Recently, a growing number of our clients have been questioned in detail during their green card interviews (both Adjustment of Status in the U.S. and Consular Processing abroad) about their relationship with the joint sponsor (co-signer) on Form I-864.

This is no longer a rare question. Since 2025–2026, especially with tighter Public Charge enforcement, officers are increasingly scrutinizing the relationship between the applicant and the joint sponsor. Many cases have received Requests for Evidence (RFEs), faced delays, or raised suspicion when the explanation was weak or unconvincing.

1. What Does the Law Say?

Under official USCIS rules, a joint sponsor does not need to be related by blood or marriage to the primary sponsor or the intending immigrant. Any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old, domiciled in the United States, and meets the 125% Federal Poverty Guidelines income requirement can serve as a joint sponsor — including friends, colleagues, neighbors, or acquaintances.

2. Current Interview Reality in 2026 – Very Different from Before

Officers are now probing deeper to determine:

• Whether the joint sponsor is genuinely willing to accept long-term financial responsibility (which can last 10 years or more).
• Whether the arrangement is a paid or artificial “hired signature.”
• How strong and genuine the connection between the parties actually is.

As a result, cases using friends, colleagues, or neighbors as joint sponsors are far more likely to face detailed questioning and demands for written explanations with supporting evidence.

3. Which Relationship Is Safest?

Strong recommendation from Truong Legal: Whenever possible, use a close family member as the joint sponsor. This is the safest option and faces the least scrutiny. Only use friends or acquaintances when no family option exists — and prepare an extremely thorough explanation package.

4. What Must You Prepare If the Joint Sponsor Is Not a Relative?

• A detailed Affidavit from the joint sponsor explaining how long they have known the parties, the circumstances of the relationship, and why they are willing to accept long-term financial liability.
• Photos taken together over multiple years (with clear dates).
• Messages, emails, or call records showing an ongoing, genuine relationship.
• Third-party affidavits from mutual friends or family members confirming the relationship.
• Any other evidence proving this is not a temporary or paid arrangement.

Without strong supporting evidence, the case is highly vulnerable to an RFE or unnecessary delays.

5. Do Not Wait Until the Interview!

Many applicants assume “they never used to ask about this” and arrive unprepared. The result is often hesitation during the interview, weak answers, an RFE, or months of delay.

Act now.

Contact Truong Legal so we can:

• Assess the real risk level of your current joint sponsor
• Draft a professional, persuasive explanation
• Prepare a complete and strong evidence package
• Coach you on how to answer relationship questions at the interview
• Advise on replacing the joint sponsor if necessary to minimize risk

We will help you prepare the strongest, most accurate, and safest possible case before your interview date.

Do not let a preventable issue delay or put your green card at risk.

Contact Truong Legal today for fast, expert assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. 1. Does the joint sponsor have to be a family member? No, the law does not require it. However, in 2026 practice, family relationships are significantly safer and face far less questioning.
   2. Will using a friend as joint sponsor lead to denial? Not automatically. But it greatly increases the chance of detailed questioning and an RFE if the explanation is weak.
   3. What do officers typically ask about the joint sponsor? They ask how long the parties have known each other, the circumstances of the relationship, why the person is willing to accept financial responsibility, and often request supporting evidence.
   4. What should I do if my joint sponsor is not a relative? Contact an immigration attorney immediately to evaluate the risk and prepare a strong explanation and evidence package before the interview.
   5. Can Truong Legal help arrange a better joint sponsor? Yes. We will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the optimal solution for your case.