How to Get a US Green Card Without Marriage: 13 Legal Immigration Categories

Many Vietnamese dream of living and working long-term in the United States. In fact, more than 13 million people currently hold a U.S. Green Card – a "pass" that helps them reside legally, work freely, and opens up opportunities to become U.S. citizens in the future.

However, many people still think that you can only get a Green Card by marrying a U.S. citizen. The truth is that there are many ways to apply for a U.S. Green Card without marriage, which are completely legal and permitted by U.S. immigration law. Many Vietnamese have succeeded through skilled labor, investment, family sponsorship, or special immigration programs.

This article will help you understand how to apply for a U.S. Green Card without marriage, including common pathways, basic requirements, and the advantages of each option. If you are looking for ways to legally immigrate to the U.S., this will be an easy-to-understand guide to help you determine the most suitable path for your abilities.

Ways to Apply for a U.S. Green Card Without Marriage

There are 6 main pathways to legally obtain a U.S. Green Card

Many people mistakenly believe that to immigrate to the U.S., one must marry a U.S. citizen. In reality, U.S. immigration law allows for many forms of U.S. Green Card applications without marriage. The six most common categories include:

• Employment-Based Green Card: for skilled workers, professionals, or highly qualified individuals sponsored by a U.S. company.

• Self-petition Green Card: certain special cases can apply independently without an employer.

• Investment Green Card (EB-5): for investors who invest capital in U.S. businesses and create jobs for workers.

• Family-Sponsored Green Card: applies when sponsored by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member.

• Special Immigrant Green Card: for certain occupational groups or special circumstances.

• Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery): an annual lottery program for people from countries with low immigration rates.

These options create many opportunities for legal U.S. immigration without marriage for immigration purposes.

The two most common forms are self-petition and employment-based

Among the options above, the two most sought-after pathways when looking for ways to obtain a U.S. Green Card without marriage are:

1. Employment-based Green Card

   • For skilled workers such as engineers, doctors, researchers, and technology specialists.

   • U.S. businesses sponsor and demonstrate the need for recruitment.

   • Suitable for individuals with high qualifications or outstanding professional experience.

2. Self-petition Green Card

   • Some categories allow for filing without company sponsorship.

   • Often applies to individuals with exceptional achievements in science, art, business, or education.

   • The application must demonstrate outstanding contributions and value to the United States.

These two categories are often highly sought after by Vietnamese because they do not depend on marriage and offer a high degree of autonomy.

There are also many other lesser-known Green Card categories

In addition to the common pathways, U.S. immigration law also allows for the issuance of U.S. Green Cards without marriage in several special cases such as:

• Foreign investors participating in the EB-5 investment program.

• Special immigrants such as international organization employees or certain religious groups.

• Diversity Visa Lottery winners – also known as the U.S. Green Card lottery.

• Family-sponsored individuals from parents, children, or siblings who are U.S. citizens.

These programs are often less competitive if the application meets the correct conditions.

Some special cases may still be granted a Green Card

Under specific circumstances, the U.S. government may still grant Green Cards to foreign nationals for humanitarian reasons or to protect human rights:

• Diplomats or international organization employees working in the U.S.

• Refugees or asylees.

• Victims of serious crimes assisting law enforcement agencies.

• Long-term residents of the U.S. without legal documentation under certain special programs.

These cases are not common but are still part of the legal U.S. immigration system under current immigration law.

Case 1: Self-Petition Green Card EB-1A and EB-2 NIW

What is a self-petition Green Card?

In the U.S. immigration system, some categories allow applicants to self-petition for a U.S. Green Card without marriage and without company sponsorship. These categories are typically for individuals with high professional qualifications or special contributions in their field. The two most common types are EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver).

A distinctive feature of this group is that applicants can self-petition for a Green Card without needing a U.S. employer to sponsor them.

EB-1A – Green Card for Persons of Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A category is for individuals recognized for outstanding or extraordinary achievements in their field of expertise.

• Applies to fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics.

• Applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievements recognized at a national or international level.

• No job offer or employer sponsorship is required.

• Can self-petition directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Individuals typically eligible for this category include:

• Researchers with numerous scientific works.

• Artists, designers, directors with major awards or achievements.

• Entrepreneurs with influence in their industry.

• Athletes with international achievements.

EB-1A is considered one of the fastest ways to obtain a U.S. Green Card without marriage, as many cases do not require a long visa quota wait.

EB-2 NIW – National Interest Waiver Green Card

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) category is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, and whose work is deemed beneficial to the United States.

Common requirements include:

• Possession of an advanced degree such as a Master's, Ph.D., or equivalent professional experience.

• Or exceptional ability in science, arts, or business.

• Having a project, idea, research, or business that benefits the U.S. economy, science, or society.

Examples of suitable individuals:

• Scientists, high-tech engineers.

• Medical professionals, artificial intelligence specialists, clean energy experts.

• Startup entrepreneurs with projects that have development potential in the U.S.

The advantage of EB-2 NIW is that it does not require employer sponsorship, making it a popular choice for many international professionals looking for ways to immigrate to the U.S. as skilled workers.

Key Differences between EB-1A and EB-2 NIW

Both categories allow for self-petitioning for a U.S. Green Card, but the requirements differ:

• EB-1A: requires a high level of extraordinary achievement, typically for leaders in their field.

• EB-2 NIW: requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability, with more flexible standards.

Therefore, many consider EB-2 NIW a more realistic pathway to obtain a U.S. Green Card without marriage, especially for international professionals and researchers.

Case 2: Employment-Based Green Card in the U.S.

What is an employment-based Green Card?

This is one of the most common ways to obtain a U.S. Green Card without marriage. Under this category, a U.S. company will sponsor a foreign employee for long-term work, offering them the opportunity to become a permanent resident.

The basic process typically involves:

1. A U.S. company offers to hire a foreign worker.

2. The company files a sponsorship petition with U.S. immigration authorities.

3. After the petition is approved, the worker can apply for a U.S. Green Card.

In many cases, employees can also propose that their company sponsor their Green Card, but this is usually advisable after they have worked stably for some time.

EB-1B – Green Card for Outstanding Professors and Researchers

The EB-1B category is for individuals with outstanding achievements in academia and research.

Common requirements include:

• At least 3 years of experience in teaching or research.

• Recognition within the international academic community.

• Received a permanent job offer from a U.S. university or research institution.

Common job positions include:

• Tenure or tenure-track professor.

• Senior researcher at a research institution or university.

EB-1C – Green Card for Multinational Managers

The EB-1C category is for managers or executive-level employees of international corporations transferring to work in the U.S.

Key conditions:

• The applicant must have worked as a manager or executive for a foreign company.

• Must have worked for at least 1 year within the last 3 years.

• The U.S. company must be a parent company, branch, or affiliate of the foreign company.

• The U.S. business must have been operating for at least 1 year.

This is a popular path for international business leaders seeking to immigrate to the U.S.

EB-2 and EB-3 – Most Common Employment-Based Green Cards

The EB-2 and EB-3 categories are common options when seeking employment-based immigration to the U.S.

EB-2 generally applies to:

• Individuals with advanced degrees such as a Master's or Ph.D.

• Professionals with exceptional ability in their field of expertise.

EB-3 applies to:

• Skilled workers.

• Professionals.

• Some unskilled workers at U.S. businesses.

For these two categories, the company must undergo PERM Labor Certification, which means demonstrating that:

• No qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

• Hiring foreign workers will not adversely affect the U.S. labor market.

Validity of Employment-Based Green Cards

Once granted, a U.S. Green Card typically has a validity period of 10 years. Upon expiration, the holder can renew it or apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the residency requirements.

Case 3: EB-5 Investment Green Card

What is an EB-5 investment green card?

The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to apply for a U.S. green card without marriage by investing in a U.S. business. The program's goal is to attract capital and create jobs for American workers.

To qualify for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, investors must meet the following minimum capital requirements:

• US$1,050,000 when investing in a business in a typical U.S. area.

• US$800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), meaning an area with high unemployment or a rural region needing economic development.

This investment must be used for legitimate business activities in the U.S.

Basic conditions for applying for an EB-5 green card

In addition to the capital requirement, investors must meet several other important criteria:

• Prove lawful source of investment funds.

• No criminal record or illegal activities.

• Sufficient financial capacity to execute the investment project.

• The investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers.

Proving the source of funds and the business plan are crucial steps in the U.S. investment green card application.

Family benefits when participating in EB-5

A major advantage of the EB-5 program is that the whole family can receive green cards together.

After the investment petition is approved:

• The investor's spouse can apply for a green card.

• Unmarried children under 21 can also apply for immigration with them.

This makes EB-5 a popular choice for many families seeking a legal way for the whole family to immigrate to the U.S.

The initial EB-5 green card is only valid for 2 years

After the petition is approved, the investor will receive a Conditional Green Card with a validity period of 2 years.

During this period, the investor must:

1. Maintain the investment in the U.S. business.

2. Prove that the project has created at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. citizens within two years.

After fulfilling these conditions, the investor can file a petition to convert to a Permanent Green Card and continue their path to long-term U.S. residency.

Case 4: Special Immigrant Green Card

What is a Special Immigrant Green Card?

Under U.S. immigration law, certain groups of foreign nationals with special circumstances or contributions may apply for a U.S. green card without marriage through the Special Immigrant category. This program is for specific cases related to religion, government, international organizations, or activities supporting U.S. interests.

Depending on the target group, applicants may:

• Self-petition for a green card, or

• Be sponsored by an organization or agency.

This category is not as common as the employment-based green card or the EB-5 investment, but it remains a legal path to U.S. immigration under immigration law.

Groups eligible for a Special Immigrant Green Card

U.S. immigration law specifies many groups that can apply under this category, including:

• Religious workers employed by recognized religious organizations in the U.S.

• Special Immigrant Juveniles, i.e., children determined by a court to be abandoned, abused, or neglected by their parents.

• Certain international broadcasters working for designated media organizations.

• Employees or former employees of international organizations such as G-4 organizations.

• Certain NATO civilian employees and their families.

• Interpreters, translators, and Iraqi or Afghan citizens who assisted the U.S. government.

• U.S. government employees working abroad and their families.

• Certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Former Panama Canal Company or Panama Canal Zone government employees.

• Certain physicians licensed to practice in the U.S. before 1978.

• Individuals providing information that helps law enforcement investigate crime or terrorist organizations.

Characteristics of the Special Immigrant Green Card

Compared to other programs, this category has several unique characteristics:

• Applies to very specific cases under U.S. immigration law.

• Many applications are considered based on humanitarian factors or national interest.

• Not everyone can participate because the conditions are quite specific.

Therefore, when looking for ways to get a U.S. green card without marriage, the special immigrant category is usually only suitable for individuals belonging to specific professional groups or circumstances defined by U.S. law.

Case 5: Diversity Visa (DV) Green Card Lottery

What is the DV Green Card Lottery?

The Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery) program is one of the popular ways to obtain a U.S. green card without marriage. Each year, the U.S. government grants tens of thousands of immigrant visas to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

Participants must submit their application online within the deadline as officially announced on the U.S. Department of State website. If selected in the lottery program, applicants will have the opportunity to apply for a U.S. immigrant green card.

Basic requirements to participate in the DV Lottery

To be eligible to participate in the U.S. green card lottery, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country for the DV Lottery program in that year.

• And meet one of the two requirements for education or work experience.

Specific requirements include:

1. High school diploma

   • Or completion of an equivalent 12-year formal education program.

2. Minimum 2 years of work experience

   • Within the last 5 years.

   • The job must belong to an occupation group that requires at least 2 years of training or experience, as classified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Features of the Green Card Lottery program

The DV Lottery attracts many people seeking legal U.S. immigration methods because:

• No sponsorship needed from a company or family.

• No large financial investment required.

• Relatively simple application process.

However, due to the large number of participants worldwide, the chance of winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery is quite low. Therefore, many people often apply for the DV Lottery in parallel with other options such as employment-based green cards, EB-2 NIW, or EB-5 investment to increase their chances of immigrating to the U.S.

Case 6: Family-Sponsored Green Card

What is a family-based green card?

In addition to employment or investment programs, many people can still apply for a U.S. green card without marriage through sponsorship from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.

This category allows certain family members to legally immigrate to the U.S. if they have a blood relationship or legal family relationship with the sponsor.

However, depending on the case, processing times can be quite long, even extending for many years in some instances.

Who can apply for a family-sponsored green card?

Eligible individuals typically include:

• Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.

• Adult children of U.S. citizens (married or unmarried).

• Legally adopted children of U.S. citizens.

• Siblings of U.S. citizens.

• Stepchildren of U.S. citizens, if the marriage between the parents occurred when the child was under 18 years old.

• Parents of U.S. citizens, if the sponsoring child is 21 years or older.

• Unmarried children of U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders).

This is one of the common pathways many people consider when seeking family-based immigration to the U.S.

Processing times may vary

Not all applications are processed quickly. Processing time depends on:

• Type of family relationship.

• Annual visa quotas.

• Applicant's country of origin.

For example, parents or minor children of U.S. citizens are usually processed faster than sibling sponsorships, which can take many years.

Those who previously overstayed in the U.S. may still apply in some cases

Under U.S. immigration law, some undocumented individuals in the U.S. may still be able to file for a family-based green card if they:

• Previously entered the U.S. legally.

• Have an eligible relative to sponsor them.

In this case, proper preparation of the application is crucial to avoid risks when applying for a U.S. immigrant green card.

Case 7: Green Card for Refugees or Asylees

Refugees and asylees can apply for a Green Card

Under U.S. immigration law, individuals recognized as refugees or asylees can apply for a U.S. Green Card without marriage after residing in the U.S. for a specified period.

This is a humanitarian immigration pathway for those who have fled their home countries due to a risk of persecution or threat to life.

Eligibility for a Green Card for Refugees

For individuals admitted to the U.S. as refugees, they can apply for a U.S. immigrant Green Card if they meet the following conditions:

• Have physically resided in the U.S. for at least 1 year since their admission date.

• Were admitted to the U.S. under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

• Still meet the conditions for refugee status under U.S. immigration law.

Once eligible, they can apply to change from refugee status to lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).

Eligibility for a Green Card for Asylees

Individuals who have been granted asylum status in the U.S. can also apply for a Green Card if they:

• Have maintained legal asylum status for at least 1 year.

• Still meet the definition of a refugee under U.S. immigration law.

• Have not firmly resettled in another country before applying for a Green Card.

After this period, they can apply for Adjustment of Status to become a U.S. permanent resident.

Characteristics of the refugee green card category

This category has several distinct features within the U.S. legal immigration system:

• Does not require employment sponsorship, investment, or marriage.

• Applications are considered based on humanitarian factors and the protection of human rights.

• After receiving a green card, the holder can live and work legally in the U.S. and may later apply for U.S. citizenship once the residency period is met.

Therefore, this is also a legal path to obtaining a U.S. green card without marriage, but it only applies to those who qualify for refugee status under U.S. law.

Case 8: Green Card for Victims of Human Trafficking

Victims of human trafficking can apply for a U.S. Green Card

U.S. immigration law allows victims of human trafficking crimes to have the opportunity to apply for a U.S. Green Card without marriage through humanitarian protection programs. The goal of this policy is to help victims stabilize their lives and assist authorities in investigating human trafficking organizations.

In many cases, survivors of human trafficking can apply for a U.S. immigrant Green Card if they meet certain legal requirements.

Basic requirements for a Green Card for victims of human trafficking

Applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:

• Hold or have held a T nonimmigrant visa – a type of visa specifically for human trafficking victims.

• Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 3 years, or throughout the investigation of the trafficking incident.

• Have good moral character since their admission to the U.S.

Additionally, in many cases, victims are also required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking organizations.

Some cases may still be granted a Green Card even without assisting in the investigation

U.S. immigration law also provides exceptions to protect victims, especially in sensitive cases.

Applicants may still be considered for a U.S. immigrant Green Card if:

• They were under 18 years old at the time of being trafficked.

• Or there is a risk of serious harm if forced to leave the U.S.

These regulations aim to ensure victims are protected and supported in their recovery.

Characteristics of the victim protection green card category

This is one of the humanitarian programs within the U.S. legal immigration system.

Some key characteristics:

• Does not require family sponsorship, employment, or investment.

• Applications are reviewed based on victim protection and assistance to law enforcement.

• After receiving a green card, applicants can live and work legally in the U.S. and may later apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet residency requirements.

Case 9: Green Card for Victims of Crime

Victims of serious crimes can apply for a U.S. Green Card

U.S. immigration law allows some individuals who have been victims of serious crimes in the U.S. to have the opportunity to apply for a U.S. Green Card without marriage. This program aims to encourage victims to cooperate with authorities in investigating and prosecuting crimes.

Eligible individuals typically must have been granted a U nonimmigrant visa – a type of visa for victims of crime.

After obtaining a U visa and meeting the eligibility requirements, the holder can proceed to apply for a U.S. permanent resident green card.

Basic conditions for applying for a green card under U visa

To transition from a U visa to a U.S. green card, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have been granted a U nonimmigrant visa as a victim of a serious crime.

• Have cooperated with law enforcement agencies in the investigation or prosecution of the case.

• Resided continuously in the U.S. for at least 3 years since receiving the U visa.

• Maintained legal status and complied with U.S. laws during their stay.

These conditions help immigration authorities confirm that the applicant is truly eligible to become a U.S. permanent resident.

Family members of U visa recipients can also be sponsored

An important aspect of this program is that after being granted a U.S. green card, the applicant can help certain family members obtain legal permanent residency.

Eligible family members may include:

• Spouse.

• Children.

• Parents.

• Siblings in some cases.

As a result, this program not only helps victims stabilize their lives but also provides an opportunity for legal U.S. residency for their families.

Case 10: Green Card for Victims of Domestic Violence

Victims of domestic violence can self-petition for a green card

U.S. immigration law allows victims of severe domestic violence to apply for a U.S. green card without marriage or a sponsor's involvement. This provision is part of the VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), designed to protect individuals abused by U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives.

A key aspect of this category is that applicants can self-petition for a green card (VAWA self-petition) without the abuser's consent or involvement.

Who is eligible for a VAWA green card?

The following individuals may be eligible to apply:

• Individuals who have experienced physical abuse or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse.

• Individuals abused by a former spouse who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Children abused by a parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Parents abused by their U.S. citizen child.

In the application, the applicant must demonstrate:

• A legitimate family relationship with the abuser.

• That they lived with the abuser.

• Evidence of abuse or extreme cruelty.

• Good moral character as required by U.S. immigration law.

Advantages of a VAWA green card

This category is designed to protect victims and prevent control by the abuser.

Some notable points:

• Applications are submitted and processed confidentially.

• The abuser is not notified of the green card application.

• Victims can self-petition for a U.S. permanent resident green card without the abuser's assistance.

Therefore, this program serves as a humanitarian pathway, helping victims obtain legal U.S. residency and rebuild safe lives.

Case 11: U.S. Green Card through Long-Term Residence

Registry allows long-term U.S. residents to apply for a green card

U.S. immigration law has a special program called Registry, which allows certain individuals who have lived in the U.S. for a very long time to apply for a U.S. green card without marriage, even if they currently reside in the U.S. without legal immigration status.

The goal of this program is to legalize the residency status of individuals who have a long-standing connection to the U.S. and meet legal standards.

Basic conditions for applying for a green card under Registry

To be eligible to apply for a U.S. permanent resident green card under this category, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Entered the U.S. before January 1, 1972.

• Resided continuously in the U.S. since their date of entry.

• Physically present in the U.S. when applying for the green card.

• Demonstrate good moral character during their time in the U.S.

• No serious criminal record or grounds for inadmissibility under immigration law.

• Not involved in terrorist activities or national security issues.

Characteristics of the long-term residence green card

The Registry category is quite unique in the legal U.S. immigration system because:

• It does not require family sponsorship, employment, or investment.

• It applies to individuals who have lived in the U.S. for many decades.

• It allows some individuals to legalize their residency status after a long time in the U.S.

However, due to the requirement to have entered before 1972, this category currently applies to a very small number of special cases in the U.S. green card application process.

Case 12: U.S. Green Card under Special Immigration Laws

Certain special laws allow for U.S. green card applications

In addition to common programs, the U.S. government sometimes enacts special immigration laws that allow certain groups of foreign nationals to apply for a U.S. green card without marriage. These programs are often designed to address humanitarian or historical issues related to a specific country.

These laws allow eligible individuals to file for adjustment of status to become permanent residents of the U.S.

Cuban Adjustment Act – Green Card for Cubans

A prominent example is the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows certain Cuban nationals to apply for a green card after living in the U.S.

Those who may be eligible include:

• Cuban citizens residing in the U.S.

• Spouses and children of Cuban citizens.

• Some victims of abuse related to Cuban citizens.

This program was created to address specific immigration issues related to the Cuban community in the U.S.

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (LRIF)

The LRIF Act allows certain Liberian citizens to apply for a U.S. permanent resident green card if they meet specific conditions.

Those eligible must typically be:

• A Liberian citizen.

• Residing continuously in the U.S. since November 20, 2014.

• Or an eligible family member of the applicant.

This program aims to support Liberians who have lived in the U.S. for a long time.

Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA)

The HRIFA also provides immigration opportunities for certain Haitians.

Those who may be eligible include:

• Dependent spouses of U.S. permanent residents who received green cards under HRIFA.

• Dependent children of individuals granted green cards under this program.

• Victims of domestic violence related to HRIFA green card holders.

Laws like LRIF or HRIFA demonstrate that the legal U.S. immigration system sometimes has special programs for certain communities.

Characteristics of green cards under special immigration laws

These programs typically share some common characteristics:

• Applicable only to specific national groups or communities.

• Have specific residency time conditions or historical circumstances.

• Do not require marriage to a U.S. citizen to obtain a green card.

Therefore, when looking for ways to obtain a U.S. green card without marriage, applicants should also explore whether they fall under special immigration programs as defined by U.S. law.

Case 13: US Green Card for Diplomats

Foreign diplomats can apply for a US green card

In some special cases, foreign diplomats or high-ranking officials working in the US may apply for a US green card without marriage. This typically occurs when they have compelling reasons showing they cannot return to their home country after their diplomatic term ends.

These applications are reviewed under specific US immigration laws and often relate to political status, personal safety, or exceptional circumstances.

Basic conditions for applying for a diplomatic green card

Some cases that may qualify for application include:

• Being a diplomat or high-ranking official of a foreign government working in the US.

• Having justifiable reasons for not being able to return home after their term ends.

• Meeting the requirements for residency status and US immigration law regulations.

These applications are often thoroughly assessed due to their relation to diplomatic relations and national security.

Children of diplomats born in the US may also apply for a green card

Another special case involves children of diplomats born in the US.

Under US law:

• Children born while their parent is a diplomat in the US typically do not automatically become US citizens.

• However, these children are often considered legal residents in the US after their parents' term ends.

• They can then apply for a US green card to become lawful permanent residents.

Characteristics of a diplomatic green card

This category is quite rare in the US legal immigration system and only applies to very specific cases.

Some notable points:

• Does not require family sponsorship, employment, or investment.

• Applications typically involve diplomats or children of diplomats.

• The review process depends on diplomatic regulations and US immigration law.

Therefore, this is one of the lesser-known paths when looking to apply for a US green card without marriage.

How to choose a lawyer for a US green card

Check if the law firm is accepting new cases

When looking for a lawyer to help apply for a US green card without marriage, the first step is to determine if the law firm has the capacity and time to handle your case.

You should:

• Directly ask if the law firm is accepting new cases.

• Check if they have a team specializing in US immigration law.

• Find out about their response time and case processing procedures.

This helps avoid delays due to an overloaded law firm.

Choose a lawyer who has handled similar cases

Not all immigration lawyers have experience with all green card categories. Therefore, you should prioritize a lawyer who has successfully handled cases similar to yours.

For example:

• Cases for EB-2 NIW or EB-1A professionals.

• Cases for employment-based green cards EB-2, EB-3.

• Cases for EB-5 investor green cards.

• Cases for family-based US immigration.

An experienced lawyer with your type of case will help:

• Prepare documents according to USCIS standards.

• Reduce the risk of denial or Request for Evidence (RFE).

• Increase the likelihood of success when applying for a US green card.

Questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer

To choose the right lawyer when looking to apply for a US green card without marriage, you should ask some important questions:

• How many cases similar to mine has the lawyer handled?

• What is the approval rate for cases?

• Will my case be handled by the main lawyer or a legal assistant?

• What are the estimated costs and timeframe for the entire process?

Choosing the right immigration lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your US green card application, especially for categories requiring complex document preparation.

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9. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Refugees: Annual flow report. Retrieved from https://ohss.dhs.gov/topics/immigration/refugees/annual-flow-report
10. U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Diversity visa: Confirm your qualifications. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-confirm-your-qualifications.html
11. U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Employment-based immigrant visas. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/employment-based-immigrant-visas.html
12. U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Family immigration. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html
13. U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Immigrant investor visas. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/immigrant-investor-visas.html
14. U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Visas for victims of criminal activity. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visas-for-victims-of-criminal-activity.html
15. U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Visas for victims of human trafficking. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visas-for-victims-of-human-trafficking.html
16. WomensLaw.org. (n.d.). Basic information about VAWA self-petitions. Retrieved from https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/federal/immigration/vawa-abuse-victims/vawa-self-petitions/basic-info-about-vawa-self-2

Translator: Leigh Kennedy Ly.