Although the typical route to obtaining permanent residency through a green card involves an employer or family member acting as a sponsor, there are certain circumstances where self-sponsorship is possible. However, self-sponsorship comes with unique challenges and limitations. Please continue reading as we explore the visa categories that allow self-sponsorship and how a skilled Middlesex County, New Jersey Green Card Lawyer can help you navigate this complex process.
Who is Eligible to Be a Sponsor?
In the realm of immigration, a sponsor is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who agrees to financially support a foreign national while they are within the U.S. on a visa or in the process of applying for citizenship. Sponsors play a pivotal role in ensuring that immigrants don’t become a public charge, meaning they will rely on the government for financial assistance. To be a sponsor, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must meet certain income requirements and sign an Affidavit of Support.
How Do I Sponsor Myself for a Green Card?
While challenging, self-sponsorship for a green card is achievable under certain circumstances. Most green card applications need to be sponsored by an employer or relative. However, a limited number of people qualify for self-sponsorship. The following includes some examples of options that enable an individual to act as their own sponsor:
- EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability): You can petition for yourself without the need for a job offer or employer sponsorship if you possess extraordinary abilities in your field. To qualify, you must demonstrate national or international acclaim for your extraordinary ability in the fields of sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- EB-2 (National Interest Waiver): If you meet the National Interest Waiver (NIW) criteria, you can apply for lawful permanent residence while acting as your own sponsor. Foreign nationals are eligible if their work benefits the U.S. and is in the national interest. To qualify, you must prove your work’s substantial intrinsic merit and national importance.
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investor Program): Foreign investors who have invested a substantial amount of capital in projects that create jobs for U.S. workers may be eligible to sponsor themselves for a green card.
- VAWA (The Violence Against Women Act): Those who have been abused physically, sexually, or emotionally by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can self-petition for a green card. This means that if you have suffered extreme cruelty and cannot rely on your abuser as a sponsor, you can sponsor yourself for lawful permanent residence.
Navigating the path to self-sponsorship is complex. As such, it’s crucial to connect with a seasoned attorney from The Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC, who can help you understand the potential hurdles and how to address them to ensure a successful application. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you.
