There are a couple of distinctive categories for self-sponsored green cards, where a foreign individual does not require an employer or family member’s sponsorship - these are for victims of criminal activities and for those demonstrating extraordinary abilities. Regardless of their current residence, whether inside or outside the United States, foreign nationals may self-petition under either category.
Self-Petition for Victims of Crime / VAWA-Based Green Card:
Individuals who have suffered from abuse related to domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or stalking might be eligible to self-petition for a Lawful Permanent Resident card under the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This act empowers the spouses and children of U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who have experienced abuse to apply for a green card independently of their abuser. It's important to note that VAWA's protections are available to all victims, regardless of gender. You may be eligible to self-petition under VAWA if:
- You have been abused by a spouse who is a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
- You are the spouse of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident and your child has been abused by your spouse.
- You have been abused by a parent who is a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
- You have been abused by your U.S. Citizen adult child (It should be noted that the parent of a Lawful Permanent Resident cannot self-petition under this category).
For detailed information, you are encouraged to visit the VAWA Based Green Card page here.
EB1-A Alien of Extraordinary Ability
To secure Lawful Permanent Residency under the banner of extraordinary ability, an individual must qualify as either possessing extraordinary ability in their professional field or as an outstanding professor or researcher.
The EB1-A classification is designated for foreign nationals demonstrating exceptional talent in the realms of science, art, education, business, or athletics. Applicants are required to furnish substantive proof that they fulfill the category's legal criteria and must convincingly demonstrate that their intent is to pursue their profession within the United States. For comprehensive details, please proceed to the EB1-A Alien of Extraordinary Ability page by clicking here.
EB1-B Outstanding Professors or Researchers
The EB1-B visa category is available to foreign nationals who have gained international recognition for being outstanding in a particular academic area. To be eligible for this category as an Outstanding Researcher or Professor, the applicant must satisfy three fundamental criteria:
- Achieve international acknowledgment for being exceptional in a specific academic discipline.
- Have a minimum of three years of experience in teaching or conducting substantial research.
- Offer proof of an impending position within the United States that is either on a tenure track or a similar research post.
For additional details, please visit the EB1-B Outstanding Professor or Researchers page by clicking here or by navigating to the designated webpage directly.
At The Ahluwalia Firm, Our Emphasis is on:
- Providing zealous representation before the USCIS
- Providing careful review of your personal circ*mstances
- Providing careful coordination of all correspondence with government agencies
- Ensuring a service-delivery model that meets and exceeds your satisfaction
For additional information about our ability to prepare, and file all the necessary documents required to obtain self-sponsored green card, contact us for reliable advice.
My expertise lies in immigration law, specifically focusing on self-sponsored green cards, particularly the two distinct categories mentioned in the article: self-petition for victims of crime (VAWA-based green card) and the EB-1A and EB-1B green cards for individuals demonstrating extraordinary abilities.
Regarding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition, this provision allows individuals who have suffered from domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or stalking to independently apply for a Lawful Permanent Resident card without the sponsorship of their abuser. VAWA protections are available to spouses and children of U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents who have faced abuse. Notably, this protection extends regardless of the victim's gender. Eligibility criteria include being abused by a spouse, parent, or U.S. Citizen adult child who is a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Moving on to the EB-1A Alien of Extraordinary Ability category, it's designed for individuals showcasing exceptional talent in fields like science, art, education, business, or athletics. Applicants must offer substantive evidence of their extraordinary abilities and intend to pursue their profession within the United States.
The EB-1B Outstanding Professors or Researchers category is tailored for those with international recognition in a specific academic area, necessitating at least three years of teaching or substantial research experience. They also need to provide evidence of an impending position within the U.S. in a tenure track or similar research post.
For individuals seeking detailed information or legal representation in these immigration matters, it's advisable to seek assistance from specialized law firms like The Ahluwalia Firm. Such firms emphasize thorough representation before the USCIS, comprehensive review of personal circ*mstances, coordination of governmental correspondence, and a service-delivery model focused on exceeding client satisfaction.
To summarize, these categories provide avenues for individuals facing abuse or possessing extraordinary abilities to attain lawful permanent residency in the United States, offering distinct pathways for self-sponsorship without relying on employer or family sponsorship. For further information and personalized legal guidance, consulting experts like The Ahluwalia Firm could be invaluable.
