Visa Sponsorship and How It Works

Visa Sponsorship for Family

There are a variety of family-based visas for nonimmigrant (temporary) purposes and immigrant (permanent) purposes.

Green Card Sponsorship

Family-based immigration is the most common method for obtaining a green card, with over 600,000 people getting one annually. Visa sponsorship comes from the petitioning relative or other sponsors, with some contributing income or a joint sponsor submitting additional forms.

K-1 Visa Sponsorship

U.S. citizens can petition a fiancé for marriage in the US, by filing Form I-129F with USCIS. Once approved, the foreign national applies for a K-1 visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate, with financial sponsorship from the petitioner. This ensures the K-1 entrant doesn’t become reliant on the government.

Visitor Sponsorship

Visitor visas have specific purposes and expire after the visa expires. F-1 students can attend school, while B-2 visitors can visit for tourism, family, or leisure travel. A visa sponsorship helps facilitate the approval process. B-2 visas typically do not require a sponsor, but foreign visitors with a healthy financial background can obtain a visa without one. Sponsors can provide financial support by preparing Form I-134, submitting a letter of invitation, and supporting documents.

Employment-Based Visa Sponsors

American employers can hire foreign nationals for employment, such as short engagements or visa sponsorship for green cards. The H-1B visa is the most popular, but employers must prove they cannot fill vacancies with qualified American workers. Organizations assist in completing applications, preparing labor certification paperwork, and acting as petitioners for visas.

Self-Sponsorship

Individuals can petition for a green card as a widow, widower, or special immigrant by filing Form I-360, based on their eligibility. These categories include widows, widowers of U.S. citizens, battered spouses/children/parents, and special immigrants. Highly-skilled individuals may also self-petition for employment-based visas. Self-petitioners don’t need a financial sponsor, and USCIS instructions provide guidance.

Starting the Family Sponsorship

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can initiate the sponsorship process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative