How to Sponsor Relative for U.S. Citizenship
You cannot sponsor a relative to become a U.S. citizen directly. Instead you can sponsor them to become a permanent resident and later, if they qualify, they can apply for citizenship. As a part of the process, you will have to submit the I-864, Affidavit of Support, which is an undertaking to support your relative financially when in the U.S.
Eligibility to become a sponsor:
- You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
- You must actually live in the U.S. or in a territory or possession of the U.S. Even if you live abroad, you can show that your residence abroad is temporary, and that you still have your residence in the U.S.
Steps to Sponsor Relative for U.S. Citizenship
1If your relative is living outside the U.S., you must file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, which when approved will be forwarded to the local consulate where your relative lives. You must also submit the I-864, Affidavit of Support,.
2Your relative will have to appear at their local consulate to complete the application and then for the visa interview. If approved, they will be granted an immigrant visa with which they can enter the U.S.
3 If your relative is living in the U.S., you must file the I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).You will have to fill the I-864 and give it to the relative, who has to attach it along with their application and submit it to the USCIS.
4 They can then apply for citizenship, after a minimum period of 5 or 3 years (depending on how they got the permanent resident status).
Related Articles
Other "How To" ARTICLES
Share the page
US Citizenship
Citizenship Application Form N-400
Replace Certificate of Citizenship Form N-565
Certificate of Citizenship Form N-600
US Immigration
Green Card
Green Card Replacement Form I-90
Remove Condition on Green Card Form I-751
Adjustment of Status Form I-485
New Articles
US Visas
Visitor Exchange Visa (J1 Visa)
Skilled/Unskilled Work Visa (H2B Visa)
Intracompany Transferee (L1 Visa)
Extraordinary Ability Work Visa (O1 Visa)
Religious Worker Visa (R1 Visa)
US Visa Entry for Spouse and Children
US Immigration Forms
US Citizenship Application Form N-400
Employment Authorization Document Form I-765
Travel Document Application Form I-131
Conditional Green Card Form I-751
Certificate of Citizenship Replacment Form N-565
Certificate of Citizenship Application Form N-600
Duplication Approval Notice Form I-824
Affidavit of Support Form I-134
US Immigration DVDS & Resources
CONTACT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE | REFUND POLICY | BLOG | SITE MAP