Conquer COIL 2025 – Dive into the Wave of Immigration Law Greatness!

An immigrant visa obtained through family sponsorship requires that a petition be filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is a fundamental step in the family-based immigration process, as it establishes a familial relationship that qualifies the applicant for an immigrant visa. The petitioning family member must demonstrate their status as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, providing the legal basis for the sponsorship.

The underlying purpose of this requirement is to ensure that the relationship between the sponsor and the applicant is recognized under U.S. immigration law, which includes categories like immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) and family preference categories (certain other relatives). Without this petition, the application process cannot proceed, as it initiates the official evaluation of the family relationship and the applicant's eligibility.

The other options revolve around additional facets of immigration but do not capture the essential requirement for initiating the family sponsorship process. While having a family member residing in the U.S. can be beneficial, it is not strictly necessary as long as the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Financial independence is not a requirement specifically tied to the petition itself, and sponsorship by two U.S. citizens is not mandated; a single