Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer in Hunterdon County, NJ
An Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA is a legally binding contract required for many family-based immigration petitions, obligating the sponsor to financially support the intending immigrant. In Hunterdon County, this process is handled through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can be demanding. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Understanding the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
The Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act) is a critical document in family-based immigration. It is a legally enforceable contract between a sponsor (usually a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and the U.S. government. By signing Form I-864, the sponsor agrees to use their financial resources to support the intending immigrant at an annual income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This obligation typically lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, leaves the U.S. permanently, or passes away.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | USCIS.gov
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the weight of this long-term commitment. We help sponsors in Hunterdon County handle the strict income, asset, and household size calculations to ensure the affidavit is sufficient and prevents delays or denials in the immigration process.
Official Resources and Legal Framework
The Affidavit of Support is governed by federal law, specifically Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The primary form used is USCIS Form I-864. All procedures and requirements are set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. For information on local filing and procedures, you can reference the New Jersey Courts website for any related family court matters, though the affidavit itself is a federal immigration form.
Hunterdon County Procedures for the Affidavit of Support
While the Affidavit of Support is a federal immigration form, sponsors in Hunterdon County must ensure their financial documentation is meticulously prepared. The affidavit is submitted as part of the immigrant visa or adjustment of status application package to the National Visa Center or a USCIS Lockbox facility. It is not filed with a local New Jersey court. Common challenges include proving sufficient income if self-employed, correctly calculating household size, and using assets properly.
- Gather Financial Documentation: Collect your most recent federal tax return, W-2s, 1099s, and proof of current employment and income. Gather evidence of assets if using them to meet the requirement.
- Complete Form I-864: Accurately fill out every section of the Affidavit of Support form, ensuring all household member and income information is correct and matches your evidence.
- Calculate Household Size and Income: Determine your total household size per USCIS rules and ensure your total household income meets or exceeds 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for that size.
- Assemble the Package: Compile the signed Form I-864 with all required supporting financial evidence, following the specific instructions for your filing location (NVC or USCIS).
- Submit and Retain Copies: Submit the complete affidavit package as directed and retain identical copies of everything for your records, as the obligation lasts for years.
Sponsor Obligations and Consequences
In Hunterdon County, signing an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA creates a legally enforceable obligation to support the immigrant financially, which can lead to legal action if the immigrant receives certain means-tested public benefits.
| Sponsor Obligation | Legal Nature | Duration | Financial Threshold | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Support | Contract with U.S. Government | Until termination conditions met* | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | Reimbursement to government agencies |
| Household Size Calculation | Mandatory Inclusion Rules | Annual re-evaluation possible | Based on USCIS Formula | Application denial if incorrect |
| Asset Liquidation | May be required if income insufficient | At time of filing | Asset value must be 5x income shortfall | Delay or request for additional evidence |
| Joint Sponsor Liability | Joint and several liability with primary sponsor | Same as primary sponsor | Same income/asset requirements | Legal action for support or reimbursement |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
*Termination conditions: Immigrant becomes U.S. citizen, earns 40 work quarters, departs U.S. permanently, or dies.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Affidavit of Support
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, our team brings a deep understanding of both immigration law and the financial intricacies of the I-864 affidavit. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients handling federal processes from Hunterdon County. We focus on meticulous preparation to avoid common pitfalls that can derail family-based immigration petitions.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results for an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA lawyer in Hunterdon County are not separately reported, our firm’s approach is built on a foundation of thorough document preparation and proactive strategy. We help sponsors assemble bulletproof financial evidence packages, address technical household size issues, and handle requests for evidence to keep immigration cases moving forward.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer Near Me Hunterdon County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Hunterdon County, including Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, Readington, Raritan Township, High Bridge, Califon, and Annandale. We are accessible via I-78, Route 31, and Route 202.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Affidavit of Support
What happens if my income drops after I sign the Affidavit of Support?
It depends. The obligation is based on your circumstances at the time of signing. A future drop in income does not automatically void the contract, but it could be a factor if the immigrant seeks means-tested benefits. You remain legally obligated unless one of the termination events occurs.
Can I use assets instead of income to qualify?
Yes. If your household income is insufficient, you can use the cash value of assets. The total value of assets must be at least five times the difference between your income and the minimum requirement for your household size.
Who counts as part of my “household size” for the I-864?
Your household size includes yourself, your dependents, any relatives living with you whom you claim as dependents on taxes, the intending immigrant(s), and any immigrants you previously sponsored under an I-864 that are still under obligation. Accurately calculating this is critical.
Is the Affidavit of Support enforceable in New Jersey state court?
Yes. The sponsored immigrant, a federal agency, or a state agency that provides a means-tested public benefit can sue you to enforce the support obligation. The lawsuit can be filed in either federal court or the appropriate New Jersey state court.
Do I need a lawyer to fill out Form I-864?
No, it is not legally required. However, given the form’s the issues involved and the long-term, binding nature of the contract, consulting an affordable Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA lawyer Hunterdon County can help prevent errors that cause delays, requests for evidence, or potential future legal liability.
Related Legal Services in Hunterdon County
If you are dealing with an Affidavit of Support, you may also need assistance with: Business Law in Hunterdon County, Contract Law in Hunterdon County, or broader New Jersey Civil Litigation. For help in neighboring areas, consider our pages for Atlantic County or Bergen County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Immigration laws and USCIS procedures change frequently. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance on the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.
Your case in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Hunterdon County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, NJ 08822, telephone (908) 824-9750, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Hunterdon County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Hunterdon County NJ lawyers directory · Affidavit of Support under Section Lawyer Bergen County · Affidavit of Support under Section Lawyer Hudson County · Affidavit of Support under Section Lawyer Monmouth County.