Self-Petitioning IMMIGRANTS
There are several self-petitioning US visa categories, primarily designed for individuals who are victims of abuse or who possess extraordinary abilities and seek to immigrate without employer sponsorship or family member petitions. Here are some of the main types:
1. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Self-Petition:
- Who it's for: Victims of domestic violence by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse, parent, or adult child. It also extends to victims of abuse by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident parent in some cases.
- Key Requirements: Must demonstrate abuse, a qualifying relationship, and meeting certain residency and good moral character requirements. The self-petitioner can file without the abuser's knowledge or consent.
2. EB-2 National Interest Waiver:
- Who it's for: Individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business or an advanced degree (or its equivalent) who can demonstrate that their work is in the national interest of the United States. They must seek a waiver of the job offer requirement.
- Key Requirements: Must show exceptional ability or an advanced degree, that their proposed work has national importance, and that their work would benefit the U.S. It's not enough to simply have a job offer; the work itself must be of significant national interest.
3. EB-1A Alien of Extraordinary Ability:
- Who it's for: Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics who have risen to the very top of their field.
- Key Requirements: Must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, extensive documentation of achievements, and that they will continue to work in their area of expertise in the U.S.
4. EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers:
- Who it's for: Outstanding professors and researchers with at least three years of experience in teaching or research in their academic field.
- Key Requirements: Must demonstrate international recognition for their outstanding achievements in their academic field and have a job offer for a tenured or tenure-track teaching or research position, or a comparable position at a research institution, or the offer may be from a private employer under certain circumstances. They can self-petition if they meet specific criteria.
5. EB-1C Multinational Executives or Managers:
- Who it's for: Executives or managers of multinational companies who have been employed outside the U.S. for at least one year in the past three years by a related organization and are coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity. While typically employer-sponsored, individuals may self-petition in certain circumstances.
Our Commitment to self-petitioners
We understand the unique needs of each self-petitioner and are committed to providing them with the highest quality legal services. Our team has a deep understanding of the immigration laws and regulations related to these visa categories and a proven track record of success. We provide personalized attention to each client, working closely with them to develop a tailored legal strategy that meets their specific goals. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the complex immigration process and achieve their full potential in the United States.