Navigating the immigration process can be a complex and paperwork-intensive journey, especially when it comes to the National Visa Center (NVC) and the Affidavit of Support, I-864. If you're sponsoring a family member for an immigrant visa, you'll likely need to provide crucial documentation to prove that you can financially support them.

Sponsor of the Beneficiary

As the primary sponsor, it's your responsibility to demonstrate your ability to financially support the beneficiary. Here's a checklist of the documents you need to provide:

1. Copy of one of the following: U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, Copy of Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card.

2. Copy of your income tax form for 2022: Include only the summary page or pages. This document will showcase your financial status for the current year.

3. W-2s for 2022: These forms detail your earnings, taxes withheld, and contributions to federal programs. It's essential to provide them as proof of your income.

4. Total amount made for 2020 and 2021: This is to establish a consistent income history and show that you meet the minimum financial requirements.

Joint Sponsor of Beneficiary

In some cases, you may need a joint sponsor to meet the income requirements. The joint sponsor is another person who is willing to financially support the beneficiary. Here's what they need to provide:

1. Copy of one of the following: U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, Copy of Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card.

2. Copy of the income tax form for 2022: As with the primary sponsor, include only the summary page or pages.

3. W-2s for 2022: Just like the primary sponsor, the joint sponsor should provide W-2 forms for the current year.

4. Total amount made for 2020 and 2021: To ensure that the joint sponsor meets the financial requirements.

Additionally, the joint sponsor should provide the following details:

• Employer name and your role/title at the company: To verify employment and income source.

• State ID or Driver License: Proof of identity.

• City born at: As a part of personal identification.

• Phone number and email: Contact information for the NVC to reach out if necessary.

  
  

Spouse of Joint Sponsor of Beneficiary

If the joint sponsor is married, their spouse must also provide certain documentation. Here's what the spouse of the joint sponsor should provide:

1. Copy of one of the following: U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate, Copy of Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card.

2. Employer name and your role/title at the company: To verify employment and income source.

3. W-2s for 2022: Details of income and taxes.

4. State ID or Driver License: Proof of identity.

5. City born at: For personal identification.

6. Phone number and email: Contact details.

7. Marriage Certificate: Proof of the marital relationship between the joint sponsor and their spouse.

Conclusion

The Affidavit of Support is a critical component of the immigration process, ensuring that the beneficiary will not become a public charge in the United States. By providing the required documentation and following this checklist, you'll be well-prepared to demonstrate your financial capability to support your family member. Remember that immigration requirements may change, so it's essential to stay updated with the latest guidelines. 

Also being that some cases take years you may end up having to repeat this process for a subsequent year.