What are the requirements for sponsorship in USA?

Requirements for Sponsorship in the United States

Sponsorship in the United States involves undertaking the financial and legal responsibility for an individual seeking to immigrate to the country. The sponsor plays a crucial role in the immigration process and must meet specific requirements to be eligible.

1. Legal Status

To sponsor someone in the USA, you must be one of the following:

• A U.S. citizen
• A permanent resident (green card holder)

2. Age

You must be at least 18 years old to sponsor an immigrant.

3. Residency

You must be residing in the United States at the time of filing the sponsorship application.

4. Income

Sponsors must demonstrate that they have sufficient income to support both themselves and the sponsored individual. This is typically done by providing tax returns and other financial documents showing an income that meets or exceeds 125% of the poverty level for the household size.

5. Affidavit of Support

Sponsors must complete and file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). This document outlines the sponsor’s financial and legal commitment to support the sponsored individual. It includes information about the sponsor’s income, assets, and any other dependents.

6. Notice of Intent to Sponsor

In most cases, sponsors are required to file a Notice of Intent to Sponsor (Form I-134). This form informs the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the sponsor’s intention to support the sponsored individual.

Note:

• The Affidavit of Support and Notice of Intent to Sponsor are separate documents and should not be submitted together.
• Sponsors may be held financially responsible for the sponsored individual for several years after they enter the United States.
• Failure to meet the sponsorship requirements can result in the denial of the immigration application.