What is a sponsor for an immigrant?

Asked by: Alycia Hoeger  |  Last update: December 27, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (5 votes)

A sponsor is a person who has helped an immigrant become a lawful permanent resident (a person with a green card) by signing an “affidavit of support.”

What is the responsibility of a sponsor for an immigrant?

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.

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).

What qualifies someone to 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.

What are the consequences of sponsoring an immigrant?

Liabilities 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.

What is a sponsor's liability under the Affidavit of Support

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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 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.

Who cannot sponsor an immigrant?

Those with a criminal history including: Aggravated assault or battery. Child abuse or neglect. Domestic violence.

How much does it cost to sponsor someone?

Minimum investment amount: $1.8 to $1.9 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment locations). Additional costs may involve legal fees, administrative charges, and investment-related expenses.

What documents are needed to sponsor an immigrant?

To sponsor your family member, submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. Each person you sponsor needs a separate Form I-130. You can submit the form online or by mail.

Can you back out of sponsoring an immigrant?

If you wait until after the immigrant has lawfully acquired permanent resident status, it will be very difficult to terminate your sponsorship. If you want to withdraw your sponsorship of an immigrant who has not yet become a lawful permanent resident, you need to send a written request to USCIS.

Are you financially responsible if you sponsor someone?

If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and you petition for a foreign-born member of your family to receive a U.S. green card, you will have to agree to sponsor that person financially as well. It is a serious, but not unlimited responsibility.

What happens if you don't make enough money to sponsor an immigrant?

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.

Why do immigrants need a sponsor?

Sponsors play a crucial role in the U.S. immigration system by providing financial support and assuming responsibility for the well-being of sponsored immigrants. Sponsors must generally be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who meet income and financial requirements.

How much money do you need to immigrate to the USA?

Despite its popularity, for many, becoming a U.S. permanent resident or a citizen is a long and costly process. If we sum up all the specific payments towards acquiring citizenship in the USA, the total ranges from $4,000 to $11,300. However, most people end up spending between $6,000 and $8,000.

Who pays sponsorship fees?

Specifically, 2.87 of the Regulations establishes an obligation that the approved work sponsor must pay and assume all the following costs: cost of becoming a sponsor (including the setting up of the “Standard Business Sponsor”) nomination charges, including the training contribution charge (SAF Levy)

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor an immigrant friend?

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.

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.

Can I sponsor an undocumented immigrant?

If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and your spouse is an undocumented immigrant, you may be wondering if there is any way to sponsor them for a green card. The answer is yes, it is possible to sponsor an undocumented spouse for a green card, but the process can be difficult and complex.

How long does it take to sponsor an immigrant?

It can take around 17.3 months on average for a company to sponsor an immigrant for an employment-based green card.

What are the disadvantages of sponsorship?

Disadvantages for 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.

How do sponsors give you money?

Commercial Transaction: Sponsorships are commercial agreements in which a company or brand funds your content in exchange for promotion or association. This implies an expected return on investment from the sponsor. Promotional Objective: Sponsors aim to promote their products, services, or brand through your audience.

How can I find someone to sponsor me?

How to Get a Sponsorship: 8 Key Tactics
  1. Research potential sponsors. Look at your existing supporters. ...
  2. Tell your organization's story. ...
  3. Provide sponsor incentives. ...
  4. Reach out to established companies. ...
  5. Use data to legitimize your pitch. ...
  6. Find the right contact. ...
  7. Build a connection over time. ...
  8. Follow up.