Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer in Atlantic 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 Atlantic County, this document obligates a sponsor to financially support an intending immigrant. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced guidance to sponsors handling this critical process to help ensure compliance with federal requirements and protect their financial interests.
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 federal contract, not a state document. Its primary purpose is to ensure that immigrants admitted to the United States on family-based visas will not become a public charge. The sponsor (also called the petitioner) must demonstrate income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. 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 | Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings decades of combined experience to contested immigration matters. We understand the long-term implications of signing an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA and provide clear counsel to Atlantic County residents undertaking this responsibility.
Official Resources and Legal Framework
The requirements for the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA are established by federal law and administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is important to reference the official government sources for the most current forms, income requirements, and instructions.
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (official USCIS page)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic Vicinage (local court information)
Procedural Insights for Atlantic County Sponsors
While the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA is a federal form, sponsors in Atlantic County must be meticulous in gathering and presenting their financial evidence. Common issues include correctly calculating household size, documenting stable income, and using a joint sponsor if necessary. In our experience, USCIS scrutinizes these affidavits closely, and errors can lead to requests for evidence (RFEs) or denials, delaying the entire immigration process.
- Determine Eligibility: Calculate if your income meets 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your total household size, including the immigrant.
- Gather Financial Evidence: Collect recent tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, and proof of assets (if used to supplement income).
- Complete Form I-864: Fill out the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA accurately, ensuring all sections are signed and dated.
- Assemble the Support Package: Compile the completed form, all evidence, and any required supporting forms (e.g., I-864A for household members).
- Submit with the Immigration Petition: File the affidavit package with the corresponding immigrant visa or adjustment of status application with USCIS.
Key Considerations and Sponsor Obligations
Signing an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA creates a legally enforceable debt if the sponsored immigrant receives means-tested public benefits, making careful preparation essential.
| Sponsor Requirement | Description | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Income Threshold | Must meet 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. | Tax returns (last 3 years), current employment letter, pay stubs. |
| Domicile | Sponsor must be domiciled in the U.S. (can include living abroad temporarily). | Proof of U.S. residence: driver’s license, mortgage/lease, voter registration. |
| Contractual Obligation | Binding until termination conditions are met (e.g., naturalization, 40 work quarters). | The signed Form I-864 itself serves as the contract. |
| Joint Sponsor Option | If primary sponsor’s income is insufficient, a joint sponsor can file a separate I-864. | Joint sponsor must independently meet all income and eligibility requirements. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Affidavit of Support Matter
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a deep understanding of both family-based immigration and the serious financial commitments involved. Our approach is to provide clear, practical advice to sponsors in Atlantic County. We help you understand the long-term implications of the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, ensure your documentation is complete and accurate to avoid processing delays, and explore all options, such as using assets or a joint sponsor, if your income is borderline.
Consult a Knowledgeable Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer Near Me Atlantic County
If you are preparing to sponsor a family member, understanding the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA is critical. An affordable affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina lawyer Atlantic County from our firm can review your financial situation, clarify the obligations, and help you complete the process correctly. We serve clients across Atlantic County, including Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Hamilton Township, and Pleasantville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Atlantic County courts. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747—meetings are 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 income at the time of signing. A later drop does not automatically void the contract, but if the immigrant seeks benefits, your current income may be considered in an enforcement action. You remain legally bound.
Can I use assets instead of income to qualify?
Yes. If your income alone is insufficient, you can use the cash value of assets. The assets must be worth five times the difference between your income and the poverty guideline for household size (three times for sponsoring a spouse or child).
How long am I financially responsible for the immigrant?
The obligation typically ends when the immigrant: becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (about 10 years), permanently leaves the United States, or passes away. Divorce does NOT terminate the support obligation.
What is the difference between Form I-864 and Form I-134?
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, is a legally binding contract required for most family-based immigrants. Form I-134 is a non-binding declaration of support used in some nonimmigrant and humanitarian visa cases.
Where can I find an affordable affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina lawyer Atlantic County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers clear, upfront consultations regarding the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific situation and our approach to providing accessible legal guidance for sponsors in Atlantic County.
Related Legal Services in Atlantic County
If you are dealing with an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, you may also need assistance with: Business Law in Atlantic County, Contract Law in Atlantic County, or broader New Jersey Civil Litigation. For help in nearby areas, see our pages for Cape May County Civil Litigation and Burlington County Civil Litigation.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. For the most current guidance on the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Your case in Atlantic 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 Atlantic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, telephone (609) 402-0100, 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 Atlantic 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: Atlantic 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.