To start, I’m not an expert. All the information you need can be found here (and on others pages at
www.uscis.gov):
http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/consular-processinghttp://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/spouse/bringing-spouses-live-united-states-permanent-residentsAnd I strongly suggest you do your own research.
I assume you are your partner live in the UK? If so, the process is different than applying from within the US.
1. To start the green card process outside the US, i.e. Consular processing, the U.S. citizen partner files an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The filing fee is $420.
See instructions for list of documents you must provide and where to submit the application here:
http://www.uscis.gov/i-1302. After USCIS approves the I-130, it will forward the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) along with information on processing fees for the form I-864 Affidavit of Support. So yes, you will have to show financial proof that you are able to support your spouse.
The U.S. spouse will have to provide evidence that:
--their annual income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.
--current employment
--most recent federal income tax returns.
If the US citizen does not earn enough money to sponsor their household size at 125% of the poverty level, they can supplement the affidavit with assets (for example if they own a home but live on a fixed income) or they can have a family member or friend file a joint affidavit of support. So in answer to your question is yes, friends and family can act as co-sponsors.
It will probably help your case to to have a co-sponsor so try to line one up. The co-sponsor will need to provide the same financial information as you do (including transcripts of your previous 3-4 years tax returns, which can be downloaded or ordered from the IRS).
See instructions for list of additional documents you must provide here:
http://www.uscis.gov/i-864Some of the documentation you may need to send with form I-864 Affidavit of Support
--Form DS-2001 Notification of Applicant Readiness
--Form DS-230 Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration (or an electronic DS-260 if filed online) Note that the applicant does NOT sign Part II of the form until they report for your interview at the U.S. consulate
--A copy of the foreign national’s birth certificate
--Certified copies of any court or prison records
--Marriage certificate
--Records indicating the termination of any prior marriages
--A certified copy of the applicant’s military record if they have served in any country’s armed forces
--Police certificates from every jurisdiction they have lived in since age 16
--A copy of the identity page of the foreign national’s current, valid passport
--Two (2) passport-sized photographs
--Form I-212 ONLY if you’ve been previously removed from the U.S. and must request permission to reapply for a visa
--Note that a notarized translation is required for any document that is not in English.
3. Once form I-864 Affidavit of Support is accepted the application moves forward with the filing of the immigrant visa application by paper DS-230 form or an electronic DS-260 form.
When this is approved, the NVC or the consulate will send the foreign partner information regarding an immigrant visa interview at the consulate. This letter will also include an Appointment Package, with a list of forms and other documents that must be brought to the consulate for the interview. The Appointment Package will also contain information on the required medical exam, which your partner will have to undergo before the interview.
If your partner/spouse passes the medical exam and is successful at the interview, an immigrant visa that is valid for travel to the U.S. within either 4 or 6 months (I’m not sure). A Visa Packet in a sealed envelope will also be sent. Do NOT open this envelope. The packet is to be handed to the Customs and Border Protection agent when the individual enters the United States. The foreign spouse will be given a temporary I-551 (green card) stamp in their passport and will enter the U.S. as either a conditional or a lawful permanent resident and should receive their green card in the mail soon after.
