Can anyone be my sponsor?
Asked by: Emil Hill | Last update: December 30, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (28 votes)
Answer. Your friend, as a non-family member, cannot directly sponsor you to live in the U.S. Only a family member or spouse who is an American citizen or green card holder can serve as your primary sponsor for immigration purposes. However, your friend can offer financial support to you as a joint financial sponsor.
Can anybody be a sponsor?
All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18 years old, and be living in the United States (including territories and possessions) when they file the affidavit of support.
Can I sponsor a non-family member?
You cannot directly sponsor a friend to come to the US and to gain a green card. You can only do so for family members. However, you can become a co-sponsor in your friend's immigration. For example, if your friend has a family member in the US.
Can my friend in the USA sponsor me?
While you can't directly sponsor a friend for a U.S. green card, you can act as a co-sponsor in their immigration process. If your friend has a family member in the U.S. who is either an American citizen or a green card holder, that person can serve as the primary sponsor.
Who is not eligible to sponsor?
Those with a criminal history including: Aggravated assault or battery. Child abuse or neglect. Domestic violence.
What is a sponsor's liability under the Affidavit of Support
How much money do I need to sponsor an immigrant?
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.
What are the risks of sponsoring someone?
- 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 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 can I find someone to sponsor me?
- Research potential sponsors. Look at your existing supporters. ...
- Tell your organization's story. ...
- Provide sponsor incentives. ...
- Reach out to established companies. ...
- Use data to legitimize your pitch. ...
- Find the right contact. ...
- Build a connection over time. ...
- Follow up.
How much does it cost to sponsor someone?
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.
Can you sponsor someone without income?
Petitioners must meet a minimum income level, called the Federal Poverty Guidelines, in order to financially sponsor a visa applicant. The Poverty Guidelines in effect on the filing date of an Affidavit of Support are used to determine whether the income requirement is met.
Can someone with a green card sponsor someone else?
You can petition to bring certain close family members to the United States (often called "sponsoring" them) if you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder).
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.
Can I sponsor a non-family member to the USA?
You can financially sponsor your friend's immigration petition by filling out and filing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under US law, every foreign national who immigrates via a family-based petition must have a financial sponsor.
How much do you get paid to be a sponsor?
How much does a Sponsor make? As of Dec 18, 2024, the average annual pay for a Sponsor in the United States is $94,017 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $45.20 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,808/week or $7,834/month.
Can I sponsor my boyfriend to the USA?
If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry and live in the U.S., your fiancé(e) must sponsor you first by filing a petition. After your fiancé(e)'s petition is approved, you can apply for a K-1 visa to come to the U.S. Follow the steps to petition for a fiancé(e) and to apply for a K-1 visa.
What do sponsors get in return?
The Sponsors can get a chance to showcase their new product to a greater audience of all ages. They will also get social marketing and a better chance of ROI and lead generation for future products and services. Over the top, they will also be getting data from the Event as feedback.
How can I get free sponsors?
- Give your proposal a wow factor by providing all the details. ...
- Offer the sponsor incentives. ...
- Offer a minimum risk solution. ...
- Form a partnership with more established companies. ...
- Study what your potential sponsors are up to.
How do sponsors make money?
Advertising — Brands often receive advertising opportunities during the broadcasts of games, events, or competitions. This could include commercials, banners, or product placements. Media exposure — Sponsors might get featured in press releases, interviews, and other media coverage related to the sponsored party.
How long do I have to work for my sponsor?
In the visa application form, as the applicant, you are required to declare that you: Agree to work in the nominated position for at least two years.
What if the petitioner has no income?
What happens if the petitioner doesn't have enough income? Petitioners who cannot meet this level have two choices: 1) find a “joint sponsor” who will agree to also financially support the visa applicant, or 2) use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines.
What should a sponsor not do?
- Don't Offer Professional Advice: Sponsors are not therapists or doctors. ...
- Don't Engage in Financial Transactions: Sponsors should avoid lending money to or handling finances for their sponsees to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain clear boundaries.
Are you financially responsible if you sponsor someone?
The sponsor must ensure the sponsored immigrant maintains an income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and provide financial assistance if their income falls below this level. support if the immigrant needs it, the sponsored person can sue you. You may also be liable for court and legal fees.
What are the disadvantages of sponsors?
- Uncertain investment – sporting success is not guaranteed.
- If the event is disrupted, media exposure and advertising potential are lost.
- If the sport or performers cause bad publicity, this reflects badly on the sponsor.