Immigrating to the United States
Immigrating to the United States At Maimone Legal, we understand that the process of
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Sponsorships
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Immigration sponsorship is when a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or employer agrees to support a foreign national’s application to live or work in the United States. The sponsor typically guarantees financial support and takes legal responsibility for the applicant during the immigration process.
Key Points:
Sponsorship is required for most family and employment-based immigration
U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor certain family members
Employers can sponsor foreign workers for visas or green cards
Sponsors must file petitions like Form I-130 (family) or Form I-140 (employment)
Sponsors must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to show financial ability
Sponsors are legally responsible for supporting the immigrant
Investor and National Interest Waiver cases can be self-sponsored
Sponsorship is not required for asylum, refugee, or diversity visa applicants
Sponsors must be at least 18 years old and live in the U.S.
Income must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in most cases
Maimone Legal
Everything you need to know about the Sponsorships
1. Family-Based Sponsorship
A U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsors a family member for a green card
Common categories:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings (U.S. citizens only)
- Requires Form I-130 and Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
2. Employment-Based Sponsorship
A U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for:
-Temporary work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1)
-Employment-based green card (e.g., EB-2, EB-3)
Employer must often:
-Prove no qualified U.S. worker is available (PERM)
-File Form I-140 (immigrant petition)
3. Investor Sponsorship (Self-sponsorship)
Foreign nationals can “sponsor themselves” by investing in a U.S. business
EB-5 visa: Requires $800,000–$1,050,000 investment and creation of 10+ jobs
4. Special Categories
National Interest Waiver (NIW): No sponsor required; based on the benefit to the U.S.
Asylum or Refugee: No sponsor required, but a resettlement agency may assist
Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery): No sponsor needed unless financial affidavit is requested
Sign an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) agreeing to:
Provide financial support if needed
Prevent the immigrant from becoming a “public charge”
Obligation remains until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 quarters of work, or leaves the country permanently
You don’t meet income requirements
You are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
You don’t have a qualifying relationship with the applicant (in family-based cases)
