Can a U.S. citizen sponsor an in law?
Asked by: Tod Kirlin | Last update: August 17, 2025Score: 5/5 (36 votes)
US citizen grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration. There is an annual quota for visas in the following categories. See for visa waiting periods. For additional information, see website or the website.
Can a U.S. citizen invite a mother-in-law?
Your mother in-law will need to start the process by applying for a visitor visa at the U.S embassy or consulate in the country where she lives. Since you are the U.S. citizen and not your husband, it is better that you write the letter of invitation.
Can I sponsor my sister-in-law?
It's important to explore other possible immigration avenues, as the direct sponsorship of a sister-in-law is not permitted. However, if your spouse is a U.S. citizen or green card holder, they may sponsor their sibling, which indirectly benefits you – this is a key aspect.
Who can be sponsored by a U.S. citizen?
United States citizens can sponsor their spouse, children, parents, brothers, and sisters. It is also important to note that United States citizens wishing to sponsor their parents must be at least 21 years old. LPRs can sponsor their spouse or unmarried children.
Can I file I-130 for my mother-in-law?
There are some eligibility exclusions that prevent the filing of an I-130 petition, even when the above family relationships exist. You cannot file an I-130 in order to sponsor any of the following relatives: A grandparent, grandchild, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, cousin, or parent-in-law.
What Does it Mean to Sponsor an Immigrant? | Immigration Wednesdays
Can a U.S. citizen petition parents in law?
In-Laws. The parents of a spouse are not considered “parents” for immigration purposes. In other words, a U.S. citizen may not sponsor an immigrant petition for a father-in-law or mother-in-law. The spouse may petition for parents if that spouse is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Can mother in law sponsor me?
US citizen grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins cannot sponsor a relative for immigration. There is an annual quota for visas in the following categories. See for visa waiting periods.
Can my U.S. citizen friend sponsor me?
When Can a Friend Sponsor an American Visa? Unfortunately, a friend cannot petition for a visa or green card on your behalf unless this friend is also a family member, fiance, or employer. Without such relationships, your path to securing a visa or becoming an American citizen can be much more complex.
Can I sponsor my husband if I receive food stamps?
If you want to sponsor a relative:
Getting health care, food, cash, or other welfare assistance should not prevent you from sponsoring a relative, but you will not be able to count the government benefits when you show that you earn enough money to support your relative. You may need to have a co-sponsor.
How long is a sponsor responsible for an immigrant?
An affidavit of support is a legally enforceable contract, and the sponsor's responsibility usually lasts until the family member or other individual either becomes a U.S. citizen, or is credited with 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years).
How do you sponsor in laws?
If you choose to sponsor your relative's immigration by filing a relative petition (I-130), when the time comes for your relative to immigrate, you must agree to be his or her financial sponsor by filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
What is the processing time for I-130 for spouse 2024?
Approximately 10 to 14 Months After Filing
Most Form I-130 petitions for immediate relatives are approved within a 10 to 14 month time frame, but they can take longer in some cases. If you are in the United States and also filed an application to adjust status, USCIS will begin reviewing Form I-485 at this point.
Can I invite my sister in law to US?
Forms I-20 and DS-2019 are not issued to invite parents, parents-in-law, or siblings. If you wish, you may send your relatives a copy of your I-20 or DS-2019 form, but they should not submit it to the consular officer unless asked for it.
How long does it take for a U.S. citizen to sponsor a mother?
For parents of U.S. citizens, the process usually takes 10-13 months. There is no limit on the number of green cards issued in this category. Therefore, you can generally get a green card based on your parent relationship within one year.
How many times can a U.S. citizen sponsor a spouse?
How many times can someone petition for a foreign spouse? An American citizen can petition for his/her alien fiancée to immigrate to the United States up to two times.
Can you get food stamps if you make $2000 a month?
Gross monthly income — that is, household income before any of the program's deductions are applied — generally must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line. For a family of three, the poverty line used to calculate SNAP benefits in federal fiscal year 2025 is $2,152 a month.
Can I sponsor my husband without a job?
The petitioner must demonstrate that they have the means to support their entire household, including the sponsor, the beneficiary, and any children, at 125% of the federal poverty level. If the petitioner doesn't meet the income requirements, he or she can ask a friend or relative to be a joint sponsor.
How much income do you need to sponsor your spouse?
Green Card Sponsorship Income Summary
The minimum income for a household of 2 to sponsor a family member or spouse is $25,550 as of January 2025. Minimum income requirements are lower for active duty military members. The general income requirement is 125% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines or 100% for active duty military.
How long after becoming a U.S. citizen can you sponsor someone?
If you are the immigrating person's "immediate relative," then visas are immediately available, with no annual limit. Immediate relatives include the spouse (same-sex or opposite-sex), unmarried child under age 21, or parents of a U.S. citizen.
Who all can I sponsor as a U.S. citizen?
That depends on the relationship between you and the relatives you wish to sponsor for permanent residence. A U.S. citizen may sponsor as many immediate relatives—that is, spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—as they want.
How much does it cost to sponsor someone for citizenship?
Answer. Supporting an immigrant typically doesn't come with direct fees. However, some sponsors choose to cover the expenses of the immigration process, which can cost $1,000 or more. Sponsors must also meet the income requirements to be eligible to support their family to live in the U.S.
What does it mean to sponsor a law?
Summary. A Senator who introduces a bill or resolution in the Senate is called its sponsor. Several Senators together may introduce a measure, but only the Senator whose name appears first on the bill is considered its sponsor; the others are cosponsors.
What are the risks of sponsoring an immigrant?
- Risks from the Immigrant. ...
- Immigrant May Sue You for Financial Support. ...
- Sponsorship is not Necessarily Terminated by Divorce. ...
- Risk from the Government. ...
- US Government May Sue You for Reimbursement. ...
- USCIS May Fine You. ...
- The Opportunity Cost. ...
- The Additional Cost in a Worst Case Scenario.
How long does it take to get a green card after marriage to a U.S. citizen?
Marriage-Based Green Card Timeline
The total processing time for a marriage-based green card averages 9.3 months, depending on whether you're married to a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder (lawful permanent resident).