Can I Sponsor My Relative for a Tourist Visa in the United States?

Many United States citizens and permanent residents want to invite relatives from overseas to visit, whether for a family gathering, celebration, or just to spend quality time with one another. One of the first questions people may ask when considering this is: Can I sponsor my relative for their tourist visa? While U.S. immigration law does not allow formal sponsorship for visitor visas the way it does for green cards, you can still help your relative with their application process. Continue reading and work with a knowledgeable temporary visa immigration lawyer in New York City for more information and legal advice.

What is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa, formally referred to as a B-2 visa, is a visitor visa issued by the U.S. Department of State. Visas are documents often placed in an individual’s passport that grant foreign nationals the right to enter the United States for certain purposes and periods of time.

A B-2 tourist visa grants the visa holder permission to enter the country temporarily for leisure-related purposes. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning that the individual can only stay for a short period of time, and it is not a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship. Visitors must show a clear intent to return home after their trip.

Accepted reasons to travel to the U.S. with a tourist visa include:

• Tourism
• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree

Stays are generally limited to six months or less.

Can I Sponsor My Relative for a Tourist Visa in the U.S.?

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and U.S. employers have the right to sponsor individuals for immigrant visas, like green cards or employment-based visas. Formal sponsorship involves vouching for the foreign national and promising to financially support them during their stay to prevent them from becoming a public charge.

U.S. immigration law does not allow this type of formal sponsorship for tourist visas. However, while you can’t file an official petition on behalf of your relative, you can informally sponsor them by supporting their application.

You can support a visitor visa application by:

• Invitation letter: In the letter, explain who you are, your relationship to the applicant, and the reason for their visit
• Financial documents: Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns can show your ability to financially support your relative’s trip
• Proof of relationship: Photos, family records, and birth certificates can confirm your familial connection
• Proof of legal status: A copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, green card, or other valid status

Your support helps demonstrate to the U.S. government that your family member has a legitimate purpose for their travel and access to adequate financial resources. This can help make their application more credible.

To learn more, reach out to a skilled immigration attorney today.