Visa Sponsorship: Everything you need to know

This guide is here to help you understand the different types of visa sponsorships, explore which visas need employer support, show you how to find jobs that offer visa sponsorship, and answer common questions.

Simon Craven, Manifest Immigration Lawyer

By:

Chelsea Spinos

Chelsea Spinos is a contributing writer for Manifest Law. She covers all topics related to U.S. visas and green cards. She is passionate about helping people navigate their immigration journey with clarity and confidence.

Reviewer:

Simon Craven, Esq.

Simon Craven is an immigration attorney with 11+ years of experience working on thousands of successful immigration cases. Simon is passionate about US immigration and helping people.

13 min read • June 21, 2024

Image of immigration documents, a passport, and the US flag

Key takeaways

Visa sponsorship is when an individual, company, or organization in the United States assists a foreign national in obtaining a visa or green card, allowing them to live and work in the country.

There are three types of visa sponsorship: family-based sponsorship, employment-based sponsorship, and humanitarian financial sponsorship.

Getting visa sponsorship for a U.S. work visa involves finding an employer in the United States willing to hire you and sponsor your visa application.

Depending on the visa type, there are different requirements a job must meet to qualify for visa sponsorship.

Manifest Law has a team of immigration lawyers who have experience helping people obtain visa sponsorship. Book a free consultation to learn about your visa options.

Living and working in the United States - it's the dream for countless people around the world seeking new opportunities. But actually making it happen? That's where things can get complicated.

If you've ever found yourself wondering "How can I get sponsorship to work in the U.S.?" or "Is there any way I can legally live in America?", then this is the visa sponsorship guide you need.

In this guide, we'll cover the different types of visa sponsorships, the various visas that require employer sponsorship, how to find jobs that offer visa sponsorship, and answer frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process.

What is visa sponsorship?

Visa sponsorship is when someone, a company, or an organization in the United States helps a foreign national get a visa or green card to live and work in the country.

The sponsor supports the visa application by providing the necessary paperwork to the U.S. government and takes on responsibilities to ensure the individual follows U.S. immigration laws.

For employers, sponsoring a visa means committing to hire a foreign national and assisting them in getting the legal permission to work in the United States. This process typically involves submitting forms and documents to prove that the job can't be filled by a U.S. worker and that the foreign national is qualified for the position.

Types of visa sponsorship

Family-based sponsorship

Family-based sponsorship is when a family member who is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder helps another family member from another country come and live in the United States permanently.

If you have been asked to assess the work of other people in your field, this might help you qualify for one of the O1 visa criteria. Judging can be in a competitive setting, such as a contest, awards panel, or grants committee. Or, it can be an evaluation of someone’s work, like a scientific paper or presentation, or even a grant application.

The key here is that some organization thought you were the go-to person with ample expertise to assess the work of others. This shows USCIS that you are seen as someone who stands out from others in your work.

If you think you can meet the “judge of others” criteria and at least two other criteria on the list of O1 visa evidence, you could be ready to apply! Reach out to Manifest Law and we can help you put your best case forward.

Requirements

The person sponsoring must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.

The family member being sponsored must be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the sponsor (depending on the sponsor's status).

The sponsor needs to prove they can financially support the family member they're sponsoring.

The family member being sponsored must meet certain requirements, pass medical checks, and have no disqualifying criminal record.

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How it works

File Petition (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen or green card holder family member files a petition (Form I-130) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to show the family relationship.

Wait for Approval: After submitting the petition, the USCIS reviews it. Once approved, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC).

NVC Processing: The NVC processes the case, assigns a case number, and asks for necessary documents from both the sponsor and the sponsored family member.

Interview and Visa Processing: Once all documents are received and processed, the sponsored family member attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. If approved, they get an immigrant visa to enter the United States.

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Employment-based sponsorship

Employment-based sponsorship is when a U.S. employer helps a person from another country get a work visa to fill a specific job in the United States.

Requirements

The employer must offer a job that can't be filled by a U.S. worker.

The person being sponsored must have the skills and qualifications needed for the job.

The employer must meet legal and financial requirements, including paying the prevailing wage and following labor laws.

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How it works

Labor Certification (if needed): Sometimes, the employer must get a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) to show no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.

File Petition (Form I-129): The employer files a petition (Form I-129) with the USCIS for the foreign worker.

Wait for Approval: USCIS reviews the petition. If approved, and if the worker is outside the U.S., the case goes to the NVC.

NVC Processing (for consular processing): The NVC processes the case, schedules an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the worker's home country.

Adjustment of Status (if needed): If the worker is already in the U.S., they may apply for a green card after USCIS approves the petition.

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

Humanitarian Financial sponsorship

Besides family-based and employment-based sponsorship, there's another way individuals and organizations can help people from other countries come to the U.S.

Humanitarian financial sponsorship is a type of visa sponsorship that lets people or groups in the U.S. take financial responsibility for others who are part of certain humanitarian programs.

Besides family-based and employment-based sponsorship, there's another way individuals and organizations can help people from other countries come to the U.S.

Humanitarian financial sponsorship is a type of visa sponsorship that lets people or groups in the U.S. take financial responsibility for others who are part of certain humanitarian programs.

Supported Programs

Uniting for Ukraine Program: This program allows for the sponsorship of Ukrainian refugees who are seeking to come to the United States.

Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans: This program allows sponsorship for people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who are seeking humanitarian parole in the United States.

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Requirements

The sponsor must be able to prove they have the financial means to support the person or family they're sponsoring.

Financial resources can include personal income, assets, or other forms of support.

The sponsor must be willing to take on the financial responsibility for the person or family during their stay in the United States.

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How it works

Show Financial Ability: The sponsor needs to provide proof of their financial ability to support the person or family they're sponsoring. This might include income statements, documents showing assets, or other financial records.

Commit to Financial Support: The sponsor promises to provide financial support to cover the living expenses of the person or family they're sponsoring while they're in the United States.

Submit Documents: The sponsor sends all the necessary financial documents along with the application for the humanitarian program.

Approval and Visa Issuance: Once approved, the person or family being sponsored gets the necessary paperwork to come to the United States under the specific humanitarian program.

Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com

How can I get sponsorship for a US work visa?

In the United States, work visas are among the nearly 200 types of visas available. They allow individuals from other countries to enter and work in the U.S., either permanently or for a specific period.

Getting visa sponsorship for a U.S. work visa involves finding an employer in the United States willing to hire you and sponsor your visa application.

You will need to meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for visa sponsorship:

Getting visa sponsorship for a U.S. work visa involves finding an employer in the United States willing to hire you and sponsor your visa application.

You will need to meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for visa sponsorship:

Requirements

You must have a job offer from a US employer

Your job must be in a field that is included on the list of eligible occupations for work visas

You must have the required education and/or work experience for the job

You must be able to prove that you will return to your home country after your work visa expires

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Not sure if you meet all the U.S. visa sponsorship requirements?

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with Manifest Law today

Book a free consultation with Manifest Law and learn more about your options.

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Nonimmigrant work visas that require employment sponsorship

H1B Visa

The H1B visa is for people with specialized skills who want to work in the United States. It's for jobs that require a high level of expertise in fields like IT, finance, engineering, science, medicine, and more.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

To get an H-1B visa, you need a job offer from a U.S. employer.
Your job must require special skills, and your employer has to prove that you're the right person for the job.

What You Need:

You must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
Your employer must pay you a fair wage for the job.
Your employer has to apply for a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor.

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an H-1B visa for up to six years.
After that, you might be able to extend it if you're working on getting permanent residency.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

To get an H-1B visa, you need a job offer from a U.S. employer.
Your job must require special skills, and your employer has to prove that you're the right person for the job.

What You Need:

You must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
Your employer must pay you a fair wage for the job.
Your employer has to apply for a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor.

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an H-1B visa for up to six years.
After that, you might be able to extend it if you're working on getting permanent residency.

L1 Visa

The L1 visa is for people who work for multinational companies and are being transferred to a U.S. branch of the same company. This visa is designed for managers, executives, or employees with special skills.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

Your employer has to sponsor you for the L1 visa.
They have to show that you've been working for the company for at least a year and that you're needed in the U.S.

What You Need:

You must have been employed by the same employer, or a qualifying organization, abroad for at least one continuous year out of the preceding three years.
You must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or specialized role.
The U.S. company and the foreign company must have a qualifying relationship (parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an L-1A visa for up to seven years if you're a manager or executive.
You can get an L-1B visa for up to five years if you have special skills.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

Your employer has to sponsor you for the L1 visa.
They have to show that you've been working for the company for at least a year and that you're needed in the U.S.

What You Need:

You must have been employed by the same employer, or a qualifying organization, abroad for at least one continuous year out of the preceding three years.
You must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or specialized role.
The U.S. company and the foreign company must have a qualifying relationship (parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an L-1A visa for up to seven years if you're a manager or executive.
You can get an L-1B visa for up to five years if you have special skills.

O1 Visa

The O1 visa is for people with extraordinary abilities or achievements in fields like arts, science, education, or athletics. It is intended for people who have risen to the top of their field of expertise and are recognized nationally or internationally for their achievements.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

Your employer has to sponsor you for this visa.
They have to show that you're extraordinary in your field and that they need you in the U.S.

What You Need:

You must be recognized nationally or internationally in your field.
Your employer has to provide evidence of your achievements.

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an O1 visa for up to three years.
You can keep extending it for one year at a time as long as you keep working in your field.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

Your employer has to sponsor you for this visa.
They have to show that you're extraordinary in your field and that they need you in the U.S.

What You Need:

You must be recognized nationally or internationally in your field.
Your employer has to provide evidence of your achievements.

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an O1 visa for up to three years.
You can keep extending it for one year at a time as long as you keep working in your field.

E3 Visa

The E3 visa is for citizens of Australia who want to work in the United States. It's similar to the H1B visa, but just for Australians.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

Your employer has to sponsor you for this visa.
They have to prove that your job requires special skills and that you're the right fit.

What You Need:

You need a job offer from a U.S. employer.
The job must be in a specialty occupation that requires a bachelor's degree or higher.
You must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
The employer must pay the prevailing wage to you.

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an E3 visa for up to two years.
You can keep extending it for two years at a time with no limit on how many times you can extend it.

If you're considering these work visas, you'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you. Each visa has different requirements and lasts for different lengths of time.

The E3 visa is for citizens of Australia who want to work in the United States. It's similar to the H1B visa, but just for Australians.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

Your employer has to sponsor you for this visa.
They have to prove that your job requires special skills and that you're the right fit.

What You Need:

You need a job offer from a U.S. employer.
The job must be in a specialty occupation that requires a bachelor's degree or higher.
You must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
The employer must pay the prevailing wage to you.

How Long It Lasts:

You can get an E3 visa for up to two years.
You can keep extending it for two years at a time with no limit on how many times you can extend it.

If you're considering these work visas, you'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you. Each visa has different requirements and lasts for different lengths of time.

Book a free consultation with Manifest Law to find out which visa is right for you and if you meet the visa sponsorship requirements.

Immigrant work visas that require employment sponsorship

EB1 Visa

The EB1 visa is for people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives or managers.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

To get an EB-1 visa, you'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you.
They'll need to show that you're extraordinary in your field or have achieved outstanding recognition.

What You Need:

You need to fall into one of three categories: extraordinary ability, outstanding professor or researcher, or multinational executive or manager.
Your employer has to offer you a job that aligns with your qualifications and achievements.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB-1 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

The EB1 visa is for people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, or multinational executives or managers.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

To get an EB-1 visa, you'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you.
They'll need to show that you're extraordinary in your field or have achieved outstanding recognition.

What You Need:

You need to fall into one of three categories: extraordinary ability, outstanding professor or researcher, or multinational executive or manager.
Your employer has to offer you a job that aligns with your qualifications and achievements.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB-1 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

EB2 Visa

The EB2 visa is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for this visa.
They'll need to prove that you have advanced degrees or exceptional skills.

What You Need:

You must have an advanced degree (master's or higher) or exceptional ability in your field.
Your employer must offer you a job that requires your advanced degrees or exceptional ability.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB2 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

The EB2 visa is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for this visa.
They'll need to prove that you have advanced degrees or exceptional skills.

What You Need:

You must have an advanced degree (master's or higher) or exceptional ability in your field.
Your employer must offer you a job that requires your advanced degrees or exceptional ability.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB2 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

EB3 Visa

The EB3 visa is for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for this visa.
They'll need to show that you have the skills, qualifications, and ability to fill the job in the United States.

What You Need:

The EB2 visa has three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
Your employer must offer you a job that matches your skills and qualifications.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB2 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

The EB3 visa is for skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for this visa.
They'll need to show that you have the skills, qualifications, and ability to fill the job in the United States.

What You Need:

The EB2 visa has three subcategories: skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers.
Your employer must offer you a job that matches your skills and qualifications.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB2 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

EB4 Visa

The EB-4 visa is for special immigrants, including religious workers, certain foreign medical graduates, broadcasters, and others.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for this visa.
They'll need to prove that you're eligible under one of the specified categories for the EB4 visa.

What You Need:

The EB4 visa has various categories, including religious workers, certain foreign medical graduates, broadcasters, and others.
Your employer must offer you a job that meets the requirements of the specific EB4 category.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB4 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

The EB-4 visa is for special immigrants, including religious workers, certain foreign medical graduates, broadcasters, and others.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for this visa.
They'll need to prove that you're eligible under one of the specified categories for the EB4 visa.

What You Need:

The EB4 visa has various categories, including religious workers, certain foreign medical graduates, broadcasters, and others.
Your employer must offer you a job that meets the requirements of the specific EB4 category.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB4 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

EB5 Visa

The EB5 visa is for immigrant investors who are willing to invest a significant amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

While not a traditional employment sponsorship visa, the EB5 visa requires the foreign investor to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

What You Need:

You need to invest a minimum amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise in the United States.
Your investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB5 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

For any of these visas, you'll need a U.S. employer (or as an investor for the EB5) to sponsor you. Each visa has different requirements and leads to permanent residency (a green card).

If you're considering one of these visas, it's a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney to explore your options and ensure you meet the visa sponsorship requirements.

The EB5 visa is for immigrant investors who are willing to invest a significant amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers.

Getting Visa Sponsorship:

While not a traditional employment sponsorship visa, the EB5 visa requires the foreign investor to create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

What You Need:

You need to invest a minimum amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise in the United States.
Your investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

How Long It Lasts:

The EB5 visa leads to permanent residency (green card) in the United States. Once granted, it doesn't expire.

For any of these visas, you'll need a U.S. employer (or as an investor for the EB5) to sponsor you. Each visa has different requirements and leads to permanent residency (a green card).

If you're considering one of these visas, it's a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney to explore your options and ensure you meet the visa sponsorship requirements.

Employment-based visa sponsorship process

Step 1: Understand your visa options

Before you start your job search, it's essential to understand which type of work visa you're eligible for based on your skills, qualifications, and the job you intend to get in the U.S.

Common types of work visas include the H-1B visa for specialty occupation workers, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, and the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities.

Step 2: Start your job search

Begin your job search by looking for openings in your field that are open to hiring foreign workers and are willing to sponsor work visas.

You can start by searching for job opportunities on online job portals like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Use keywords like "visa sponsorship," "H1B sponsorship," or "sponsorship available" to narrow down your search results.

If you have a specific company or position in mind, try exploring company career pages, as some companies explicitly mention if they offer visa sponsorship.

Step 3: Get hired!

Once you receive a job offer, negotiate the terms of your employment, including salary, benefits, and visa sponsorship. Make sure the employer understands the visa sponsorship process and is committed to supporting your visa application.

Step 4: Employer files petition

After accepting a job offer, your employer will initiate the visa sponsorship process by filing a petition on your behalf with USCIS. The specific form will depend on the type of visa you're applying for.

Check the table below for the forms for each type of visa:

Step 1: Understand your visa options

Before you start your job search, it's essential to understand which type of work visa you're eligible for based on your skills, qualifications, and the job you intend to get in the U.S.

Common types of work visas include the H-1B visa for specialty occupation workers, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, and the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities.

Step 2: Start your job search

Begin your job search by looking for openings in your field that are open to hiring foreign workers and are willing to sponsor work visas.

If you have a specific company or position in mind, try exploring company career pages, as some companies explicitly mention if they offer visa sponsorship.

Step 3: Get hired!

Step 4: Employer files petition

Check the table below for the forms for each type of visa:

Visa type

H1B visa

L1 visa

O visa

R visa

TN visa

K1 visa

EB5 visa

EB3 visa

EB2 visa

EB1 visa

Family-based Immigration

Form required

Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

Form I-526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor

Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

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Step 5: USCIS processing

The USCIS will review the petition submitted by your employer. If additional information or documentation is required, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). Once the USCIS approves the petition, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) or the appropriate U.S. consulate or embassy.

Step 6: Consular processing

If you're outside the United States, you'll need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. The consular officer will review your application, conduct an interview, and determine whether to approve your visa.

Step 7: Get your visa and start working

If your visa application is approved, you'll receive your work visa, allowing you to enter the U.S. and begin working for your sponsoring employer.

Once you have your visa, you can make arrangements to relocate to the United States. Check out our blog post “Best Housing Options for US Immigrants” to learn more about the different housing options available to you.

Step 5: USCIS processing

Step 6: Consular processing

Step 7: Get your visa and start working

If your visa application is approved, you'll receive your work visa, allowing you to enter the U.S. and begin working for your sponsoring employer.

Finding visa sponsorship jobs

Finding the right job with visa sponsorship can feel like a challenging task, but it's absolutely achievable.

Let’s takes a look at some practical ways to find visa sponsorship jobs:

Online job portals

Online job portals are a great place to start your search for visa sponsorship jobs.

Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn have filters that let you specifically search for jobs offering visa sponsorship.

When you're browsing, try using keywords such as "visa sponsorship," "H1B sponsorship," or "sponsorship available" to narrow down your search results.

Company career pages

Many companies make it clear on their career pages whether they offer visa sponsorship. Take a close look at the job descriptions and requirements to see if the company offers visa sponsorship for the positions you're interested in.

Recruitment agencies

Some recruitment agencies specialize in placing international candidates in U.S. jobs, and may have job listings with visa sponsorship. These agencies are experts in navigating the visa sponsorship process and can help you find employment opportunities.

When searching for jobs, it's essential to carefully review the job descriptions and requirements to ensure they meet the criteria for the specific visa you are targeting.

Below are lists of jobs that typically qualify for visa sponsorship:

H1B visa sponsorship jobs

Software Developer/Engineer
Data Scientist/Analyst
IT Project Manager
Business Analyst
Financial Analyst
Marketing Manager
Human Resources Manager
Graphic Designer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer

EB-3 visa sponsorship jobs

Registered Nurses
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Teachers (K-12)
Agricultural Workers
Construction Workers
Landscapers/Gardeners
Food Service Workers
Maintenance Workers
Truck Drivers

Unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship

Hospitality Staff (e.g., Housekeeping, Front Desk)
Restaurant Workers (e.g., Cooks, Servers)
Construction Laborers
Landscapers/Gardeners
Caregivers/Nannies
Warehouse Workers
Retail Sales Associates
Truck Drivers
Cleaners/Janitors
Agricultural Workers

Sponsorship letter for visa

What is a sponsorship letter?

A sponsorship letter for a visa is a document written by a sponsor (an individual, organization, or company) to support a visa application submitted by a foreign national.

It serves as a formal declaration of the sponsor's commitment to provide financial and/or logistical support to the visa applicant during their stay in the U.S.

The purpose of the sponsorship letter is to show that the visa applicant will have sufficient financial resources and support to cover their expenses while staying in the U.S.

This letter assures immigration authorities that the visa applicant will not become a burden on the country's welfare system and will comply with the terms of their visa.

What’s included in the sponsorship letter?

A sponsorship letter usually includes the following information:

Introduction: The sponsor's name, address, and contact details.
Statement of Sponsorship: A clear statement expressing the sponsor's willingness to support the visa applicant financially and/or logistically during their stay.
Relationship to the Applicant: An explanation of the sponsor's relationship to the visa applicant — such as family member, friend, employer, educational institution.
Details of Support: Information about the type of support the sponsor will provide, such as financial assistance, accommodation, transportation, etc.
Financial Information: Details of the sponsor's financial resources, including income, savings, assets, and any other financial commitments.
Duration of Support: The amount of time the sponsor intends to provide support to the visa applicant.
Signature: The letter should be signed by the sponsor, and in some cases, notarized to confirm its authenticity.

Fee type

Petition fee

Application fee

American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act charges

Fraud Prevention and Detection fee

Additional fee for companies with more than 50 employees, where half are foreign nationals:

Cost

$460

$190

$750 to $1,500

$500

$4000

For the full list of US work visa filing fees, you can visit the official USCIS website.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a US work visa without visa sponsorship?

No, you typically need an employer or organization in the US to sponsor you for a work visa. This sponsorship is a crucial step in the process and involves your employer filing certain forms and documents with the US government to support your visa application.

How much money do you need to sponsor someone in USA?

To sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card, you typically need to earn at least $25,550 per year. This requirement applies if you are a U.S. citizen or a current green card holder, not on active military duty, and sponsoring just one relative.

Can I sponsor a non-family member?

Unfortunately, under family-based sponsorship, no. The U.S. government only recognizes specific familial relationships for immigration purposes.

How do I find an employer to sponsor me in the USA?

Start by searching for job opportunities on online job portals like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Use keywords like "visa sponsorship," "H1B sponsorship," or "sponsorship available" to narrow down your search results.

Explore company career pages, as some companies explicitly mention if they offer visa sponsorship.
Consider reaching out to recruitment agencies that specialize in placing international candidates. These agencies may have job listings with visa sponsorship.
Consulting firms, especially those that specialize in immigration services, may have job openings that offer visa sponsorship. Explore job listings on their websites or reach out directly.

Take the First Step:

Schedule your free consultation!

Review of visa options available for you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Take the First Step:

Schedule your free consultation!

Review of visa options available for you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

Take the First Step:

Schedule your free consultation!

Review of visa options available for you

General information about timelines, fees, requirements for various visa options

Information on Manifest fees, terms and process

Full clarity and transparency every step along the way

Request a consultation

Avi Goldenberg

Principal attorney at Manifest Law

In this blog article:

What is visa sponsorship?

Types of visa sponsorship

How can I get sponsorship for a US work visa?

Nonimmigrant work visas that require employment sponsorship

Immigrant work visas that require employment sponsorship

Employment-based visa sponsorship process

Finding visa sponsorship jobs

Sponsorship letter for visa

US work visa sponsorship cost

Frequently asked questions

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Visas and Green Cards

Employment

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Immigration attorneys

Employment attorneys

Resources

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333 Park Avenue South, office 3C, New York, NY

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Employment attorneys

Resources

Immigration resources

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