Sponsoring an Immigrant in Glendale

If a foreign national wants to legally reside and work in the U.S., they need to obtain a green card to obtain lawful permanent resident status. Having a financial sponsor is a legal requirement for most foreign nationals seeking to obtain a green card. Sponsoring an immigrant in Glendale, AZ can give that foreign national the chance to lawfully immigrate to the U.S., but you should know that becoming a sponsor is also a big responsibility.

If you are considering sponsoring someone in their immigration journey, our skilled immigration attorneys could help guide you through the immigration process.

Who Can Be an Immigration Sponsor?

A sponsor is someone who agrees to financially support an immigrant after they move to the U.S. so that they will not need to rely on public assistance when they arrive here. An employer can act as a sponsor for a prospective employee by offering employment and complying with specified requirements.

If the Sponsor is an Individual

If an individual wishes to be a sponsor to a resident, they need to meet the legal requirements, which are as follows:

• The sponsor must be either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who lives in the U.S. or a U.S. territory
• The sponsor must be 18 years or older
• The sponsor must have an income level at least 125 percent above the established poverty level – however, if the sponsor is an active-duty member of the U.S. military, their income level can be at 100 percent above the poverty level.
• The sponsor must prove their income by providing evidence of their financial resources, which could include their wages, retirement benefits, alimony, checking and savings accounts, property, stocks, and other assets
• The sponsor must complete a Form I-865, which is an Affidavit of Support

In the Affidavit of Support, the individual signs an agreement with the immigrant and federal government confirming their financial sponsorship. If the immigrant begins to receive public benefits during the period of sponsorship, the government has the right to sue the sponsor for reimbursement. In addition, an immigrant can directly sue their sponsor for financial support.

Our seasoned attorneys could review your circumstances to see if you meet the qualifications to become a sponsor of an immigrant in Glendale.

How Long is Immigration Sponsorship?

The period of financial sponsorship is not indefinite. A sponsor’s financial obligation to an immigrant ends in the following circumstances:

• If the foreign national becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen
• If the immigrant works in the U.S. legally for a specified period of time and obtains 40 Social Security work quarters, which is approximately 10 years of work
• If the immigrant moves away from the U.S.
• If the immigrant dies

Until one of the above criteria is met, a sponsor remains financially responsible for the person. The sponsorship commitment can be lengthy and last a number of years, and the sponsor must comply with their responsibilities, which include notifying USCIS if they change addresses.

Consult with a Lawyer About Becoming a Sponsor to an Immigrant in Glendale

Sponsoring an immigrant in Glendale can be a life-changing moment for them, but it is a serious responsibility. Consult with a knowledgeable legal team who could explain what your legal duties and obligations would be during the period of your sponsorship. We ensure you know your obligations so both of you can make the most of this experience.