Self-Petitioning for Green Card

There is no law that says you must get a green card attorney for your immigration application. The rules and guidelines are spelled out on several websites. At the same time, the rules change regularly and only an expert immigration visa attorney keeps up with the regular revisions so you don’t have to. It’s wise at least to let a green card specialist look over your documents before you send them in. If you insist on doing a self-petition for green card application, call the best immigration lawyer for green card processes in New York City at Kats Immigration Law for a consultation.

What Does Self-Petition for Green Card Mean?

Having a green card means that you have a permanent residency in the U.S. and enjoy the benefits of most citizens, including the ability to work and pay taxes. There are numerous ways to qualify for permanent resident status. Self-petitioning for green cards is popular among entrepreneurs, because applying for employer-sponsored green cards as a founder is difficult.

It’s also possible for accomplished professionals who have not yet received a job offer in the United States to become permanent residents by self-petitioning. It’s important, however, to work with an immigration lawyer for green card application who understands immigration law and has experience with the self-petition for green card process.

Work with a green card lawyer who can guide you through every step of the process, from work visas to becoming a U.S. citizen, at Kats Immigration Law in New York City. In addition to bringing a wealth of expertise to your case, lead attorney Alina Kats offers virtual consultations for your convenience, but she also maintains offices in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Who’s Eligible to Self-Petition for a Green Card?

Self-petitioned employment-based green cards present an often-overlooked immigration pathway. Business immigration applications enable you to apply for a green card based on your professional accomplishments and proposed future work.

A green card application normally requires an employment offer from a U.S.-sponsoring employer. However, the green card by self-petition category doesn’t require you to have a job offer from a company. Several requirements may qualify you for the National Interest Waiver check through consular processing. The most commonly successful types of immigrants applying for a green card by self-petition, include applicants for:

• EB-1 visas. This visa category applies to applicants who have remarkable abilities and broad recognition in sciences, information technology arts, education and sports.
• EB-2 visas. This visa is designed to attract professionals with an advanced degree in one of the desired occupations.
• EB-3 visas. This visa category requires a Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of training or work experience in a profession for which there’s a shortage in the U.S.

Before you petition the United States government for lawful permanent residency, however, it’s best to ask a green card lawyer to determine your eligibility based on the necessary criteria. Some of the criteria to be assessed includes:

• Family relationships
• Current employment status
• Immigration status to date
• Whether you have refugee or asylum status

Choosing the right immigration path for you can be tough, especially when there are multiple options to consider. Relying on the best immigration lawyer for green card applications ensures that you have all the information you need to make the right decisions regarding your immigration goals.

How Can I File a Self-Petition for Green Card?

Filling out a self-petition for a green card application requires the utmost accuracy. If goes anything wrong, you must start from the beginning, which is why it’s best to have an immigration visa attorney at least look over your documentation before you submit it. The process includes:

• Gathering documentation and evidence for specific categories, such as proof of investment for an EB-5 visa
• Filing the appropriate petition, which requires that only certain forms be used for specific causes
• Paying fees associated with the petition in a timely and appropriate manner
• Waiting for USCIS processing, as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services often requests additional evidence
• Attending a biometrics appointment and interview at the right time and place to which you’re directed

Staying current with immigration laws and processes is a tedious and always-evolving process and one of the most difficult tasks you’ll face on your own. Hiring the best immigration lawyer for green card application simplifies the procedure, however, and removes the stress of the process.

How Can a Lawyer Assist with the Self-Petition for Green Card Process?

In addition to completing and filing your application, your immigration visa attorney ensures that you have all the necessary supporting material for your interview. Furthermore, your permanent resident lawyer helps you prepare for the interview by explaining the types of questions you’ll be asked. For example, a marriage-based green card, may require that you answer questions about:

• Your marital status, name of spouse and date of marriage
• Your spouse’s status, nationality or country of citizenship
• How many times you’ve been married and when your last marriage ended
• How many times your partner was married and how their marriage ended

Interviews can be straightforward or complex. You’re asked to verify the information you provided on your application, such as whether you have ever been arrested or committed a crime. Contact the best immigration lawyer for green card applications at Kats Immigration Law to get help with self-petition for green card processes and any other type of immigration services.