Sponsoring an immigrant in Phoenix can be a powerful way to help a loved one build a life in the United States. Whether you’re reuniting with family or supporting someone’s employment opportunity, sponsorship is often the first critical step in the immigration process.
Sponsorship is a legal obligation enforceable by law, which is why it is important to take it seriously. At New Frontier Immigration, a trusted immigration attorney could guide you in every step of the process.
Not everyone can sponsor an immigrant. Sponsors must be either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who hold Green Cards, and who are over the age of 18 and have a home in the United States. The law also requires sponsors to meet income requirements set by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Families must make at least 125% of the federal poverty rate for the household size.
Phoenix is experiencing steady growth, both in population and opportunity. As the city expands, many immigrants are laying down roots through family-based or employment sponsorship. Family-based sponsorship is the most common, and it allows U.S. citizens to sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Green Card holders can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children.
Employers in Phoenix can also sponsor foreign workers, especially in industries with labor shortages, like healthcare and technology. Refugees and asylees may file Form I-730 to bring qualifying relatives to the United States.
The first step in the sponsorship process is to determine eligibility. This process includes checking sponsorship and beneficiary eligibility to ensure there are no issues later down the road. Sponsors should file the appropriate petition, which could be Form I-130 for family-based cases and Form I-140 for employment-based cases. This paperwork requires additional documentation of the relationship and all proofs of income.
Sponsors are required to submit an Affidavit of Support via a Form I-864 accompanied by tax documents and pay stubs. Multiple people can choose to apply as joint sponsors if one individual does not meet the income requirements. If the beneficiary is living here, they may then file an Adjustment of Status form via the I-485.
Sponsors have specific financial responsibilities as established by the Form I-864, a binding contract with the federal government. Sponsors are required to reimburse public agencies for any public benefits the immigrant receives. This includes health insurance, like Medicaid, or other benefits, like SNAP. These sponsorship obligations remain in place until the immigrant becomes a United States citizen, works for at least 10 years, leaves the United States permanently, or passes away.
If the sponsor fails to meet their financial obligations, they may face a civil lawsuit which can lead to additional fees and fines. The government does enforce support requirements.
Working with an immigration attorney can be helpful because we offer local familiarity with the USCIS offices, Phoenix Immigration Court, and other interview sites throughout Arizona. Lawyers also help with gathering documents, filling out forms, meeting deadlines, and responding to denials or delays. We may help a sponsor with limited income find a qualified joint sponsor as well.
Sponsors play a crucial role in helping visa applicants move to the United States. For personalized guidance regarding sponsoring an immigrant in Phoenix, speak with our team as soon as you can.
