MEGHAN Markle might have to sponsor Prince Harry so he can live in the United States, according to an immigration expert.
The couple was no longer senior members of Britain’s royal family as of Tuesday after they announced in January they would step away from their royal duties.
They are currently residing in Los Angeles — where Meghan, 38, grew up and where her mother still lives — after relocating from Canada.
While Prince Harry could’ve worked in Canada (as it’s part of the Commonwealth), the 35-year-old might need sponsorship to work in the U.S.
An immigration attorney told Page Six Prince Harry has a few options to get a green card, which is a permit that allows non-U.S. citizens to permanently live and work in the states.
One, he could sponsor himself in the extraordinary ability category. Two, Meghan could sponsor him using her U.S. citizenship. Or three, a U.S. entity could sponsor him.
The attorney said Prince Harry “would get a temporary work and travel permit after an initial approval like any regular applicant, as the process to get a green card can currently take more than a year.”
He would be eligible for citizenship after three years on a green card — but this is unlikely, as that would mean Prince Harry would have to renounce his royal title.
Page Six notes Prince Harry could be in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa, which is a regular tourist visa, or he could be using an A1 diplomatic visa, which is used for government officials and diplomats.
Neither of these visas allows Prince Harry to work, except in a government or diplomatic capacity.
President Donald Trump tweeted on Sunday that while living in the U.S., Meghan and Prince Harry must pay for their own security.
“I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom,” he tweeted. “It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada.”
“Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!”
A spokesperson for the couple said in response: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to ask the U.S. government for security resources. Privately funded security arrangements have been made.”
When the parents to 10-month-old Baby Archie chose to step down from their royal roles, they gave up public funding in search of financial independence.
They’re now living in California, far from Harry’s father Prince Charles — who is recovering after testing positive for the coronavirus — and Harry’s 93-year-old grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The couple is said to be house hunting in the same area Princess Diana had wanted to live.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be keen to find a private, beachside home to raise their 10-month-old son Archie.
