If you have a loved one who wants to immigrate to the United States, you may wonder if you'll be able to sponsor them. Many visas require a sponsor, and this can complicate matters.

Do you want to make sure that you'll be able to sponsor your loved one? Here's what you need to know to make sure you're in the best position to be helpful.

Determine If Your Loved One Needs a Sponsor

The first thing you need to do is to determine if your loved one needs a sponsor. If your loved one is applying for an immigrant visa, they will likely need a sponsor. The sponsor is often the person who petitioned for the immigrant visa.

For example, if you're sponsoring your spouse, you would be the petitioner. In some cases, a sponsor is a grandchild, grandparent, parent, or child of the person who wants to immigrate.

Make Sure You Meet the Income Requirements

If you're going to be the sponsor, you need to make sure that you meet the income requirements. The income requirements vary depending on how many people you're sponsoring.

For example, if you're sponsoring your spouse, you need to make a specific percentage above the poverty level where you live. The poverty level changes every year, so you'll need to make sure that you're using the most current information.

Make Sure You'll Make Enough on Your Income Alone

If you bring a family member to the United States, they may not get a green card so they can work for some time. This means that you, as the sponsor, need to make sure that your income is high enough that you can support both of you.

Not only do you need to prove you make enough to the government, but you also need to make sure you can care for your family member and their dependents, if necessary. You may not qualify for government benefits immediately.

Be Prepared to Show That You Have Health Insurance

If you want to sponsor a family member, you need to be prepared to show that you have health insurance. This is so that your relative will be able to get health insurance once they're in the United States. You may need to have a private health insurance policy that will cover your relative.

Find an Immigration Attorney Who Can Help You

If you want to sponsor a family member, it's worth it to find a family immigration attorney who can help you. The immigration process is complicated, and an attorney can help you make sure that you're doing everything correctly.