How Can I Sponsor A Filipino Family Member?

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To sponsor a family member for U. S. immigration, you must submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. Each person you sponsor needs a separate Form I-130, which can be submitted online or by mail. There are two categories of family-based immigrant visas: immediate relative and permanent resident. Immediate relative visas are for close relatives of U. S. citizens, such as spouses and unmarried children.

To sponsor an immigrant friend, you must meet certain income requirements. You must also provide evidence of the sponsor’s financial support for the relative. If you are a U. S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you can use Form I-130 to sponsor an immigrant spouse or relative to come and live in America.

To apply for family reunification, you must send both your sponsorship application and the permanent residence application for your relatives at the same time. Sign a sponsorship agreement with the relative to be sponsored that commits the sponsor to provide financial support for the relative, if necessary. You can apply for family reunification for your spouse (he/she must be 18 years of age or older) and your less than 18-year-old child/children.

You can only sponsor relatives like a brother, sister, aunt, or uncle in very specific situations. If your family member doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements, you can sponsor them as a nanny by obtaining a PERM Labor certification. If you choose to sponsor your relative’s immigration by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, you must agree to be the financial sponsor and file.

In summary, sponsoring a family member for U. S. immigration is a complex process that requires a combination of eligibility, income requirements, and supporting documents. If you wish to sponsor a family member living in France, you must first obtain a PERM Labor certification and agree to be the financial sponsor.

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How Long Does Family Sponsorship Take In The USA
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How Long Does Family Sponsorship Take In The USA?

After filing Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, processing times vary significantly. For immediate relatives, the approval typically takes 10 to 14 months, whereas family preference categories can require several years. The I-130 processing usually spans 5 to 19 months. USCIS operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and submitting the form earlier can expedite the process. From 2013 to 2023, the median processing time for family-based immigration applications increased from 4.

7 months to 11. 8 months. Immediate relatives residing in the U. S. can concurrently file Form I-485 to adjust their status. In general, most immediate relative petitions are completed within 10 to 14 months but certain cases may extend beyond that timeframe.

U. S. citizens can sponsor various family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings, with additional requirements such as the sponsor needing to be at least 21 years old to sponsor parents. The duration until an immigrant visa becomes available is contingent upon the family preference category, ranging from a couple of years to over 20 years for certain cases. For siblings of U. S. citizens, the entire process can take 10 to 15 years.

Historically, the naturalization process has taken about 6-8 months after filing the N-400 application, with estimates indicating a total waiting period of roughly three years for green card acquisition.

What Are The Requirements To Sponsor A Family Member
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What Are The Requirements To Sponsor A Family Member?

To sponsor a family member for U. S. immigration, the sponsor must be a U. S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR), at least 18 years old, and residing in the U. S. at the time of filing the affidavit of support. The process begins with submitting Form I-130, known as the "Petition for Alien Relative," which notifies USCIS of the intention to sponsor the specific family member. U. S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings, but citizens must be at least 21 years old to sponsor parents. LPRs can also sponsor certain family members but face restrictions on whom they can help immigrate.

Financial sponsorship is required; the sponsor must provide proof of sufficient income to support the immigrant family member(s). Although the affidavit of support does not need to be submitted with the I-130 petition, it is a crucial part of the process. Each individual sponsored requires a separate petition. Sponsorship also extends to family members seeking to work for relatives or companies with which their relatives are associated.

Overall, sponsoring an immigrant involves navigating various forms and legal requirements but ultimately aims to reunite families in the U. S. by allowing them to live, study, and work in the country.

How Much Is It To Petition Someone From The Philippines
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How Much Is It To Petition Someone From The Philippines?

Petitioning a relative living abroad involves several costs associated with various immigration forms. The fees currently are: Form I-130 costs $625 when filed online and $675 by mail; Form DS-260 is $325; Form I-864 costs $120; and a medical examination typically averages $200. While filing Form I-864 is free, sponsors generally cover application fees, which differ by visa type. Family-based immigrants are categorized as either immediate relatives (like spouses or children under 21 of U. S. citizens) or those under family preference categories.

For K visas, each applicant must pay a fee of $265. The filing fee for the Form I-130 is set to increase from $535 to $625 for online filing and $675 for paper applications as of April 1, 2024. Green Card holders can petition specific family members. The minimum estimated cost for petitioning a relative may span from $1, 505 to $2, 975. This overview highlights various fees relevant to sponsorship and immigration through family petitions in the U. S. Further details and updates on filing processes can be accessed through the USCIS website.

How Long Is A Sponsor Financially Responsible For An Immigrant
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How Long Is A Sponsor Financially Responsible For An Immigrant?

A sponsor's financial responsibility for an immigrant typically persists until one of four main events occurs: the immigrant becomes a U. S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work (roughly 10 years), dies, or permanently departs the United States. To obtain a green card, immigrants must demonstrate they are not "inadmissible," particularly regarding potential public charge concerns. In signing the Affidavit of Support under U. S. immigration law, the sponsor legally commits to supporting the immigrant financially until one of the aforementioned conditions is fulfilled.

Key to this obligation is the need for the sponsored immigrant to maintain an income at least 125% above the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Legal duties form a critical aspect of the sponsorship process, as failing to meet them can impact the immigration status. Should there be a change in the sponsor's address, they must inform USCIS until their responsibility concludes. The financial obligations also cover the need for joint sponsors, if any, to independently meet income and sponsorship criteria. Overall, the duration of a sponsor's liability hinges on the immigrant's successful path to citizenship or fulfilling the work requirement, ensuring they do not become reliant on public assistance.

How Much Income Do I Need To Sponsor My Family In USA
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How Much Income Do I Need To Sponsor My Family In USA?

As of August 2024, the minimum income requirement for a household of two to sponsor a family member or spouse for a green card is $25, 550. This benchmark aligns with 125% of the HHS Poverty Guidelines, although active duty military personnel have a reduced requirement of 100%. To qualify as a sponsor, individuals must demonstrate that their household income meets or exceeds this threshold, which can be fulfilled through a combination of income and assets.

The commonly accepted figure, $25, 550, applies primarily to U. S. citizens or lawful permanent residents sponsoring family members, excluding those on active military duty. Sponsors must prove they can financially support all dependents, utilizing guidelines from USCIS Form I-864P. In determining household size, it’s essential to evaluate the number of people relying on the sponsor financially. Documentation, including recent Federal tax returns, is crucial in substantiating income claims during the sponsorship process.

For households consisting of eight members, the income requirement increases substantially. The constant adjustment of these figures reflects changes in the economic landscape, ensuring that sponsorship remains feasible while maintaining support standards for immigrants. Therefore, understanding this financial obligation is vital for potential sponsors.

How Much Does It Cost To Sponsor A Family Member In Us
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How Much Does It Cost To Sponsor A Family Member In Us?

Sponsoring an immigrant to the U. S. primarily involves filing Form I-864, which is free. However, sponsors may incur costs for the entire immigration process, potentially ranging from $1, 000 to $2, 000. The total cost can vary significantly, potentially falling between $0 and $3, 090, depending on how much of the immigration expenses the sponsor is willing to cover. The base cost for petitioning a family member typically lies between $1, 505 and $2, 975 per immigrant, with specific fees including $535 for Form I-130. Additional expenses may come from attorney fees, medical examinations, and other related costs.

Sponsors must demonstrate financial stability, showing they can support their immigrant relatives at a minimum of 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. There are specific requirements depending on the type of visa, with costs for filing fees noted to be $625 for online submissions of Form I-130 or $675 for paper applications. As of April 2023, the fee for a family-based green card application is $1, 760, with expected increases soon. Separate petitions (Form I-130) are required for each family member, and applicants in the U.

S. and abroad face different fee structures. Starting April 1, 2024, filing fees will be revised, impacting various categories of applicants. Overall, while there are negligible direct costs to sponsor an immigrant, the financial commitment can add up significantly based on individual circumstances and choices.

How Long Does It Take To Petition Someone From The Philippines
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How Long Does It Take To Petition Someone From The Philippines?

The approval process for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can generally take 10 to 14 months for immediate relatives, while family preference categories may require several years. The USCIS processing time ranges from 5 months to 10 years as of 2024, depending on factors such as the petitioner's immigration status, the petition type, and the service center handling the case. For a U. S. citizen filing for a parent living in the Philippines, the process begins with the Form I-130 petition.

After the petition is approved, the applicant must continue through the National Visa Center. Processing times vary significantly, with waits of several years common, particularly for unmarried children over 21, who may expect an average wait of 3 to 4 years. For applicants from the Philippines, green card processing can take around 5 to 6 months for the initial approval and is subject to per-country visa caps, potentially extending the timeline to 10-12 years.

The fiancé(e) visa generally takes 6 to 9 months to process. Ultimately, overseas family sponsorship may result in wait times of 10 to 15 years or more, particularly for siblings seeking an immigrant visa. Understanding your receipt notice is crucial for tracking your petition's progress.


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Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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29 comments

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  • Hello po Maam. Good evening. Kapag ang foreigner boyfriend po ang mag sponsor lahat sa travel. Need po ba ng AOS? Doon po ba siya kukuha ng AOS sa Phil. Embassy sa lugar niya(abroad) or dito po kukuha mismo sa Pinas? Kasi pupuntahan niya ako dito sa Pinas para magkasama kami mag travel sa lugar niya. At anu-ano pa poo ang ibang requirements na needed e prepare? Thank you po.

  • I’m a foreigner who just got married in the Philippines. And now together with my wife we wants to visit my country. I will support her trip. Like you said she didn’t need to present AOSG at the immigration officer before her departure (because I belongs to a 1st civil degree – her husband). But like you said she will need an Invitation letter from me. Because I’m already in the Philippineas can I make it locally? Can you prefer me some place where i can make it, or if you can do it, I will pay ofcourse. Thanks a lot

  • Thank you so much mam! Big help kasi nabobother ako. Student Visa Subsequent Entrant ako ng asawa ko na Student visa holder sa Australia. Pinapanuod ko vlog mo mam, napakahelpful ng tips. Quick question lang ok, ok lang ba isagot sasamahan ko asawa ko pag tinanong anong purpose? Or kapag magwowork, sagot eh HINDI? Or any tips nalang mam ng possible question sakin. Thank you in advance. God bless po.

  • Hello new subscriber here. I am an ofw in Dubai. As I understand from your article there’s no need for AOSG since I’m planning to sponsor my husband who’s in the Phils (under spouse visa) and my child as tourist only (due to schooling in the Phils) right? Nd kasi naka mention sa polo/OWWA website regarding the rule you mentioned when sponsor is residing abroad (for 1st degree sponsorship)

  • Hello po ma’am❤ Husband ko po ay taga Schengen country. Gusto ng husband ko pumunta kami dun sa kanila since andito kami sa pinas ngayon. Itanong ko sana ano pong visa kunin ko? Gusto nya sana gawin akung resident dun. Pwde kaya ako mag apply ng visit visa for atleast 3 months and then while andun po ako eh register po ako ng husband ko doon at gawing resident dun. At itanong ko po sana dapat uuwi po ba ako sa date ng return ticket ko? Kahit halimbawa naka kuha na ako ng resident permit doon? Maraming salamat po❤❤❤

  • Done perusal your article.. balak ko Kase umalis ppuntang Dubai.first cousin ko un sponsor Po. So 4th degree na Po ako. Need ko na Ng mga supporting documents. As well as mga PSA . Para malaman if related talaga kmi like PSA Ng parents nmin. E what if Po walang PSA un parent ko. Legal document Po ba un baptismal or marriage contract Ng mom ko????thankyou

  • Ma’am, I messaged the immigration via messenger. They said that the “supposedly” revised travel guideline that was release on 3 Sep 2023 was actually suspended. The Immigration officer/representative stated and provided to me the old guideline. Based on the 2015, the people who need to show or provide AOSG are those whose relatives sponsored their trip. Who are those: those who are WITHIN THE 4th affinity and consanguinity (with given examples on the statement) hipag, pinsang buo, hipag, bayaw. Siblings are not mentioned in the list. So it is confusing for those na ininvite ng mga ate at kuya o kapatid kung magpprovide paba sila ng AOSG. Kindly help clarify this? Because since the revised one is SUSPENDED, therefore, we ought to follow the 2015 guideline wherein within 4th affinity/consanguinity lang ang minention na NEED NG AOS. Kindly help clarify, Ma’am? Marami pong salamat!

  • Good Day po, Ihahatid ang anak ko 10y/o ng kanyang pinsan dto s China .ang mga doc’s po namin ay SPA Affidavit of support and Consent Dswd Travel Clearance for minors Affidavit of Support and guarantee Birth Certificate ng hubby ko at kapatid ni hubby at BC ng pamangkin ni hubby . BC ng Mother and Daughter. Ano ano pa po kya ang mga docs nakakailnganin ? Salamat po ng marmi

  • Sis magtatano ng lang ako.may dalawa akong anak sa japanese.hindi po kami kasal.pero ni register niya Yong mga bata.wala na po akong kontak sa kanya.kasi Yong Isa Kong anak may disability po siya. Gusto po ng anak na pumonta ng japan. ano po ang dapat namin gawin.isang 17yrs old at 18 yrs old ang mga bata.salamat po.

  • Thank you very much po maam. Very good and clear explanation. Maam konting tanong lang po about First-cousin-in law. Naintindihan ko po na first-cousin-in law ay first cousin ni hubby. Tanong ko po is, kasali din po ba ung hubby nung first cousin ko jan sa 4th degree of affinity? Maraming salamat po.

  • Hellooo po ma’am,ask kolang po im traveling with my daughter bound to australia as tourist to visit her father for the second time,we’re not married po kasi but been together for 4years now,need kopa din po ba mag provide ng AOS sa philippine immigration even though I am with my daughter,on our first travel to Sydney hindi naman po kami hiningan

  • Hi gud day po mam,ask ko lng po,nandito po ako sa japan balak po namin iinvite ang nanay ko sa pinas para pumunta dito sa japan,ako po ang inviter at husband ko ang guarantour nya,ang husband ko po ay nikkei brazil pero permanent residents na kami pareho,ang tanong ko po is kailangan pa din po ba magpasa ng mother ko sa IO ng affidavit of support?thanks po sana po mabasa nyo po ito…

  • Good day po maam sana po mapansin niyo 🙏 this june kasi balak kami dalin ng tita ng jowa ko sa dubai for visiting lng po bali uuwi po tita nya dto na sponsored tas kukunin kng kami pano po kaya yon akmost 7 kmi pero halos pamangkin niya at ung dalawa anak niya ako po e jowa lng nung pamangkin niya pano po kaya mangyayari nun sana po mapansin niyo maam 🥲🙏

  • Hello ma’am, I am writing this po sana to inquire about our upcoming travel plans. Our mother, who is an OFW like our father, will be sponsoring our trip. We are both minors, aged 17 and 15. Additionally, we would like to bring along our aunt, who is the wife of our uncle and the sister-in-law of our mother. We would like to seek clarification regarding the affidavit of support. Do we still need to provide an affidavit of support, or is it required for our aunt only? and can i ask po if ano po yung possible na mga kaylangan namin for our trip Thank you po ❤

  • Hi ma’am, new here in your website. Ask lang po, if yung friend ko is first time traveler. and ako po ang nag book ng plane ticket at hotel nya. at nag provide din po ako ng invitation letter from embassy here sa Singapore. Ok lang po ba? At umployed po sya, bali savings nya po yng pang trip nya kasi birthday po nya. yung ticket at hotel at ako na po nag book for birthday gift ko sa kanya. Paano po kaya yun sa immigration? Thank you po.

  • Hello po sana masagot, .I was invited to attend in a church event by a Church Pastor sa ibang bansa. May friend po ako sa same church at nag offer ng free accomodation. Doon po ako tutuloy sa kanilang bahay pero sakin padin po lahat ng gastos. Need padin po ba ng AOS or need ko din po mam prepare ng letter of invitation?

  • Ssponsoran po ng mama ko ang travel namin sa sept 26 kami ng live-in partern ko,anak ko, ate ko,boyfriend nga ate ko at bunso namin.Tama po ba ang birth cert ng nanay ng live in partner ko ay kailangan para sa paggawa NG AOSG para maauthenticate at notorized ito ng ph embassy sa destination country namin ? At paano po kapag mali ang pangalan ng mama ng live in partner ko sa birth cert nya? Ano po gagawin sana po masagot at matulungan nyo po ako.

  • Hello po i have question po.. Im residing in Australia but i want to sponsor my mother na mag bakasyon kami sa singapore for 4 days…, kaylangan pa po ba mag shbmit ng AOS? im just wondering po kasi sa ibang country which is Singapore ang dedtination nya hindi dito sa Australia kung saan ako kasalukuyang nakatira. Sana po mapansin nyo itong comment ko salamat po

  • Hello gud day.i just want to ask if I still need an Affidavit of support,ksma ko ung live in partner ko going to Germany,where living here in Ph,,butn I applied in VFS Makati as tourist, and is approved already,but they didn’t ask for affidavit of support because I provided bank statement and properties under my name..my question is in immigration,are they going to ask for this affidavit?thanks

  • Hello mam yung hipag ko po citizens po sya sa Malaysia. Balak po nia bumisita po ako sa kanya pa promise gift nia sa darating kong kaarawan by November. Okay lang po ba kahit hindi kami kasal ng kapatid nia means Live in part lang po kami with two kids. At complete documents naman po maidadala namin ng partner ko. My worried is hindi po pa ako ma question or ma offload nyan kase hipag lang naman ako at hindi talaga kamag anak. Meron na po ako invitation letters for visitors.. Thankyou in Advanced mam. 🤍

  • Mam ask ko lang po, pano kung misis ko working as nurse dun sa qatar tapos makukuhanan nya ako ng family visa sa qatar kelangan ko pa ba mag present ng affidavit of support? 2nd question po kung mga reqrements ko po ba such as marriage cert, nbi e kailangan p po ba ipa- apostille sa DFA? maraming salamat po

  • Ako po ma’am pls responce me,, anak ko ang kukuha sa akin,,pasok ba ba ako hintayin ko na Lang ba ang visa,, wala na po ba akong kunin na requerments thank you pls response me ma’am now I’m here in phil, Dati Singapore,,ako ofw palagi akong kinukuha sa UAE ng mga anak ko,, this time ma’am nasa pinas ako visa

  • Hi po! My sister’s salary is less than 10k AED . AOS is applicable sa mga above 10K AED lamang. Plan ko mag tour this holiday season and I will be staying at her place. Anu po document dadalhin pag walang AOS? Ang gagastos sa travel ay ako nmn po since may work ako here, sa place lang nya ako mag sstay.

  • mam may question po ako. sponsored po ako ng asawa ko. yung sa COPR ko po kasi concern ko is ang destination na nakalagay north york, ontario. pero current address napo ksi is Calgary,alberta napo. bago ko papo nareceive ang COPR nag inform naman na ang husband ko ang nagwebform narin noon na ppalitan yung destination..hanggang sa nareceive ko po ang COPR hindi padin nag change yung destination. ok lang po kaya yun maam ??

  • Good evening po,,bka po makahingi ng advice mag tour po kmi sa bangkok sa October,, 5 po kmi friends ko sister ko,ang problem ko po wla po ako bank account regalo lng anak ko sakin dahil inaalagaan ko mga apo ko,,bka po hanapan ako ng bank statement,, May ticket,,hotel booking at itinerary na po kmi,,kinakabahan ako bka maoffload ako,, Dati po akong OFW 15yrs.ago marami dn tatak old passport ko

  • hello maam.salamat sa article na to.very informative..may tanong po ako,paano po kapag ang sponsor ko ay resident of new zealand peru nandito sa pinas ngayon for vacation.ano po bh gagawin?may flight na sana kami this coming september 4,tas yong unang affidavit of support na ipinadala sa akin nong nasa abroad pa xa ay kinunan lang niya nang litrato at e send nya sa akin. does she have to make new one?at ipapa authenticate sa phil embassy?salamat po.sana masagot mo tanong ko

  • Good morning po! New subscriber here, sana masagot yung tanong ko. First time traveler po ako, Canada-bound and yung flight at Airbnb ko po is booked gamit yung card ng bf ko na American citizen. Nag send din po sya ng pera sa account ko para sa travel expenses ko. Is he considered as my sponsor kahit pareho kaming tourist sa Canada? Need din po ba nyang mag process ng Affidavit sa Phil Embassy sa US?

  • Hi Ma’am, Ano Ano po ba ang kailangan na Doc. Magtatrabel po ako soon sa September 7 tourist / visiting my friend at yong Doc po ng sponsor ko is Bank statement, water bill, with South Africa’s stamps, his passport and then invitation letter, sapat na po ba iyan ma’am? Sana masagot nio po ako. Salamat

  • Wow..napakahelpful po talaga ng articles nyo😍 Ibig sabihin po ba kahit walang COE si misis basta si mister ay working abroad ay hindi na sya maooffload? Ano na po ang mga need dalin ni misis? And ask ko din po, paano naman kapag bf/gf lang.?ano po ang mga need nila. Thank you po in advance God bless you po ma’am 😊🙏

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