Mike

No, only a natural person can be a sponsor. Religious and other groups usually sponsor refugees who are not required to have affidavits of support.

john

What does the requirement that the sponsor demonstrate the ability to maintain an income at 125 percent of the poverty level mean?

Mike

Sponsors will be judged on their ability to support the immigrants they are sponsoring at 125 percent of the poverty level for their household size based on the information they provide in the affidavit of support and accompanying documentation. This information must demonstrate that the sponsor and his or her household can reasonably be expected to maintain an income at or above the level required to provide for themselves and all immigrants they have sponsored or are sponsoring.

john

Are sponsors required to have incomes above a certain level?

Mike

Sponsors must have household incomes equal to at least 125 percent of the poverty level for their current household size, including themselves their families and dependents, any immigrants previously sponsored on the new affidavit of support, and the immigrants currently being sponsored. Petitioners who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, other than active duty for training, only need to demonstrate income at 100 percent of the poverty level if they are sponsoring their spouse or children.

john

Who determines the poverty level?

Mike

The poverty level is recalculated and published annually for the Office of Management and Budget by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.) The poverty level is increased by a set dollar amount based on the number of persons in the household. The poverty level guidelines are the same for the continental 48 States; separate levels are established for Hawaii and Alaska.