Studying in the USA can be a dream come true for students all across the world. However, the path to studying in the USA may seem daunting, especially when it comes to getting a student visa. One important aspect of getting a student visa is having a sponsor who can help finance your education and stay in the USA. In this article, we’ll explore the important details about who can sponsor for student visa in USA, requirements to become a sponsor, the process of applying, and the responsibilities of a sponsor.

Key Takeaways:

• A sponsor is someone who will financially support a student’s education in the USA.
• The sponsor must be a US citizen or permanent resident and have a close relationship to the student.
• There are numerous requirements to become a sponsor, including providing evidence of income and assets and filling out a USCIS Form I-134.
• The responsibilities of a sponsor include supporting the student financially, making sure they attend school, and making sure they do not overstay their visa.
• The process of sponsoring a student visa involves filling out the essential forms, attending an interview, and providing extensive supporting documentation.

Who Can Sponsor for a Student Visa?

A sponsor is an individual who is willing to provide financial support to a student who wants to study in the USA. According to US immigration laws, a sponsor can be anyone who is a US citizen, US national, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old with a taxable income that meets the poverty guidelines set by the US government.

There are some relationships that USCIS allows as qualifying relationships for a sponsor, including parents, legal guardians, siblings, and grandparents of the student. Other types of relationships such as aunts and uncles and cousins are not considered a qualifying relationship. Make sure you understand the qualifying relationships for an eligible sponsor to avoid any disqualifications.

What Are The Requirements to Become a Sponsor For a Student Visa?

To become a sponsor for a student visa, you must first qualify as a sponsor. You’ll need to provide evidence of income and assets to support your sponsorship claim. Such evidence can include tax returns, bank statements, investment statements, property deeds, and income statements from your employer.

Apart from the financial aspect, becoming a sponsor will also require you to complete a USCIS Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. By signing the affidavit, you agree to financially support the student during their stay in the USA.

What Documents Are Needed to Prove the Financial Ability to Sponsor a Student Visa?

When sponsoring a student visa, you’ll need to provide documents that prove your financial ability to support the student during their stay in the USA. Some of the essential documents include:

• Bank statements for the last six months to one year to show proof of savings and income.
• Proof of employment, including a letter from your employer indicating salary and job security.
• Properties always have documentation of ownership and the current value of the property.
• Tax returns from the previous year showcase your annual income.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Sponsor?

As a sponsor, your primary responsibility is to financially support the student. However, it’s also your responsibility to ensure that the student complies with the terms of their visa, including attending school full-time and not working without permission.

The sponsor will also have to make sure the student departs from the USA on or before the end of their studies. If the student decides to stay beyond their authorized period, the sponsor will be responsible for any legal consequences.

What Is the Application Process for Sponsoring a Student Visa?

To apply for sponsoring a student visa, start by filling out the USCIS Form I-134. After that, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation and submit the application to the US embassy or consulate in the student’s home country. Once the embassy receives the application, they’ll schedule an interview with the student.

During this process, the embassy may request additional documentation, so it’s important to keep all documentation safe and ready for submission. Following the interview, the sponsoring process is complete, and if approved, the student will receive their visa from the embassy.

Conclusion

The USA offers a world-class education, so it’s only natural that students from around the world dream of studying there. However, getting a student visa can be a daunting task. This guide has shown who can sponsor a student visa, and the requirements of becoming one. A potential sponsor needs to be a US citizen or permanent resident and must have a close relationship with the student. Proper documentation to prove financial responsibility and the completion of forms are also required. By following the instructions and guidance in this article, sponsoring a student visa for the US should be made easier.

Useful FAQ

1. Can a legal guardian sponsor a student visa?

Yes, legal guardians can also be sponsors for a student visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Can a student’s friend sponsor their visa?

No, friends do not qualify as eligible sponsors. USCIS has identified a list of qualifying relationships, which can be found on their website.

3. Can a sponsor change their mind halfway through the sponsorship process?

Yes, a sponsor can change their mind anytime during the sponsorship process. However, they will need to complete the necessary forms to withdraw their sponsorship.