Helping a family member come to live in the United States requires careful, proper documentation. It can be overwhelming to navigate the immigration system without guidance. The Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq. P.C. can help you understand the process of sponsoring an immigrant in Union City. We have been practicing immigration law since 1987, and our attorneys have the experience and knowledge you need. Sponsoring a family member is one of the most meaningful things you can do, and we help make it possible.
The U.S. immigration system allows certain family relationships to form the basis for immigration sponsorship. As a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in Union City, you may be able to sponsor a spouse, parent, sibling, or child. Each relationship category has different requirements and processing times.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) do not have visa number limitations. Other relatives may have to wait years for visa availability, depending on the category and country of origin. Your immigration attorney can advise on timelines for your case.
The family sponsorship process is organized into categories with different waiting periods. Spouses of U.S. citizens typically have relatively short waits, while sponsoring siblings can take many years. Understanding which category applies to your family member helps you plan realistically. Your immigration lawyer can explain these timelines upfront so you know what to expect.
When you sponsor a family member, you are agreeing to provide financial support and ensure your relative does not become a public charge, meaning they will not rely on government benefits. This responsibility requires completing the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) and meeting specific income requirements based on your household size and poverty guidelines. Your income and assets will be reviewed carefully to ensure you can support your family member.
Your household income must be at least 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline for your family size. If your income is not sufficient, you may be able to add joint sponsors who agree to financially support your family member as well. We help you determine whether your income qualifies or whether you need additional sponsors. We also help coordinate between multiple sponsors if necessary.
Depending on the family relationship, the immigrant sponsorship process in Union City can involve filing petitions, paying fees, and waiting for visa availability. For some categories, the wait can be many years. Throughout this time, you need reliable guidance on what to expect and how to maintain your petition properly. Our immigration law firm keeps you informed about where your case stands and what actions are needed.
Sponsorship applications require extensive documentation, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, medical exams, and financial documents. We help you gather and organize all necessary paperwork. Errors or omissions can delay your case significantly, and we prevent these problems through careful attention to detail.
Many families make inadvertent errors that delay their cases unnecessarily and cost additional money. We help you avoid these pitfalls by ensuring all documentation is complete, accurate, and properly organized. Your lawyer will review every document before submission.
Visa processing times vary significantly depending on the family relationship and country of origin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens typically wait months, while other categories can take several years. Understanding realistic timelines helps you plan for your family member’s arrival.
The Law Office of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq. P.C. successfully helps families who are sponsoring an immigrant in Union City. Whether you are bringing over a spouse, parent, sibling, or child, we provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us today to discuss your family’s immigration goals and begin the sponsorship process.
(201) 330-8883