Sponsoring an immigrant allows you to petition for someone connected to you to gain coveted lawful status in the U.S. As the term implies, you are vouching for the individual in question, whether they are a family member or employee. For both a family-based petition and an employment sponsorship, you must follow the legal process carefully for the application to be successful.
Speak to our immigration lawyer at Jag Law, PLLC to learn more about sponsoring an immigrant in Palm Bay. Having been through the immigration system herself, Shoba Jaglal could explain the process, timeline, and costs and support you through your application.
If you live in Palm Bay and want to sponsor an immigrant who is moving to the U.S. and seeking a green card, you must file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This crucial form is a legally binding contract that confirms you have enough money to support the immigrant at 125 percent of the federal poverty level, which is based on your household size. The USCIS does not typically approve immigrants who may become dependent on government benefits.
Sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child must demonstrate financial ability to support the immigrant at 100 percent of the federal poverty level based on their household size. Sponsors must remain financially responsible until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work (about 10 years), permanently leaves the country, or dies. This responsibility includes repaying the government for any public assistance the immigrant may receive. Sponsorship is comparable to having a baby in that it is a serious and long-term commitment. Failing to follow through on the government’s sponsorship terms can result in a lawsuit and conflicts with debt collectors.
To sponsor an immigrant in Palm Bay, you must meet specific U.S. immigration eligibility requirements. Generally, sponsors must be U.S. citizens or a lawful permanent resident who is at least 18 years old and lives in the U.S. Sponsors must also demonstrate sufficient income or assets to support the immigrant. USCIS generally requires tax returns or tax transcripts as proof of support.
Common sponsors include spouses, parents, adult children, and employers. In some cases, joint sponsors are allowed if the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirement on their own. Our immigration firm strongly recommends that you carefully consider both the legal and financial responsibilities of sponsoring an immigrant before applying.
There are different types of immigration sponsorships as well as different categories of immigrants, which a Palm Bay attorney could explain in more detail during an initial consultation.
This kind of sponsorship involves American citizens or lawful permanent residents petitioning for spouses, children, parents, or siblings to obtain green cards. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have priority and are exempt from annual visa caps. This type of sponsorship is not subject to the quotas and waiting periods that limit other family-based immigration categories.
If you have applied for a job in the U.S., you have probably seen an application question asking whether you require visa sponsorship. American companies can sponsor foreign workers for both permanent residency and temporary work visas. This often involves demonstrating that there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position and obtaining a certification from the Department of Labor.
This type of sponsorship allows individuals or organizations to help displaced individuals resettle in the U.S. through programs such as the private sponsorship initiative or the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
The EB-5 visa program allows foreigners to invest a certain amount of money in a job-creating American business in exchange for lawful permanent residency.
Our Palm Bay attorney could guide you through the immigrant sponsorship process, ensuring that all forms are submitted correctly and on time. She could help determine if you meet income requirements, gather the necessary paperwork, and advise you on the best sponsorship approach.
To avoid mistakes that cause delays and denials, our firm could also handle communications with the USCIS. In addition, we could thoroughly explain your legal and financial responsibilities as a sponsor, increasing your chances of success.
If you are considering sponsoring an immigrant in Palm Bay, we know that delays and denials are stressful. We could help make the process easier and ensure you feel confident knowing you are working with an experienced professional who has been through the immigration system herself. Contact our immigration lawyer at Jag Law, PLLC to start the process of helping someone become a legal permanent resident.
