What Does “Visa Sponsorship” Mean?
Do you have a family member back in your home country that you would love to bring to the United States? Perhaps you’re an employer interested in hiring a foreign national to fill an open job position. Whatever the case, visa sponsorship may be necessary to bring a foreign national into the country. Learn more about visa sponsors before beginning the immigration process.
What is Visa Sponsorship?
Simply put, US visa sponsorship is when an individual or company based in the United States advocates for a foreign national’s entry into the country for the purposes stated in the visa. First, the sponsor submits a petition on behalf of the foreign national. If approved, the foreign national can then apply for the desired visa. There is usually a financial aspect involved with visa sponsorships as well.
Types of Visa Sponsorships
Not every immigrant requires a sponsor. It depends on the countries involved and the purpose of the visit. There are many types of visa sponsorships and many ways to get sponsored.
Family-Based Immigration Sponsorship
Both US citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor another family member’s visa. These include:
K-1 visas for fiancés coming to the US for marriage
F-1 visitor visas for students to attend school
B-2 visitor visas for tourism, visiting friends and family, and other leisure activities
Employment-Based Immigration Sponsorship
Most immigrants looking to work in the United States need an official job offer and a US-based employer sponsor. These jobs may be permanent or short-term engagements, and the sponsoring employer generally must pay the immigration costs.
There are many types of employment visas, including:
H-1B visas
Employment-based immigrant visas (green cards)
Treaty work visas for professionals
L transfer employee visas
Quasi-work visas
O-1A visas for extraordinary ability
And more
Self-Sponsorship
Some immigrants can petition themselves for a green card under certain conditions. This group of foreign nationals is extremely limited and includes:
Widows and widowers of US citizens who meet specific requirements
Battered spouses/children who were victims of extreme violence or cruelty from US citizens or lawful permanent residents, and battered parents of US citizens
Special immigrants who meet other requirements, such as being religious workers or special immigrant juveniles
Are you ready to begin the visa sponsorship process? Hurtubise Weber Law LLP can guide you from start to finish to make the immigration process as smooth as possible! Call us today at (415) 496-9040 or contact us online to speak with our immigration lawyers in San Francisco and San Jose, California.