Can a family member sponsor an immigrant?

To do so, you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come to the United States. You begin the process by filing Form I-130

Form I-130

What Is the Purpose of Form I-130? A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States may file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish the existence of a relationship to certain alien relatives who wish to immigrate to the United States.

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Instructions for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-130A ...

, Petition for Alien Relative.

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

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.

Who is eligible to sponsor an immigrant?

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Sponsor

You must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident. Immigrants with any other visa status cannot sponsor a person in the US. You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the Form I-130. You should have your domicile in the US or any of its territories.

How much money is required to sponsor an immigrant?

Income Requirement to Become a Sponsor

The most common minimum financial requirement is an annual income of $22,000. This figure is calculated to be at least 125% above the Federal poverty level based on the ASPE.

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).

What Does it Mean to Sponsor an Immigrant? | Immigration Wednesdays

What are the risks of sponsoring an immigrant?

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 I get in trouble for sponsoring an immigrant?

Risks of sponsoring an immigrant after signing an affidavit of support appear from the contractual relationship between the sponsor and the government. This contract will be enforceable in the court of law and the government may sue the sponsor for failing to provide support to the immigrant.

How long are you financially responsible for someone you sponsor?

Responsibilities as a Sponsor

When you sign the affidavit of support, you accept legal responsibility for financially supporting the sponsored immigrant(s), generally until they become U.S. citizens or are credited with 40 quarters of work.

What happens if you don't make enough money to sponsor an immigrant?

What happens if the petitioner doesn't have enough income? Petitioners who cannot meet this level have two choices: 1) find a “joint sponsor” who will agree to also financially support the visa applicant, or 2) use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines.

How long is the process to sponsor an immigrant?

On average, the I-130 filed by your sponsor usually takes between 5 to 19 months to be processed. The USCIS processes the petition on a first-come, first-served basis.

What documents are needed to sponsor an immigrant?

For U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, a copy of your birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship. For lawful permanent residents, a copy of both sides of your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card).

How long do I have to wait to sponsor an immigrant?

The Foreign-Worker Sponsorship Timeline

This can take anywhere from six months to several years to complete. Obtaining approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the I-140 petition on behalf of the foreign worker.

What is the income requirements for immigration sponsorship for 2022?

In this guide. The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.

How do I prove my income to sponsor an immigrant?

1) USCIS Form I-864A 2) Previous year's Federal Income Tax Returns 3) Proof of income (either an IRS Tax Return Transcript or IRS Form W2s) 4) Proof of their legal status in the United States (i.e. a copy of their passport, permanent resident card, or naturalization certificate).

How much income do you need to sponsor someone for a green card 2022?

Minimum Income Level

The household income has to be equal to or higher than 125% of the U.S. poverty level for your household size. The most common minimum annual income for a marriage green card is $21,775, assuming that the sponsor is not on active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.

How much money should you ask a sponsor for?

Don't sell yourself short.

Ask for $10,000 to $100,000 from each sponsor. "I see people asking for $1,000," she said.

What benefits do sponsored immigrants get?

Sometimes, sponsored immigrants apply for and receive means-tested public benefits from federal, state, local or tribal agencies. Means-tested public benefits include Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the State Child Health Insurance Program.

What happens if your immigration sponsor dies?

If the petitioner dies, the applicant typically must obtain a substitute sponsor to continue to be eligible for adjustment of status. A substitute sponsor is needed even if the deceased petitioner has completed the Affidavit of Support.

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor an immigrant friend?

While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.

Can an immigrant sue a sponsor for support?

Sponsored Immigrant Litigation against Sponsors

Sponsored immigrants may sue their sponsor(s) if the sponsor(s) fails to support the sponsored immigrant and his or her family at 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline during the period in which the affidavit of support is in effect.

How much does it cost to sponsor a family member to the US?

The minimum cost to petition a relative is $1,400-$1,900 per immigrant. Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is the form that a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident submits to USCIS to sponsor a qualified relative for permanent residence in the United States.

How long does family sponsorship take in USA?

On average, the I-130 filed by your sponsor takes between 6 to 12 months to be processed. The USCIS processes the petition on a first-come, first-served basis. Your sponsor can expedite the process by submitting the form as early as possible.

Can I sponsor my sister if I am a U.S. citizen?

If you are a U.S. citizen, and at least 21 years old, you can petition for your siblings (brothers or sisters) to live in the United States as green card holders (lawful permanent residents). Siblings include children from at least one common parent. You do not necessarily need to be related to your sibling by blood.