A sponsor refers to a person who takes the responsibility for another person or thing. The common uses of the term “sponsor” in a legal sense include:
- In the context of legislation, a sponsor refers to a person who introduces or supports a legislative proposal (such as a bill or an amendment).
- In the context of immigration, a sponsor means a petitioner. A sponsor can be a family member who is a U.S. citizen, or a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. employer who undertakes the responsibility to bring an immigrant legally into the U.S.
- In the context of business organizations, sponsor refers to a person that promotes, advocates, or favors a business venture (an investment in a security or limited partnership).
[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]