Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer in Morris 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 Morris 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 ensure compliance with federal law and protect their financial interests.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Morris Vicinage | New Jersey Courts
Understanding the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
The Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act) is a federal requirement, not a state law. It is executed on USCIS Form I-864. The purpose is to ensure that an immigrant entering the United States on a family-based visa will not become a public charge. By signing, the sponsor (petitioner) accepts a legally enforceable obligation to financially support the beneficiary at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines until the beneficiary becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work, leaves the U.S. permanently, or dies. This contract remains in effect even if the family relationship (like a marriage) ends. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the long-term implications of this binding agreement.
Official Government Resources
- USCIS Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Official U.S. government site)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Morris Vicinage (Official court website)
- Determine Your Sponsorship Requirement: Assess if you are required to file Form I-864 based on the visa category and your relationship to the beneficiary.
- Gather Financial Documentation: Collect proof of income (tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs), assets, and current employment. Joint sponsors or household members may also need to provide documentation.
- Complete Form I-864 Accurately: Fill out every section of the form truthfully. Calculate household size and income correctly against the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Submit with the Immigration Petition: File the completed and signed affidavit along with the primary visa petition (like Form I-130) and supporting evidence to the appropriate USCIS lockbox.
- Maintain Records and Compliance: Keep copies of everything filed. Be prepared to update information if your financial situation changes before the case is adjudicated.
Sponsor Obligations and Potential Liabilities
In Morris County, signing an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA creates a multi-decade financial obligation enforceable by the government or the immigrant.
| Key Obligation | Legal Nature | Financial Threshold | Duration | Enforcement Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Support | Contractual Duty | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | Until termination conditions met | Government or Beneficiary Suit |
| Reimbursement to Government | Legal Liability | Full value of means-tested benefits used | 10-year statute of limitations | Federal or State Agency Action |
| Asset Consideration | Supplemental Requirement | Value must be 5x income shortfall | At time of signing | Petition Denial |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Immigration Matter
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled over 4,739 cases with a documented favorable outcome rate. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders,” providing clear guidance on complex immigration forms like the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA. We help sponsors in Morris County understand the full scope of their commitment before they sign.
Legal Guidance for Morris County Residents
While we do not have a verifiable case result count specific to Affidavit of Support matters in Morris County, our firm-wide experience across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC includes successful navigation of family-based immigration petitions where proper financial sponsorship documentation was critical. We focus on preventing issues before they arise by ensuring Form I-864 is completed accurately and sponsors understand the long-term contract they are entering.
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) 763-0384
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Morris County courts. We represent sponsors and families in Morristown, Parsippany, Dover, Randolph, and surrounding communities. Accessible via I-80 and I-287. If you need an affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina lawyer near me Morris County, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA Lawyer Morris County FAQs
What happens if my income drops after I sign the I-864?
It depends. The obligation remains. You must still support the immigrant at the required level. If the immigrant receives means-tested benefits, the agency can sue you for reimbursement. You cannot be released from the contract due to job loss or reduced income.
Can I use assets instead of income to qualify?
Yes. If your income alone is insufficient, you can use the cash value of your assets. The assets must be readily convertible to cash within one year and must total five times the difference between your income and the poverty guideline for your household size.
How long am I financially responsible?
The obligation lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work (approx. 10 years), dies, or permanently leaves the United States. It is not tied to the duration of the marriage or the green card’s validity period.
What if I need an affordable affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina lawyer Morris County?
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. We offer clear, upfront consultations to discuss your situation and our fee structure. Our goal is to provide accessible legal guidance to ensure you understand this significant financial commitment before proceeding.
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 meet the same income requirements as the primary sponsor. A joint sponsor assumes full, independent liability for supporting the immigrant, equal to the primary sponsor’s obligation.
For more information, see our New Jersey Civil Litigation overview. We also assist with related matters like business law in Morris County and contract disputes.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.