As a U.S. citizen, you have the privilege to sponsor certain family members to become permanent residents. However, understanding who qualifies for sponsorship is paramount. Read this blog and reach out to a New York City immigration lawyer at the Lightman Law Firm to learn more about who you can sponsor as a U.S. citizen. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Family Members Can I Sponsor as a U.S. Citizen?
As a U.S. citizen, you have the ability to sponsor various family members, ranging from close relatives to more distant ones. Immediate relatives include your spouse, unmarried children under 21, and your parents. These family members enjoy special immigration privileges and generally do not have to wait for a visa number to become available.
- Spouse: Sponsoring your spouse is a straightforward process. You will need to prove the legitimacy of your marriage, which can involve providing documents like marriage certificates and joint financial records.
- Unmarried Children Under 21: If you have children who are not yet 21 and unmarried, they can also be sponsored. This category does not have a limit on the number of visas issued each year, making the process relatively quick.
- Parents: Once you turn 21, you can sponsor your parents. This involves providing proof of your relationship and your status as a U.S. citizen.
Can I Sponsor My Siblings?
In addition to immediate family members, you can also sponsor your siblings. However, sponsoring a brother or sister is a bit more complicated and time-consuming compared to sponsoring immediate relatives.
To sponsor a sibling, you must be at least 21 years old. This category is subject to annual visa caps, meaning there is often a lengthy wait time. The process involves filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and providing evidence of your relationship. Once approved, your sibling will have to wait for a visa number to become available.
Sponsoring a sibling may take several years due to the visa backlog, particularly for individuals from countries with high immigration rates to the U.S.
What Are the Requirements for Sponsoring a Family Member?
Importantly, sponsoring a family member involves more than just filling out forms; you must meet certain requirements to ensure your application is successful. Those requirements are as follows:
- You need to provide evidence of your U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
- You must demonstrate that you can financially support your relative once they arrive in the U.S. This involves filling out an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and providing proof of your income. The purpose is to ensure that your relative will not become a “public charge.”
- You must provide documentation proving your relationship with the person you are sponsoring. This could include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.
In addition to these requirements, the process involves background checks and medical examinations for the sponsored relative. Ensuring all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted on time is vital to avoid delays. An experienced attorney can help you do so.
What About Extended Family Members?
As a U.S. citizen, you cannot directly sponsor extended family members like cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents. However, once your immediate family members obtain their green cards, they may be able to sponsor their own immediate relatives, potentially creating a pathway for extended family members over time.
If you have further questions or require the assistance of a skilled immigration attorney, simply contact the Lightman Law Firm today.
