What is required to sponsor an immigrant to US?

Process. To sponsor a family member, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file a petition on their behalf. The specific form required depends on the relationship with the beneficiary, but some of the most common forms are Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

What documents do I need to sponsor someone to the USA?

An Affidavit of Support, also called the Form I-864, is a document an individual signs to accept financial responsibility for the applicant who is coming to live in the United States. The person who signs the Affidavit of Support is also called the “sponsor.”

What are the rules for sponsoring an immigrant?

All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18 years old, and be living in the United States (including territories and possessions) when they file the affidavit of support. When and how do I file the affidavit of support? You do not need to file it with your I-130 petition.

Can I sponsor an immigrant that is a non family member?

U.S. citizens cannot petition for non-family members' visas or green cards. However, they can financially sponsor a friend's immigration using the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. By doing this, they ensure the immigrant won't become a public charge by guaranteeing sufficient finances. Read on to learn more.

What are the risks of sponsoring an immigrant?

Requirements to Sponsor an Immigrant in the US

Who is ineligible to sponsor an immigrant?

If you've been convicted of one of these types of offenses, you'll be disqualified from sponsoring someone for a green card: Any sex offense against a minor. The production, possession or distribution of pornography involving children or minors. Kidnapping a child.

How long are you financially responsible for someone you sponsor?

Liabilities of Being a Sponsor

The sponsor is also responsible for supporting the immigrant for 10 years or until the immigrant becomes a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident. If the immigrant gets divorced, the sponsor is still responsible for supporting them financially.

How long does sponsoring an immigrant take?

Just like the DOL, USCIS posts time frames to let the public know approximately how long it usually takes USCIS to process an I-140 petition. As of early 2024, USCIS is reporting processing times ranging from 5 months to 22 months to make I-140 decisions, depending on the complexity of the petition type.

Can it affect me if I sponsor an immigrant?

Depending on 1) your income and existing assets and 2) how much monetary support the beneficiary requires, your financial situation may be impacted by becoming an immigration sponsor. You must meet certain income requirements in order to be eligible to sponsor someone, and you must commit to providing ongoing support.

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

If a sponsor's income does not meet the minimum Federal Poverty Guidelines, he or she can submit the value of assets to make up the difference unless the sponsor is submitting a Form I-864EZ. When looking at income levels, the consular officer will look at the sponsor's employment income first.

What is the minimum income for sponsorship?

For a couple who live in the 48 contiguous states (mainland United States) and have no children, the required minimum annual income is currently $24,650.

How do I sponsor a non family member to the US?

You can financially sponsor your friend's immigration petition by filling out and filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under US law, every foreign national who immigrates via a family-based petition must have a financial sponsor.

Does sponsoring an immigrant affect buying a house?

In general, sponsoring an immigrant does not directly impact a person's ability to qualify for a mortgage or buy a home. However, creditors and mortgage lenders may ask whether or not you have any dependents and the financial obligations that are associated with supporting them.

Can I sponsor my brother to USA if I have a green card?

No, lawful permanent residents cannot petition for their siblings. In order to petition for your sibling to come to the United States, you must be a U.S. citizen. If you have gone through the naturalization process and have become a U.S. citizen, then you may.

What relatives can a U.S. citizen sponsor?

The law gives special consideration to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which includes a U.S. citizen's spouse, unmarried children under 21 years of age, and parents. There is no waiting list to immigrate these relatives.

Can my boyfriend sponsor me to live in USA?

No, only a U.S. citizen can sponsor a fiancé for a K-1 visa. However, a green card holder may sponsor their spouse for a marriage green card.

Can my aunt sponsor me for US?

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.

Who pays for sponsorship?

A sponsor must pay the following visa sponsorship costs: cost of becoming a sponsor; nomination charges; and. migration agent costs associated with sponsorship and nomination applications.

Are you financially responsible if you marry an immigrant?

Typically, immigrant spouses come to the US and are sponsored by their US citizen spouses. This means that the US citizen spouse is financially responsible for their partner, even if they get a divorce!

In what way am I financially responsible as a sponsor for immigrant?

One important and required way of doing this is to promise that you will support the immigrant at a level above the U.S. Poverty Guidelines, and will reimburse the government for any assistance the immigrant claims for a period of time. Learn more about your obligations here.

What disqualifies you from being a sponsor?

An offense (unless committed by a parent or guardian) involving false imprisonment. Solicitation [of a minor] to engage in sexual conduct. Use [of a minor] in a sexual performance. Solicitation to practice prostitution.

What disqualifies you from getting a green card?

If you have been convicted of specific crimes such as drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and others, you may be deemed inadmissible to the U.S. We can consider how a person's criminal history may affect being able to obtain permanent residence, and our skilled attorneys may recommend postconviction relief or ...

What is sponsor eligibility?

Eligible sponsors must: be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. be at least 18 years old. live in Canada, or plan to return to Canada once your spouse or partner becomes a permanent resident of Canada. be able and willing to provide for the basic financial needs of your family member for three years.