Sponsoring an Immigrant in Lombard

If individuals want to help a loved one immigrate to the United States, it’s possible to do so with the right qualifications and approach. The key is knowing how to meet certain eligibility criteria and what to expect throughout the sponsorship.

Let’s get into sponsoring an immigrant in Lombard, including what it will involve and how a family immigration attorney may be able to assist you and your family.

Who Can Sponsor an Immigrant?

To sponsor an immigrant in Lombard or any other location in the U.S., individuals must be either a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a U.S. Citizen.

Additionally, they must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have either a U.S. possession or territory or a U.S.-based domicile
• Make income that’s at least 125% of the country’s current federal poverty guidelines that apply to your household size (this is reduced to 100% for active-duty service members in the U.S. armed forces)
• Have proof of financial resources and income level

An attorney could help individuals determine if they meet these criteria before applying for sponsorship.

Who Can Receive Sponsorship?

If a sponsor is an LPR, they can sponsor the following family members:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children under 21
• An unmarried son or daughter of any age

However, if the sponsor is a U.S. citizen, they may sponsor:

• Spouses
• Children under 21 or unmarried
• Sons and daughters who are married and/or over 21
• Parents, if the sponsor is 21 or older
• Siblings, if the sponsor is 21 or older

An immigration attorney could help you determine whether your potential sponsee qualifies for a sponsorship.

The Process of Sponsoring an Immigrant

Sponsoring an immigrant family member in Lombard will involve the following basic processes, depending on whether the sponsee is in the U.S. or another country at the time of sponsorship.

If the Immigrant Sponsee is in the U.S.

If the sponsee currently resides in the U.S., take the following steps:

• File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Have the sponsee file Form-I485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Both the sponsor and sponsee must also submit accompanying fees and supporting documentation, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, and passports
• Ensure the sponsor attends a biometric appointment to submit fingerprints and other biometric data to USCIS, if necessary
• Both parties may also need to attend an interview with an immigration official
• Await the approval of both sponsor and sponsee applications

If the Sponsee Is Abroad

If the sponsee is in another country at the time of applying for a green card, the sponsor and sponsee must do the following:

• The sponsor must file Form I-130
• The sponsee will need to file Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, with the Department of State (DOS)
• The sponsee must attend an interview with an immigration official
• USCIS makes a decision and, if it approves the application, will send the sponsee their green card

A reputable immigration lawyer may help keep this process smooth throughout, regardless of the specific approach.

Get Help from a Lombard Attorney to Sponsor an Immigrant

If an LPR or American citizen wishes to sponsor a loved one’s application to obtain a green card, it’s in your best interest to work with an immigration lawyer for help with sponsoring an immigrant in Lombard.

Connect with our experienced attorneys to find out what we can do for you and your potential sponsee, along with other immigration matters.