Q: I have a work permit and plan on getting married to a US Citizen. Do I still need a sponsor to apply for a green card?
I am a non-citizen with a work permit. My fiance is a US citizen. I read that I would need someone to "sponsor" me to show that they can support my stay here. But since I already have a work permit, full-time job, apartment, and a car.. Would I still need one? I'm doing fine living on my own.
A:
There are two separate issues here. First, a US citizen sponsor can mean a family member who is trying to help you get citizenship. This helps move the process along. A US citizen spouse/fiance can get around a lot of the waiting lists for you by sponsoring your application for a green card. Second, a US citizen who wants to marry a foreign national is required to demonstrate the foreign national will be cared for financially. This is likely what you read about. A US citizen who wants to marry a foreign national must have a certain income, or a co-signing sponsor may be required to assure USCIS that the foreign national will not become dependent on public assistance. If you and/or your spouse make a good living, this isn't likely to be an issue.
You should get an immigration lawyer to help you. If you just up and get married, it can cause problems. You need to make sure you follow all the steps for switching over from a work visa to a green card or you can wind up in a situation where you are required to return to your home country for a period of time even after you are married to a US citizen or where your work authorization will lapse.
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