How much does it cost to sponsor a relative to US?

The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. The filing fee for this petition cannot be waived. NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this petition.

How long does it take to sponsor a family member to USA?

After filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, the approval process can take anywhere from 10 to 14 months for immediate relatives and could take several years for family preference categories. This is an approximation. It may be shorter for some and longer for others.

Can I sponsor a relative to the US?

As a U.S. citizen, you must file a separate petition for each one of your direct relatives, including your own children. For example: To sponsor your mother and father, file a separate petition for each.

Who is eligible to sponsor a relative?

Family Based Immigration

To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).

How long is an I-130 good for?

How long is Form I-130 valid? Approved alien relative petitions generally do not expire. However, once transferred to the National Visa Center for a green card, you must communicate with the National Visa Center yearly to prevent termination of your petition.

Income Needed to Sponsor a Family Member

How long will my I-130 take?

How long does the I-130 petition process take? The average processing time for Form I-130 is around 11 months.

How long does it take to process I-130 visa 2023?

Form I-130 (officially called the “Petition for Alien Relative”): When the sponsor is a U.S. citizen (known as the CR1 visa) is 11.9 months. When the sponsor is a green card holder (known as the F2A visa) is: 25 months.

What is the minimum income to sponsor someone?

The minimum income requirement for sponsoring an immigrant ranges from $22,888 for a 2-person civilian household to $58,288 for an 8-person civilian household. The specific income required depends on the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Federal Poverty Guidelines updated every year.

How much income do you need to sponsor someone?

Minimum Income Requirement

An immigrant sponsor is generally required to maintain an income of at least 125% of the federal poverty line based upon household size. Active military personnel who are petitioning on behalf of a spouse or child must have an income of at least 100% of the poverty line.

What happens if you don t make enough money to sponsor an immigrant?

If you do not meet the financial qualifications, the income of certain other household members can be added to your income level if they sign a contract on Form I-864A, Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, agreeing to make their income or assets available for the support of the relative ...

Can I sponsor my niece to USA?

Adult U.S. citizens may also sponsor their parents and their siblings. Citizens and legal residents may not petition to enter into the country so-called "distant" relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a cousin?

US citizen grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration. There is an annual quota for visas in the following categories. See for visa waiting periods. For additional information, see website or the website.

What happens once I-130 is approved?

If you're living outside the United States, once Form I-130 petition is approved, you can apply for an immigrant visa through the process called consular processing. After you enter the US on an immigrant visa, a green card will be mailed to your US address.

Does I-130 require an interview?

For family-based applications, USCIS generally requires the Form I-130 petitioner to appear for the interview with the principal adjustment of status applicant. In addition, derivatives are also required to appear regardless of the filing category.

How can I get I-130 approved fast?

To get your I-130 approved faster, make sure to submit an accurate and complete application with all necessary supporting documents. Additionally, consider requesting expedited processing if you qualify.

How much is the fee for the I-130 petition?

The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. The filing fee for this petition cannot be waived. NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this petition. DO NOT MAIL CASH.

Can an immigration lawyer speed up I-130?

Yes, an attorney can expedite the process. They can provide accurate guidance and avoid common mistakes in paperwork.

Will USCIS speed up in 2023?

As cycle times improve, processing times will follow, and applicants and petitioners will receive decisions on their cases more quickly. USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023.

Can I stay in US after filing I-130?

Unfortunately, an approved I-130 petition does not, by itself, give you permission to come to, or remain in, the United States.

How long are you financially responsible for someone you sponsor?

The sponsor's financial responsibility usually lasts until the applicant either becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (usually 10 years) under the Social Security Act.

Who is not eligible to sponsor?

If you're a Canadian citizen living outside Canada, you must show that you plan to live in Canada when the persons you want to sponsor become permanent residents. You can't sponsor someone if you're a permanent resident living outside Canada.

Can I sponsor my uncle to USA?

This means that grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins cannot sponsor you for a visa in any situation, and LPR siblings or children cannot sponsor you for a visa either. Once you're sure that your family relationship qualifies, you then have to consider how long it will take for your visa to become available.