How much does it cost to sponsor someone to live in the USA?
Answer
Supporting an immigrant typically doesn’t come with direct fees. However, some sponsors choose to cover the expenses of the immigration process, which can cost $1,000 or more. Sponsors must also meet the income requirements to be eligible to support their family to live in the U.S.
The cost of sponsoring someone to live in the USA depends on the type of sponsorship. Here’s a general overview of the costs for different sponsorship categories:
Family-Based Sponsorship:
- Form I-130 (“Petition for Alien Relative”) filing fee: $625 (online); $675 (paper)
- Form I-485(“Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status”) filing fee: $1,440
- Additional expenses may include lawyer fees, medical examination costs, and similar charges.
Employment-Based Sponsorship:
- Form I-140 (“Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker”) filing fee: $715
- Form I-485(“Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status”) filing fee: $1,440
- Other potential costs can include labor certification fees, premium processing fees, legal fees, and associated expenses.
Diversity Visa Lottery:
- Application fee: None (Additional processing fees will apply once selected)
Investor-Based Sponsorship (EB-5 Visa):
- Minimum investment amount: $1.8 to $1.9 million (or $900,000 in targeted employment locations). Additional costs may involve legal fees, administrative charges, and investment-related expenses.
Refugee or Asylum Sponsorship:
- Costs vary widely and may include legal representation fees, application charges, and other related expenses.
These figures are approximate and may vary based on individual circumstances, legal fees, and any extra services needed during the sponsorship process.
Answered by a Boundless Immigration Expert
Learn more about Green Card Sponsor Income Requirements.
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