Can I have a sponsor who is my friend?

When it comes to the H-1B visa, the sponsor is directly linked to the employer who offers a position in a United States company, which must prove that the position meets the requirements of a specialized occupation. This type of visa was created so that companies can hire foreign professionals with specific skills, and therefore, the sponsor must be a duly structured employing entity capable of offering a work contract in accordance with the Department of Labor and USCIS regulations.

In the case of a friend acting as a sponsor, it is important to emphasize that simply being a friend is not enough. The sponsor must essentially be your employer. This means that if your friend owns a company that is able to hire and prove the needs and conditions of the position (such as a salary compatible with the occupation”s standard, detailed job description, and demonstration that the role requires a level of specialization), he technically can sponsor your request.

However, this relationship must be legitimate from a business perspective-it cannot be structured solely to facilitate obtaining the visa-and must comply with all United States immigration laws. It is essential to remember that immigration authorities carefully review the job offer to ensure it complies with current legislation. Therefore, establishing a link that appears fraudulent or is made only to obtain the visa may cause serious complications.

Whenever there are doubts about the requirements and structure of the job offer, it is ideal to seek guidance from reliable sources and immigration specialists, avoiding falling for dubious promises or marketing campaigns. Finally, it is crucial to reinforce the importance of following all immigration laws and counting on the support of qualified professionals in the field, who can provide appropriate and realistic guidance about the process. This way, you will be better prepared to make informed decisions and respect the rules established by the competent authorities.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.