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Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

Understanding the intricacies of U.S. immigration law, particularly regarding green card self-sponsorship, is critical for those seeking permanent residency. With Kasturi Law, LLC’s experienced Aurora immigration lawyers, individuals sponsoring themselves can navigate this complex process with confidence. This article delves into the essentials of self-sponsoring for a Green Card, focusing on categories, financial requirements, and common pitfalls.

What Is Green Card Self-Sponsorship?


Green card self-sponsorship represents a pathway to U.S. permanent residency without the need for employer or family sponsorship. This route, suitable for individuals with specific skills, achievements, or investment capabilities, is an increasingly popular option among foreign nationals.

Self-sponsored green cards encompass various categories, each tailored to unique qualifications and circumstances. Understanding these categories is imperative to identify the most appropriate path for individual applicants.

  • VAWA-Based Green Card: This provision empowers abused survivors, providing a pathway to residency without dependency on the abuser.
  • EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability): Recognizing global leaders in various fields, this category offers an avenue for those who have significantly contributed to their area of expertise.
  • EB-2 (National Interest Waiver): Ideal for individuals whose work significantly benefits the U.S., the NIW offers a unique opportunity for professionals to contribute to American progress.
  • EB-5 (Immigrant Investor Program): This program encourages economic growth through foreign investment. Applicants must meet the complex financial requirements in investment and immigration law.

Each self-sponsored Green Card category demands a nuanced understanding of immigration law and requirements. Kasturi Law, LLC provides personalized assistance, ensuring each client’s unique circumstances and qualifications are effectively presented.

Income Requirements to Support Yourself for Green Card

In self-sponsored Green Card applications, demonstrating financial capability is essential. You must show they possess enough income or assets to sustain yourself independently in the United States. This requirement is designed to ensure that new residents do not become reliant on government assistance. The threshold varies depending on the specific Green Card category and the cost of living in the applicant’s intended area of residence.

Our experienced immigration lawyers in Aurora offer specialized advice to navigate these financial prerequisites. We help applicants understand the nuances of each category, whether it’s investment-related for the EB-5 category or income-based for the EB-1A and EB-2 categories, ensuring your applications meet all necessary financial criteria.

Evidence That You Can Financially Support Yourself

Showcasing financial stability is a critical component of a self-sponsored Green Card application. Applicants need to provide concrete evidence, such as recent tax returns, which demonstrate consistent income over time. Bank statements reflecting savings or regular income, employment contracts showing job stability and salary, and investment portfolios illustrating financial acumen are all valuable in this regard. For those applying under the EB-5 category, evidence of investment in a U.S. business and its impact on job creation is crucial.

How to Self-Sponsor for Green Card

Self-sponsoring for a Green Card in the United States involves a process where individuals apply for permanent residency based on their own qualifications. Here’s an overview of how to self-sponsor:

  1. Identify the Appropriate Category: Choose the right category that fits your situation, such as EB-1A for those with extraordinary abilities, EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) for professionals with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees, or EB-5 for immigrant investors.
  2. Gather Documentation: Collect evidence supporting your eligibility, such as proof of extraordinary abilities (awards, publications), a detailed resume, letters of recommendation, or proof of investment and job creation for the EB-5 category.
  3. Submit Form I-140/I-526: These forms are the primary application for self-sponsorship categories. These require comprehensive documentation of your qualifications and evidence that you meet the specific criteria of your chosen category.
  4. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: If you are already in the U.S., file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to change your Visa to a Green Card. If outside the U.S., undergo Consular Processing in your home country.
  5. Attend the Interview and Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, and biometrics appointment, you will likely need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or USCIS office. Once all steps are completed, and your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card.

Each step requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to legal requirements. Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer in Aurora can significantly improve the chances of a successful application. Contact us today for a consultation to explore your options for self-sponsoring a Green Card.