How to Sponsor Someone for a US Tourist Visa
- Formal Invitation Letter. You need to write a letter to the applicant that clearly expresses your wish to sponsor them. ...
- Letter to the US Consulate. In addition to the invitation letter, you need to write another letter addressed to the US consulate.
- Accurately Filled Form I-534. Also known as the Affidavit of Support form, you can download the I-534 form from the USCIS website.
- Proof of Financial Stability. Since you will the sole provider for the applicant during their stay in the US, the USCIS will want to know if you are capable of ...
- Residency Information. The USCIS does a thorough background check of the sponsor before approving a tourist visa. ...
- Some Useful Tips. Send all the documents to the applicant well before they are required. ...
Does an employer have to sponsor a work visa?
These visas are temporary and must be renewed regularly. Visa sponsorship means an employer is willing to obtain a work visa for highly-qualified candidates who live outside the United States. It’s not a simple process for employers. They must prove that they were unable to fill their vacancies with qualified American workers for sponsoring a visa.
Can I get a work visa without a sponsor?
Since there are so many US visas, it can be confusing to know which ones are for employment. Even within the US work visas, for very short seasonal work you might not need a sponsorship. But you must keep in mind that most employment offers in the US will need a visa sponsorship. The US visas have groups of nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.
Who is required to be a sponsor?
· A sponsor must be someone other than the parent of the one to be confirmed. · A sponsor must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. · A sponsor must be at least 16 years of age and may be male or female regardless of the sex of the candidate.
Can an USA permanent resident sponsor another person?
Your status determines who you can bring (sponsor) to live and work in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor: If you are a permanent resident, you can sponsor: If you have been a refugee or asylee within the past two years, you can petition for certain family members to obtain refugee or asylee status.
How much does it cost to sponsor someone for US visa?
How Much Will Sponsoring an H1-B Visa Cost an Employer? An H-1B Visa (or H-1B transfer) will cost you around $5000 (including government fees). Immigration lawyer fees should costs $2000 to $3000, while filing fees are around $3000.
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a friend to visit USA?
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and you have a friend or relative who seeks to come to the U.S. as a tourist (on a B-2 visitor visa), you might be able to help the person by providing a letter of invitation.
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non family member?
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.
Who can sponsor you for a US visa?
To be eligible to apply for an IV, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder).
What documents do I need to invite someone to the USA?
Below is a list of the recommended documents to include with an Invitation Letter:Scanned copy of host's ID or passport.Evidence of means of financial subsistence.Proof of homeownership or rental contract.An itinerary of the planned visit.Documentation of the host's time off from work for the visit.
How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
How much money do you have to make to sponsor?
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
How long does sponsorship take in USA?
Average time - Between five and 14.5 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; another six to 11 months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.
How long are you responsible for someone you sponsor in USA?
The sponsor's responsibility lasts until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has earned 40 work quarters credited toward Social Security (a work quarter is about three months, so this means about ten years of work), dies, or permanently leaves the United States.
How do you sponsor someone?
As a U.S. citizen, you must file a separate petition for each one of your direct relatives, including your own children. For example: To sponsor your mother and father, file a separate petition for each. If they have other children—your brothers and sisters—file a separate petition for each of them.
What is the easiest way to immigrate to USA?
Immediate relatives are spouses of US citizens, parents of US citizens, and unmarried minor children of US citizens. There is no limit on the number of visas available each year for immediate relatives. Being a US citizen's spouse is the fastest, easiest way to immigrate to the US.
Who is considered an immediate relative?
You are an immediate relative if you are: The spouse of a U.S. citizen; The unmarried child under 21 years of age of a U.S. citizen; or. The parent of a U.S. citizen (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age or older).
Can you petition your friend in the US?
While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
How long does sponsorship take in USA?
Average time - Between five and 14.5 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; another six to 11 months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.
What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant?
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
How do I write a sponsor letter for US tourist visa?
I am writing on behalf of [Applicant's full name] who resides at [Applicant's address] requesting that you issue him/her a tourist (B-2) visa. [Applicant's name] is my [Describe relationship; i.e. father, sister, friend] and I would like for him/her to visit me in the United States.
What is a US Visa Sponsorship?
The company you plan to work for must know that you are not a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). If the employer is aware and still wants to hire you, then they agree to sponsor you.
How Do I Get a Sponsor Letter for US Visa?
As explained, getting a sponsorship employment visa requires you to have an offer from a US employer. The US employer must send you a contract to sign, which will then be part of the sponsorship documents.
How Long is the Sponsor visa USA valid?
Once you go to the US, you can start working. But if you have a nonimmigrant work visa, then its validity is temporary. This means that after some time, it will expire.
How much does the sponsor visa cost?
Especially to the US employer who has to pay most of the fees. Depending on the visa, it might cost up to a few thousand dollars to sponsor a foreign employee. Because it is so expensive, employers are reluctant to do it.
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
Nonimmigrant Visas Employment Sponsorship. US nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays in the country. They are not Green Cards and do not give the right to their holders to become US citizens. There are many types of US nonimmigrant visas, but some of the most popular are the employment ones.
What does it mean to sponsor an employer?
If the employer is aware and still wants to hire you, then they agree to sponsor you. A US visa or employment sponsorship means that the employer in the US is hiring you. They are guaranteeing to the US visa authorities that you will be a legal working resident. The employer will state that you will work the job position they hired you for.
How long is a non-immigrant visa valid?
How long the nonimmigrant work visa is valid depends on the type of visa you have. Some like the H-1B visa are valid for 3 years, while others could only be valid for 1 year. So you must check the details of your visa to not overstay. When the time comes for your visa to expire, some can get extensions.
What are the allowed reasons to sponsor a tourist visa?
Family get-togethers, weddings, funerals, medical treatment, graduation ceremony, or any other event, which the consulate officer can see as a legitimate reason for the trip.
How can sponsorship help?
Although consulate and visa authorities look for the overall eligibly of the visa applicant, having a legitimate and qualified sponsor can increase the chances of getting the visitor visa.
How to invite parents or family members to USA?
If you legally live and earn in USA and want to invite/sponsor trip for your parents, relatives or friends, you can do so by providing certain documents, most commonly an Affidavit of Support Form I-134, a letter of invitation, and supporting documents as evidence to your financial ability to bear the expenses of the trip.
What does it mean to sponsor a trip?
Sponsorship indicates that the person sponsoring the trip will be able to bear the cost of travel USA and less chances of becoming public burden. It makes it easy for authorities to establish a contact / relationship with a US resident, just in case. This may be useful from security perspective as well.
What does sponsorship mean in travel?
In general, sponsorship means the sponsor is taking the responsibility to take care of all the expenses for the visitor's trip.
Does having a sponsor guarantee a visa?
Remember that having a sponsor does not guarantee that the visa will be granted. Individual applicants must fulfill and qualify for the US visa. Consulate will judge the applicant according to various criteria including a background check, a valid reason for travel, strong ties to the home country, evidence of funds, legitimacy of travel plan, etc.
Is sponsorship necessary for US visitor visa?
Sponsorship is not mandatory for US Visitor or tourist visa. An individual who has a good financial background and who meets the other requirements for visa grant, can get visitor visa without a sponsorship.
Prepare to file a Labor Condition Application
Ensure that the job description for your vacancy stipulates the need for the candidate to have (at minimum) a bachelor's degree in a specialized field such as engineering, medicine, or law. The position must be one that requires an individual with a specific degree, experience, or training.
File a Labor Condition Application
Employers must fill in and submit Form I-129 to apply for permission to hire a Nonimmigrant worker.
Obtain a visa
If your application is approved, you will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action. The foreign employee must take Form I-797 to a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. This will allow them to apply for permission to enter the U.S.
What do you need to include when filing a petition for a joint sponsor?
If the immigrant is a joint-sponsor for their own petition, include proof that his or her current employment will continue from the same source. If you are relying on the fair market value of personal or household assets to qualify, include documentation of ownership, location, date of acquisition, and value.
How to get an affidavit notarized?
After you complete Form I-864, sign the form in the presence of a notary public to have the affidavit notarized. Next, print a copy of your most recent federal income tax return and W-2 to verify your annual income and provide proof of employment. To strengthen your case, you’re welcome to include up to three years of tax returns, six months of pay stubs, and a letter from your employer.
When to file I-864?
If your friend is applying for an immigrant visa , you should file Form I-864 when your friend has scheduled an interview with a consular officer at the US Embassy or Consulate. If your friend is already in the United States and needs you to sponsor them for an adjustment to permanent resident status (aka a Green Card), you may file Form I-864 when they submit their application for an adjustment of status.
Do active duty military sponsors have to be on the poverty line?
Instead of placing a 25% premium on the US poverty line, active duty sponsors would only need to present income that is equal to the US poverty level for their household size (i.e. 100% of the US poverty level).
Do I need to file an I-864A for each person?
If you are using the income of other household members, complete a separate Form I-864A for each person . If you are using the income of household members who are not listed as dependents on your federal income tax return, include proof of that person’s residency in your household, and proof of their relationship to you.
What forms do I need to renew my visa?
If you’re on a visa, like an H1 or L1, then a copy of your visa along with Form I-797 and I-94. If at the time of applying your visa has expired or is set to expire, then you can submit copies of the renewed petitions.
What to do after inviting your parents to the US?
After you’ve written a letter to your parents/friends/family about inviting them to the U.S., you need to write to the U.S. Consulate to initiate the process of issuing a visa to them . Just like in the previous case, you’re required to state the purpose of the visit, the duration, and expenses covered, among other things.
What documents are needed for a parent to visit their child?
The additional documents for parents visiting their children in the U.S. are: Birth certificates of children. Photocopies are sufficient, but if that isn’t available, an affidavit can serve the requirements. Photocopies of the passport of the sponsoring child.
What is the form I-134?
Form I-134 is what you need to submit to obtain a visitor’s visa. Known as the Affidavit of Support, this is an 8-page document with six pages of instructions. This serves as evidence of your income and certifies that you’re in a financially-healthy condition to support your visitors.
What documents are needed to get a job offer?
The documents to include are: Copy of passport. Letter of employment provided at the time of your job offer if you’re employed in the U.S. If you’re on a visa, like an H1 or L1, then a copy of your visa along with Form I-797 and I-94.
Is a letter of invitation mandatory?
Letter of Invitation. Unlike Form I-134, the Letter of Invitation is not mandatory, but it is special in its own way as it makes the process smoother. This letter is written to your parents or relatives who wish to come to the U.S. on a tourist visa. The main topics to touch on in the Letter of Invitation are:
Do you need to send separate forms for mother and father?
If you’re applying for a mix of both, then you might be required to submit different forms. If the sponsoring members are husband and wife, then there is no need to send separate forms from each side.
What happens if you sponsor an immigrant?
If an immigrant you sponsored receives any means-tested public benefits, you are responsible for repaying the cost of those benefits to the agency that provided them. If you do not repay the debt, the agency or the immigrant can sue you in court to get the money owed. Any joint sponsors and household members who allowed the sponsor to combine their income with the sponsor’s income to meet the minimum income requirements are also legally responsible for financially supporting the sponsored immigrant. In fact, any joint sponsor and household member is jointly or severally liable with the petitioning sponsor, meaning that the joint sponsor and household member are independently liable for the full extent of the reimbursement obligation and can be sued in court or be asked to pay the money owed, even if the petitioning sponsor is not sued or asked for money.
How to sponsor a relative?
If you filed an immigrant visa petition for your relative, you must be the sponsor. You must also be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. You must have a domicile in the United States or a territory or possession of the United States. Usually, this requirement means you must actually live in the United States, or a territory or possession, in order to be a sponsor. If you live abroad, you may still be eligible to be a sponsor if you can show that your residence abroad is temporary, and that you still have your domicile in the United States.
What is the CFR code for affidavit of support?
The provisions are codified in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 8 CFR 213a. Submitting an Affidavit of Support. The following individuals are required by law to submit a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support completed by the petitioner to obtain an immigrant visa or adjustment of status:
What is an I-864?
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA, is a contract an individual signs agreeing to use their financial resources to support the intending immigrant named on the affidavit. The individual who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor once the intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident. The sponsor is usually the petitioner who filed an immigrant petition on behalf of the intending immigrant.
Where is the affidavit of support found?
The law concerning the affidavit of support is found in Sections 212 (a) (4) and 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The provisions are codified in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 8 CFR 213a.
Why is USCIS updating its policies?
USCIS and other federal agencies are updating policies and procedures to ensure compliance with existing law.
Who becomes the sponsor of an affidavit of support?
The individual who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor once the intending immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident. The sponsor is usually the petitioner who filed an immigrant petition on behalf of the intending immigrant.
Who can use H1-B visas?
Nonimmigrants who are slated to work under a “specialty occupation” are eligible to be sponsored by their future employer for an H1-B visa. They must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university. Those with higher education can also receive this visa.
How are H-1B visas different from other nonimmigrant visa programs?
However, an H1-B visa provides the most streamlined process to gain permanent resident status for a foreign employee through a concept known as “dual intent.”
What is an H-1B visa?
Obtaining an H1-B visa will allow a United States company or employer to sponsor a nonimmigrant to come to the United States and work in what’s known as a “specialty occupation.”
How long can a nonimmigrant work in the US?
A nonimmigrant worker that receives an H-1B visa can work in the U.S. for up to three years on an initial grant of status. The employer has the ability to extend the status of that worker for only an additional three years, unless the employer seeks an employment-based green card for that worker while they’re in the U.S. on their H-1B visa.
Where do I get an I-797?
Employers will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action if the petition is approved. The nonimmigrant worker will take a copy of the completed petition with all its forms and apply for their visa with the Department of State. They can do this at a consulate within their home country or at a U.S. embassy.
Who files the petition for the worker?
The employer files all of the petition documentation for the worker and pays for all the fees associated with the petition process.
Can an employer hire highly educated non-immigrant workers?
Employers sometimes have the option of hiring highly educated nonimmigrant workers if they are unable to find workers domestically. Nonimmigrant workers can typically be sponsored for a limited time by an employer through the H-1B visa program, issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Though the program provides benefits for both parties, employers should review and consider the program’s terms and conditions before beginning the application process.
