Sponsor a family member can provide them with the opportunity to live and work legally in the United States, which is a dream for many immigrants. However, the process can be complex and requires detailed knowledge of immigration laws and regulations.
If you want to know if your income is sufficient to act as a sponsor, we tell you in this complete guide on how to sponsor a relative in the United States. We at Jaskot Law will explore all the key aspects of the process of sponsoring a family member and provide valuable, up-to-date information to help you understand and navigate this process.
What does it mean to sponsor a family member in the United States?
The process of sponsoring a relative in the United States is the legal procedure through which a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, known as the sponsor, apply for and support the visa application of a foreign family memberThe beneficiary, known as the beneficiary, so that the latter can live and work in the United States legally. The main objective of this process is to reunite families and strengthen family ties in the country. Therefore, it is important to learn with effort and dedication how to sponsor a family member in the United States.
Requirements to become a sponsor
To become a sponsor of a relative in the United States, you must meet certain requirements established by immigration laws. These requirements may vary depending on the visa category and the type of family relationship. The following are some general requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident: In order to sponsor a family member, you must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful permanent resident status. If you are a citizen, you can sponsor a spouse, children, parents and siblings. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can sponsor a spouse and unmarried children.
- Be at least 21 years of age: You must be at least 21 years of age to sponsor a family member.
- Demonstrate a valid family relationship: You must demonstrate a valid family relationship with the family member you wish to sponsor. This can be through marriage certificates, birth certificates or other legal documents that prove the relationship.
- Meet minimum income requirements: As a sponsor, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support the family member you wish to sponsor without becoming a burden on the government. This involves meeting the minimum income requirements set by the immigration authorities. Requirements vary by family size and are based on the federal poverty level.
- Financial commitment: As a sponsor, you must sign a financial commitment form (Form I-864) in which you agree to provide financial support to the family member you are sponsoring for a specified period of time.
Income table for sponsoring a family member 2023
| Sponsor’s Household Size (HHS) | 100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines |
| For active duty sponsors in the U.S. Armed Forces. who are applying for their spouse or child. | For all other sponsors. | |
| 2 | $19,720 | $26,650 |
| 3 | $24,860 | $31,075 |
| 4 | $30,000 | $37,500 |
| 5 | $35,140 | $43,925 |
| 6 | $40,280 | $50,350 |
| 7 | $45,420 | $56,775 |
| 8 | $50,560 | $63,200 |
| Add $5,140 for each additional person. | Add $6,425 for each additional person. |
Steps to sponsor a relative in the U.S.
The process of how to sponsor a relative in the United States generally follows the following steps:
- Determine your eligibility as a sponsor and the appropriate visa category for the family member.
- Complete and submit the required application forms.
- Gather and prepare the necessary documentation to support the application.
- Pay the processing fees and submit the application to the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
- Wait for USCIS to process the application and issue a decision.
- If the application is approved, the case will be transferred to the Department of State for further visa processing.
- Complete the medical examination and consular interview process.
- Receive visa approval and make final arrangements to enter the United States.
- It is important to note that deadlines and specific steps may vary depending on the case and visa category.
What is the processing time?
The processing time for Form I-864 may vary and is subject to change depending on the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In general, the wait usually lasts from 11 to 20 months, varying according to each particular case.
The process of how to sponsor a relative in the United States in 2023 is a complex but significant procedure. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be able to better understand the necessary steps, requirements and visa categories involved. Remember that it is important to be prepared, collect the required documentation and follow all instructions and deadlines provided by the immigration authorities.
Sponsoring a family member can be a rewarding process that provides an opportunity to reunite families and build a better future together. At Jaskot Law, we are experienced immigration attorneys dedicated to helping you fulfill your immigration dreams.
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Theodora Carbel stands out as a content creator specializing in the Latino market, taking advantage of her deep knowledge in the field. Her academic background in Sociocultural Anthropology, and her extensive experience in Copywriting focused on U.S. immigration law, have been the foundations to her professional development.
