ensuring the applicant has enough financial resources to support their stay.
✔ Preventing the applicant from becoming dependent on government benefits (public charge rule).

Reimbursement to the U.S. Government

Although Form I-134 is not legally enforceable in the same way as Form I-864, a sponsor may still be required to repay certain government benefits received by the immigrant.

🔹 If the immigrant receives means-tested benefits (such as Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance), the sponsor could be held financially liable for reimbursement.

Penalty of Perjury & Fraud Consequences

Form I-134 must be signed under penalty of perjury under U.S. law. This means:
✔ The sponsor must provide accurate financial information.
✔ Lying or falsifying information can result in criminal penalties, fines, or immigration fraud charges.

Falsification of financial documents can lead to:
Denial of future immigration petitions.
Legal prosecution for fraud.
Possible immigration bans for the applicant.

Make sure your financial documents are accurate before signing!

Financial Obligations of a Sponsor on Form I-134

1️⃣ Meeting the Income Requirements

The sponsor must prove that they earn at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 💡 If the sponsor does not meet these requirements through income alone, they may use assets such as:
✔ Cash savings
✔ Investments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
✔ Real estate (with proof of ownership and valuation)

2️⃣ Providing Supporting Documents

To prove financial eligibility, sponsors must submit the following:
📌 Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Green Card Status (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate).
📌 Recent Tax Returns (typically the last 3 years of IRS tax transcripts).
📌 Pay Stubs & Employment Verification Letter (to confirm stable income).
📌 Bank Statements & Investment Documents (if using assets instead of income).

🚨 Failure to provide accurate financial proof may result in a visa denial for the immigrant.

3️⃣ Duration of Financial Responsibility

Unlike Form I-864 (which remains enforceable until the immigrant earns 40 quarters of work or becomes a U.S. citizen), Form I-134 obligations generally last for the immigrant’s temporary stay in the U.S.

A sponsor’s financial responsibility typically ends when:
✔ The immigrant leaves the U.S.
✔ The immigrant adjusts status to a green card holder (a new I-864 may be required).
✔ The sponsor withdraws the financial support before the visa is issued.

Co-Sponsorship and Financial Support

Co-sponsorship is a critical aspect of the K-1 visa application process, especially when the primary sponsor does not meet the minimum income requirements. A joint sponsor must meet the income requirements based on the federal poverty guidelines, ensuring that the intending immigrant has adequate financial support.

To be eligible as a joint sponsor, an individual must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and currently residing in the United States. The joint sponsor must be willing to share financial responsibility for the intending immigrant and sign the affidavit of support, accepting legal responsibility for financially supporting the immigrant.

It’s important to understand that co-sponsorship is a legally binding contract. The joint sponsor’s obligation can last for several years, and they may be required to repay any benefits received by the K-1 visa applicant if they become a public charge. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider the responsibilities and risks involved in co-sponsorship before agreeing to sign the affidavit of support.

In summary, a joint sponsor plays a vital role in the K-1 visa application process by providing financial support and accepting legal responsibility for the intending immigrant. Understanding the requirements and obligations involved in co-sponsorship is essential to ensure a successful application process and to avoid potential legal and financial pitfalls.

Potential Risks for Sponsors of Form I-134

While Form I-134 is not as legally binding as Form I-864, it still comes with financial risks:

❌ Public Charge Rule: If the immigrant applies for a green card later, past reliance on public benefits could impact their application.
❌ Government Reimbursement: If the immigrant receives means-tested government benefits, the sponsor may be liable for repayment.
❌ Credit Risk: Some sponsors take on debt to support the immigrant, which can lead to financial strain.

💡 Want to ensure financial stability? Consult with an immigration attorney before signing Form I-134.

When Can a Joint Sponsor NOT Be Used?

Not all visa categories allow joint sponsors.

🔹 Countries Where Joint Sponsors Are NOT Accepted for K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas: ❌ Philippines ❌ Thailand

📌 Alternative Visa Options Where Joint Sponsors Are Allowed: ✔ CR-1 Spousal Visa ✔ IR-1 Spousal Visa

💡 Before assuming you can use a joint sponsor, always check with the U.S. consulate handling your case. The Department of Homeland Security oversees visa-related transactions and ensures compliance with immigration laws.

Additional Information About Form I-134E

How to Download & Fill Out Form I-134

🔹 Download Form I-134 & Instructions:
📄 Form I-134 (PDF, 489 KB)
📄 Instructions for Form I-134 (PDF, 345 KB)

Edition Date

The latest edition date is 01/20/2025.
Starting April 3, 2025, only the 01/20/25 edition will be accepted.
Make sure all pages are from the same form edition to avoid rejection.

🔹 Need help printing your form? Check these USCIS form printing tips.

Where to File Form I-134

📍 Where you submit Form I-134 depends on:
✔ Whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the U.S.
✔ The type of visa or petition this form is supporting

💡 Check the specific filing location on the USCIS website or with the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the case.

Checklist: Required Initial Evidence

Before submitting Form I-134, make sure you include all required supporting documents to avoid delays or rejection.

✅ Documents to Submit with Form I-134:
✔ Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (passport, naturalization certificate, or green card)
✔ Proof of Income or Financial Resources (tax returns, pay stubs, employment verification letter)
✔ Bank Statements (showing financial stability)
✔ Property or Asset Documentation (if using assets to meet financial requirements)
✔ Letter Explaining Sponsorship Intent (optional but recommended for clarity)

📌 Foreign Language Documents:

If submitting any documents in a foreign language, you must include:
✔ A certified English translation
✔ A signed statement from the translator confirming accuracy

🚨 Do NOT send original documents unless specifically requested.

How to Correctly Sign & Submit Form I-134

✍ Signature Requirements:

You must sign Form I-134 using your full name.
Signing this form is legally binding under penalty of perjury under U.S. law.
You do NOT need to notarize your signature—a simple signed form is sufficient.

🚨 Warning:
❌ Unsigned forms will be rejected—double-check before submitting!

💡 Filing by mail? Follow these USCIS mailing tips to avoid errors.

Common Mistakes That Can Lead to Rejection

🚨 Avoid these common errors when submitting Form I-134:

❌ Using an outdated form version – Only use the latest 01/20/2025 edition
❌ Submitting incomplete information – Ensure all fields are filled out
❌ Failing to sign the form – Unsigned forms will be rejected
❌ Not providing sufficient financial proof – Include bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs
❌ Sending original documents – Only submit copies unless requested

FAQs: Using a Joint Sponsor for Form I-134 in a K-1 Visa Application

Everything You Need to Know About Joint Sponsorship for K-1 Visa Applicants

Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is required to demonstrate financial responsibility for a K-1 visa applicant. In cases where the U.S. citizen petitioner does not meet the minimum income requirements, many wonder whether a joint sponsor can be used. This FAQ guide addresses both common and less frequently asked questions about using a joint sponsor for a K-1 visa application.

General Questions About Joint Sponsorship for K-1 Visa Applicants

1. Can a K-1 visa sponsor use a joint sponsor?

Unlike green card sponsorship (Form I-864), where joint sponsors are commonly used, K-1 visa petitioners are expected to meet financial requirements on their own. However, in many cases, US embassies will accept K-1 joint sponsors.

In many situations, consular officers may consider additional financial support from household members or another sponsor submitting a separate Form I-134. Since this is discretionary, applicants should confirm the specific policies of the U.S. embassy or consulate processing their case.

2. Why are joint sponsors sometimes disfavored by Embassies?

The K-1 visa is a temporary visa, and the government requires that only the U.S. citizen petitioner demonstrate financial capability. Because the K-1 visa does not grant immediate permanent residency, the financial requirements are designed to ensure the U.S. petitioner alone can support their fiancé(e) upon arrival.

However, once the fiancé(e) marries and applies for a green card, a joint sponsor can be used without government discretion on Form I-864, which is required for adjustment of status.

Financial Requirements for a K-1 Visa Sponsor

3. What are the income requirements for a K-1 visa sponsor?

The U.S. citizen sponsor must meet at least 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on their household size.

2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for K-1 Visa Sponsors (100% Requirement)

If the sponsor’s income is below this threshold, alternative options such as using assets or household members’ income may be considered.

4. What if the sponsor’s income is slightly below the required amount?

If the sponsor’s income does not meet the required amount, some alternatives may be available:

Using assets such as cash savings, investments, or real estate. The value of assets must be at least five times the income shortfall.
Demonstrating household income from family members living in the same household, if the consulate allows it.
Increasing income before submitting the application to ensure eligibility.

Since not all consular officers accept household income or assets, it is recommended to confirm local policies before applying.

Using a Household Member’s Income or Assets

5. Can a household member contribute to meeting the financial requirement?

In some cases, household members living with the U.S. citizen petitioner may contribute their income to help meet the financial requirement. This is not the same as a joint sponsor but may be considered by some consulates.

To use household member income, the following steps should be taken:

The household member should submit a separate Form I-134.
Proof of their income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification, should be provided.
Evidence that they live in the same household as the petitioner, such as a lease or utility bills in both names, should be included.

Acceptance of household income varies by consulate, so checking specific policies is essential.

6. Can the sponsor use assets instead of income to meet the K-1 visa requirements?

Yes, if the sponsor’s income is below the required amount, assets can be used to compensate for the shortfall. Acceptable assets include:

Cash savings in a bank account
Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
Real estate equity, excluding the primary residence
Retirement accounts such as 401(k) or IRA

The total asset value must be at least five times the difference between the actual income and the required income.

Example: If the required income is $25,550 and the sponsor earns $22,000, the shortfall is $3,550. The sponsor would need at least $17,750 in assets ($3,550 x 5) to meet the requirement.

Consular Officer Discretion and Embassy-Specific Policies

7. Are there specific countries where joint sponsors are not accepted for K-1 visas?

Yes, some U.S. embassies and consulates do not accept joint sponsors for K-1 visas. These typically include:

Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
India

Applicants should always verify the specific policies of the U.S. consulate handling their application before assuming additional financial sponsorship will be allowed.

Using a Joint Sponsor for Adjustment of Status

8. Can a joint sponsor be used after the K-1 visa holder arrives in the U.S.?

Yes, once the K-1 visa holder marries the U.S. citizen petitioner and applies for a green card, a joint sponsor can be used on Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

9. How does Form I-134 differ from Form I-864?

Feature	Form I-134 (K-1 Visa)	Form I-864 (Green Card)
Used for	K-1 fiancé(e) visa applications	Green card sponsorship (adjustment of status)
Income requirement	100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines	125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Legally enforceable	No	Yes
Joint sponsor allowed	Rarely	Yes

Form I-134 is a temporary financial guarantee, while Form I-864 creates a long-term financial obligation that can be legally enforced.

Additional Considerations

10. What happens if a joint sponsor is listed but the consulate rejects them?

If the consulate does not accept a joint sponsor, the K-1 visa may be denied unless the primary sponsor meets the financial requirements. The consular officer may request additional evidence, such as proof of assets or a job offer letter, to satisfy the income requirement.

11. Can the foreign fiancé(e) work in the U.S. to help meet financial needs?

A K-1 visa holder is allowed to work in the U.S. only after receiving employment authorization. This requires filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. However, due to long processing times, most applicants wait until they file for adjustment of status to obtain work authorization.

12. What should a sponsor do if they anticipate financial difficulties?

If the sponsor is concerned about meeting financial requirements, they should consider:

Increasing income before filing the K-1 visa petition.
Using assets to supplement income.
Ensuring that their household members’ income can be considered, if allowed by the consulate.
Planning ahead to use a joint sponsor for the green card application after marriage.

Final Thoughts on Using a Joint Sponsor for a K-1 Visa

Using a joint sponsor for a K-1 visa is sometimes not allowed, as the petitioner is expected to meet the financial requirements on their own. However, some consular officers may accept household members’ income or financial assets as proof of support.

For applicants who do not meet the financial threshold, planning ahead is crucial. Once the fiancé(e) is in the U.S. and applies for a green card, a joint sponsor can then be used on Form I-864.

For those unsure about their financial eligibility, consulting an immigration attorney can provide clarity and guidance on the best path forward.

Secure Your Immigration Journey with Expert Guidance

Navigating the complexities of the I-134 Affidavit of Support can be daunting, especially when financial hurdles require you to consider a joint sponsor. A simple mistake or misunderstanding of the requirements can lead to delays or even denials, putting your immigration plans at risk. That’s why consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer at Herman Legal Group is a critical step toward ensuring a smooth process.

At Herman Legal Group, we have decades of experience helping clients successfully meet sponsorship requirements, structure affidavits correctly, and address potential concerns from USCIS. If you’re unsure whether your joint sponsor meets the financial and legal qualifications, our team can carefully evaluate their eligibility and guide you in preparing the strongest possible application. We work diligently to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your affidavit is properly completed and supported by the necessary documentation.

Don’t leave your future to chance! Schedule a consultation with Herman Legal Group today. Our skilled immigration attorneys are ready to provide personalized guidance, assess your options, and help you move forward with confidence.

Call us at 216-696-6170 or book your consultation online now!