Every US visa applicant who is looking forward to moving into the country for one purpose or the other, are all eligible to move into the country with their visa application fees covered by their sponsors. However, there are so many ways to get visa sponsorship offers when moving into the country. In this article, we will explain all you need to know about the US visa sponsorship offer, the application process, the requirements, and eligibility criteria.
What’s US Visa Sponsorship?
A US visa sponsorship simply means a procedure where the citizens of the United states of America support the visa application of the individual and cover all the fees to secure a US visa. In the United states of America, there are many ways to get a visa sponsorship offer which will be further explained below.
Types of US Visa Sponsorship
The types of US visa sponsorship depends mostly on the category of sponsor or the relations between the sponsor and the individual. For example, an employment based visa sponsorship is supported by the US employer who is willing to hire a non-US citizen to work in his firm in the country. Here are the types of US visa sponsorship:
1. Family-based visa sponsorship:
This type of family-based visa sponsorship is for individuals who are the family members of a US citizen or permanent resident of the country. Family-based sponsorship promotes love, cooperation among family members. The US immigration department has two sub-category under this division, which are:
- The immediate relative category: This is for those who are very much close to the US citizens or the permanent resident of the country. These sets of individuals who have a close relationship with the US citizens include: the children of the US citizens who are unmarried, the spouse of the US citizen, and the parents or grandparents of the US citizens.
- Family preference category: This offer is specifically for those who are relatively distant family members of the US citizens. There is a specific number of people who can be sponsored in this category. Examples of family members in this category are: unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens, married sons and daughters of the US citizens, the siblings of the US citizens, their spouses and minor children.
Eligibility criteria and Requirements
Below are the eligibility criteria and requirements to successfully apply for a family-based visa sponsorship:
For the Individuals:
- he/she must be a member of family of the US citizens
- He/she must be able to speak, write, and understand english language especially the america origin
- He/she must be able to establish the relationship between him and the employer.
- He/she must be medically fit and possess no health condition that could endanger the citizens of the country.
For the Sponsor:
- He must be a national citizen of the United States or permanent resident of the country.
- He must be able to prove that he is able to support and provide for the needs of the individuals.
- He must prove that his financial power is capable by submitting his bank statements, etc.
- Finally, he must submit a petition form.
Benefits of a US Family-based visa sponsorship
- It brings families together and increases love among family members .
- It opens new opportunities for family members
- It makes the US citizens increase his productivity due to the love and support he has received from his family.
The Application Process for a US Family-based visa sponsorship
When sponsoring a member of a family, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident to offer a visa sponsorship to any of your family members. Firstly, you must submit a petition in the name of your family members, which are form I-130 (for alien relatives) and form I-864 (Affidavit of support). Below are the steps for filing form I-130:
- You can apply for the form I-130 here.
- You also have to create an account on the portal here to process your application.
- Follow the due instruction as instructed on the USCIS website.
- If you are sponsoring more than one person, you have to apply for the form differently for each member
- You need to attach two identical colour passport style photographs of your family member and your own.
- And you also have to attach the original valid ID passport you and your family members
- You will also add proof of status as a US citizen or permanent resident.
Note: To avoid unnecessary delays, you must make sure your application is error-free and always check the status of your petition online.
Before your submission, you must have cheeked that you and your family member can fulfill the eligibility criteria and requirements which include language proficiency, proof relationship, financial capability, etc. When the petition is now approved, the individual will proceed to get an immigrant visa. It is also important that you know that the family-based visa sponsorship application process is a complex one and there may be a need for a physical interview, biometric identification, etc.
2. Employment-based visa sponsorship
This type of visa sponsorship is for those who are potential employees of a particular establishment in the United States who are ready to work under the US employer in the country. The US employer has to prove that there are no qualified US citizens for the roles or position before he/she continues to hire a foreign worker to work in the country and support the visa application fees.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Below are the eligibility criteria and requirements for an employment-based visa sponsorship in the USA:
For Individual:
- You must be above 18 years and above.
- You must be willing to live and work in the country.
- You must be able to speak, talk, and communicate fluently in the English language, especially in America.
- You must have received a valid job offer
- You must have no criminal record or affiliated with any judicial issues.
For the employer
- You must be able to prove that you are certified to provide a visa sponsorship job.
- You must be able to prove that you can sponsor the application fees and other fees associated with the job application
- You must be able to obey all the legal requirements for employment.
Benefits of an Employment-based visa sponsorship
- It will increase the productivity of the employer’s firm.
- It will increase the employer’s firm work output which means more money for the firm.
- Having to work in the United states, it means the employee will benefits from:
– A flexible working hours
– Overtime payment
-High salary
-Safe and secure environment
-Employment opportunities
The Application Process for an employment-based visa sponsorship
For an employment-based visa sponsorship, the employer has a lot to do because he will be the one to oversee the whole application process. Firstly, he will have to apply for petition form I-140 (immigration petition for alien worker) and other actions like: submitting the forms, personal documents from you and your employer, etc. The steps involved in the applying for form I-140 include:
- You must prepare all the documents you will need to process your application.
- As the US employer, sponsoring the potential employee, you will have to get a labour certification to show that no American citizens are available for the job.
- You must also be able to show that you are capable of paying the visa application fees.
- You must also pay for the form application fee which is around $700 and this is usually covered by the applicant.
- Then after payment, you can now file for the petition to begin the process.
Note: The petition usually takes a total of four to six months but early application, an error free application will avoid the unnecessary delays. You will also have to keep your receipt number as there may be a need for iit in the future.
After the petition is successfully approved, then you can continue to process your visa at the US embassy or at any nearest US visa application centre in your country.
Top Ways to Secure a US Sponsorship Visa in 2025 – Check Application Process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it possible to get a US work visa without visa sponsorship?
No, if you apply for a US work visa, the US employer will be the one to offer a US visa sponsorship which is one of the criteria to fulfil when you want to work in the country. It is one of the most important requirements.
2. How much do I need to sponsor anyone to the USA?
For sponsoring anyone to the United States, you will need at least a sum of $25,550 per annum. This only applies to you when you are a US citizen or permanent resident who is sponsoring any of your family members or rather a US employer who is willing to sponsor his potential employee visa application to the country.
3. Can I sponsor a non-family member to the United states of America?
No, the family based visa sponsorship is only meant for family members and close relatives of a US citizen or permanent resident of the country. Even though the US government only recognizes the specific individual who has family connection with you, a non-family can not be accepted.