Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer in Camden County, NJ
An Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA is a legally binding contract required for many family-based immigration petitions. In Camden County, this document obligates a sponsor to financially support an intending immigrant. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for sponsors and petitioners handling this critical process to help ensure compliance with USCIS requirements.
What Is an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA?
The Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a federal contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government. By signing Form I-864, the sponsor accepts legal responsibility to financially support the intending immigrant, ensuring they will not become a public charge. 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. The law is designed to protect U.S. taxpayers by requiring sponsors to demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | USCIS.gov
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the weight of binding legal commitments. We apply this foundational experience to immigration matters, helping clients in Camden County fully understand their obligations under Section 213A before signing.
Official Government Resources
For the most current forms and instructions, always refer to official U.S. government sources. The USCIS Form I-864 page provides the latest version of the affidavit. You can also review the Immigration and Nationality Act on USCIS.gov for the full statutory text of Section 213A.
Local Process for the Affidavit of Support in Camden County
While the Affidavit of Support is a federal immigration form, sponsors in Camden County must handle local requirements for gathering financial evidence. The key procedural fact involves meticulously documenting income, which often requires obtaining official transcripts from the IRS and letters from employers. In our experience, the Camden USCIS Field Office and the National Benefits Center scrutinize these financial packets closely, and incomplete documentation is a common cause of Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
- Determine Sponsor Eligibility: Assess if the petitioner meets the 125% Federal Poverty Guideline income requirement based on household size, or if a joint sponsor or asset substitution is needed.
- Gather Required Financial Evidence: Collect the sponsor’s most recent federal income tax return (or transcript from the IRS), proof of current employment/income, and documentation of assets if used.
- Complete Form I-864 Accurately: Fill out every section of the affidavit, ensuring all household member and income calculations are correct and consistent with the evidence.
- Compile the Complete Support Packet: Assemble the signed affidavit, all supporting financial documents, and proof of the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status.
- Submit with the Underlying Immigration Petition: File the Affidavit of Support packet concurrently with the associated Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) or other applicable application to the correct USCIS lockbox.
- Respond to Any USCIS Requests: If USCIS issues an RFE regarding the affidavit, provide the specifically requested information or clarification promptly to avoid denial.
Sponsor Requirements and Legal Obligations
In Camden County, signing an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A creates a long-term, legally enforceable obligation to support the immigrant at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Requirement | Description | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Income Threshold | Sponsor’s household income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size. | Household size includes the sponsor, dependents, the intending immigrant, and any other immigrants previously sponsored. |
| Asset Substitution | If income is insufficient, assets (cash, stocks, property) can be used. Assets must be worth 5 times the income shortfall. | Assets must be readily convertible to cash within one year and not subject to liens. |
| Joint Sponsor | If the primary sponsor is ineligible, a joint sponsor who meets all requirements independently can sign a separate I-864. | Both the primary and joint sponsor remain fully liable; the immigrant can seek support from either. |
| Duration of Obligation | The support obligation typically lasts until the immigrant naturalizes, works 40 quarters, departs permanently, or dies. | The obligation is enforceable by the immigrant, any government agency that provides means-tested benefits, or through a court order. |
| Enforcement | The sponsored immigrant or a government agency can sue the sponsor in court to enforce the support obligation. | Sponsors may be ordered to pay financial support and even legal fees. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Affidavit of Support Matter
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to immigration sponsorship matters. We understand that the Affidavit of Support is more than a form—it is a serious, long-term financial contract with the U.S. government. We help sponsors in Camden County accurately assess their eligibility, gather the correct evidence, and complete the process to minimize the risk of delays or denials for their family members.
Our Approach to Immigration Sponsorship Cases
We focus on thorough preparation and clear communication. For an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, this means meticulously reviewing your financial history, explaining the long-term implications of the contract, and assembling a complete, compliant packet for submission. Our goal is to help you fulfill this critical step in your family’s immigration journey with confidence.
Contact Our Camden County Immigration Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Camden County. We are accessible via I-76, Route 70, and the PATCO Speedline. If you need an affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina lawyer near me Camden County, contact us for a consultation.
Neighborhoods Served: Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Pennsauken, Winslow, Haddon Township, Berlin, Lindenwold.
Availability: 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 in Camden County
What happens if my income drops after I sign the Affidavit of Support?
It depends. The obligation is based on your financial situation at the time of signing. A later drop in income does not automatically void the contract. You remain legally bound, and if the immigrant receives means-tested benefits, the agency could still seek reimbursement from you. You should consult an attorney to understand your specific risks and options.
Can I use assets instead of income to qualify?
Yes. If your income is below the required 125% threshold, you can use assets. The total value of your assets must be at least five times the difference between your income and the poverty guideline for your household size. The assets must be liquid or convertible to cash within one year.
How long am I financially responsible for the immigrant?
The obligation usually ends when the immigrant: 1) becomes a U.S. citizen, 2) can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (roughly 10 years), 3) permanently leaves the United States, or 4) passes away. It is a long-term commitment that survives divorce or a change in your relationship with the immigrant.
Who can be a joint sponsor?
A joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, domiciled in the U.S., and at least 18 years old. They must independently meet the 125% income requirement for their own household size, which includes the intending immigrant. The joint sponsor is equally and separately liable with the primary sponsor.
What is the difference between Form I-864 and Form I-864EZ?
The I-864EZ is a shorter version that can only be used if the sponsor is using only their own employment income (not a joint sponsor, household member income, or assets) to qualify, and the sponsored immigrant is the only person listed on the underlying visa petition. In most other cases, the full I-864 is required.
Where can I find an affordable affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina lawyer Camden County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers transparent consultations to discuss the affidavit process. We provide clear guidance on the required steps, which can help you avoid costly mistakes like RFEs or denials that delay family reunification. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Related Legal Services in Camden County
If you are dealing with an Affidavit of Support, you may also need assistance with the underlying family-based visa petition. Our firm also assists clients with other immigration matters and related civil litigation. For broader legal needs in the area, you can explore our services as a New Jersey civil litigation lawyer or for matters in neighboring counties like Burlington County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Immigration laws and USCIS procedures change frequently. The information on this page is for general understanding and should not be taken as legal advice for your specific case. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current, case-specific guidance regarding an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA.