Can You Sponsor Yourself for a US Visa?
One of the most challenging aspects of obtaining a green card in the United States is finding a sponsor. Whether you’re pursuing a family visa or a work visa, sponsorship is often a crucial step. But what if you could sponsor yourself? As unbelievable as it might sound, self-sponsorship is a legitimate strategy in the world of US immigration. To learn more, consider speaking with an experienced Palm Beach County immigration lawyer.
What Is Self-Sponsorship?
Self-sponsorship is a process that allows you to pursue a green card without anyone else’s help. This makes it an attractive and popular choice for many, as sponsorship often represents a difficult challenge for people trying to start new lives in the United States. However, self-sponsorship has various limitations, and it is only available in certain visa categories.
Which Visa Categories Allow Self-Sponsorship?
Three visas in the “EB” category allow applicants to sponsor themselves. These include the EB-1A Visa, the EB-2 Visa, and the EB-5 Visa:
- EB-1A Visa: This visa is for workers with “extraordinary abilities.” In order to sponsor yourself, you must have achieved national or international notoriety in areas like science, art, business, or athletics.
- EB-2 Visa: Also known as the “national interest waiver” (NIW), this type of visa applies to individuals who can offer something of serious value to the United States. This may be information, experience, innovation, or something else entirely. Applicants must be able to express how their acceptance into the country serves the interests of the United States.
- EB-5 Visa: This visa is part of the immigrant investor program, and it allows you to start a new business in the United States. Self-sponsorship may be possible if you can prove that your new company will hire U.S. workers. There are many other requirements to consider if you choose this route.
There may be additional visas to consider when opting for self-sponsorship. A less common but equally valid method is to pursue an O-1 Visa. This visa could be helpful for not only those with extraordinary abilities, but also entrepreneurs who plan to establish or expand their companies within the United States.
Although it allows for self-sponsorship, the O-1 Visa is temporary. In contrast, the EB visas generally lead to permanent residency. Keep in mind that To learn more about which visas might allow self-sponsorship, consider a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Even if you feel like you can’t find a sponsor, an immigration lawyer may be able to help. Self-sponsorship may not be necessary, and a sponsor could be easier to find than you realize.
Learn More Alongside an Experienced Palm Beach County Immigration Lawyer
An experienced Palm Beach County immigration lawyer may be able to help you with sponsorship issues as you pursue a United States green card. New political changes require new strategies, and you can discuss your options alongside The Devore Law Group today. Schedule a consultation now to get started.
Sources:
uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement
uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1
