Petitioner
In US immigration, the petitioner is the person or organization that files a petition with USCIS asking to classify a foreign national for a visa or green card. The foreign national the petition is for is the beneficiary.
Examples
- A US citizen filing Form I-130 for a spouse is the petitioner.
- An employer filing an H-1B petition (Form I-129) or an I-140 is the petitioner.
- In a few cases, you can be your own petitioner (self-petitioner), such as EB-1A extraordinary ability, the national interest waiver, and VAWA.
The petitioner often has ongoing duties, such as paying the required wage or signing an affidavit of support. If the petitioner withdraws or dies, the case can be affected. See US family immigration and the employer H-1B guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a petition for myself?
Yes, in some categories like EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, and VAWA self-petitions.
Is the petitioner the same as the sponsor?
Often. In family cases the petitioner usually also sponsors the immigrant financially.
Can a petitioner withdraw a petition?
Yes. A withdrawal can end the case, though some approved I-140s keep limited benefits.
Official sources
- USCIS: Glossaryuscis.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.