How does a US citizen sponsor someone from Pakistan?

To sponsor a family member from Pakistan for immigration to the United States, a US citizen must follow specific steps and meet certain requirements. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Determine Eligibility:

- The US citizen sponsor must be at least 18 years old and must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a US citizen.

- The beneficiary (the person being sponsored) must be a qualifying relative, such as a spouse, unmarried child, parent, or sibling, in some cases.

- Both the sponsor and the beneficiary must meet certain health and criminal history requirements.

2. File a Petition:

- The sponsor files an immigrant petition, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

- The petition includes evidence of the sponsor's US citizenship or LPR status, proof of relationship to the beneficiary, and other supporting documents.

- The sponsor pays a filing fee and submits the petition to the USCIS lockbox facility designated for Form I-130.

3. Wait for the Petition Approval:

- The USCIS processes the petition and sends a receipt notice to the sponsor.

- The processing time can vary, and it is advisable to check the USCIS website for the current processing times.

4. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing:

- Once the petition is approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) takes over the case and sends a packet of forms and instructions to the sponsor and beneficiary.

- The beneficiary must complete the forms, submit supporting documents, such as civil documents, police clearances, medical examination, etc., and pay the required fees.

5. Interview and Visa Issuance:

- The beneficiary may be required to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.

- During the interview, the consular officer reviews the case and determines the beneficiary's eligibility for the immigrant visa.

- If approved, the visa will be issued.

It's important to note that the process can be complex and may involve additional steps and requirements, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. It is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that all the requirements are met and to avoid potential delays or complications.