Under most circumstances, an individual seeking legal temporary or permanent residency in the United States must be sponsored by a family member or business. Under certain conditions, however, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes it possible for a person to seek a visa through a self-sponsorship program. There are several types of visas available that allow for self-sponsorship, including persons with extraordinary ability, asylum seekers, and battered spouses and children.
I am Paul L. Good, U.S. immigration attorney serving clients throughout the Washington, D.C., area in Virginia. I am experienced in assisting self-sponsoring aliens with both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
The rules for self-sponsoring are complicated and involve understanding the specific process for each type of visa. Self-sponsoring is possible in the following situations:
- Investment: There are two categories of nonimmigrant visas available for investors from countries with which the U.S. has a special treaty. The E-1 visa is for the national of such a country who intends to conduct trade between the U.S. and his or her country. The E-2 visa is for the national of such a country who wants to set up a business or direct a business. The EB-5 visa is for investors of a minimum of $500,000.
- Asylum Applications: I have experience handling asylum applications and hearings related to asylum. The government is very selective in accepting asylum applications.
- Battered Spouses: Alien spouses who have been battered by their U.S. citizen or green card holding husbands or wives can self-petition and, if approved, can file for a green card.
- Extraordinary and Exceptional Ability Persons: These special people have a distinct advantage in obtaining immigrant visas based on proven talent. Professionals in many fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, academia, research or multinational management may be eligible.
- Student visas: For individuals traveling to the U.S. for educational purposes.
- Research scientists who have exceptional ability in subjects of national interest can self-sponsor, i.e. they do not have to obtain labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Victims of Criminal Activity: Two options are included in this category. Local or federal law enforcement support is generally needed to qualify for the U or T visas.
- Special Immigrants: This category of unusual persons include returning U.S. residents, former U.S. citizens, and certain alien employees, certain alien military recruits.
Personalized, Compassionate and Responsive Client Service
People in the United States who wish to self-sponsor must be in, and stay in, legal status in order to qualify. I work directly with each applicant. Each case is different and must be evaluated for eligibility. Persons outside the United States may also be eligible for self-sponsorship.
Experienced Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area Immigration and Naturalization Attorney
From my office in Herndon, Virginia, I advise and represent clients with immigration matters in communities throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Virginia and Maryland. The immigration lawyer you hire will make a significant difference in how effectively your application is processed. Contact my office by phone or e-mail to arrange a consultation with an experienced and straightforward Virginia self-sponsored visa attorney today.
