Self-Petition Green Card Guide: Ways To Get A Green Card On Your Own
- Gohar Abbas
- June 4, 2025
- 3:49 pm
Does the idea of getting a self-petition green card sound too good to be true?
Well, it’s not. Each year, thousands of individuals secure lawful permanent residency in the United States without a U.S. employer or family member to sponsor them. According to USCIS, over 40,000 self-petition green card applications are filed annually under options such as EB1A, EB2 NIW, EB5, and VAWA.
If you’re wondering, “Can I apply for a green card by myself?” the answer is yes, but only under specific legal pathways. This guide takes you through the options and eligibility requirements for filing a green card self-petition, with the clarity and detail you’d expect from an immigration law professional.
What is a Self-Petition Green Card?
A self-petition green card allows certain applicants to pursue permanent residency in the U.S. without needing an employer or family sponsor. These paths are limited to highly qualified individuals or those facing exceptional personal circumstances.
A self-sponsored green card typically falls under one of these categories:
- EB1A: Individuals with extraordinary ability
- EB2 NIW: Professionals whose work benefits the U.S. national interest
- EB5: Investors creating jobs through capital investment
- VAWA: Survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
These options recognize that some individuals offer value, talent, or circumstances that justify bypassing traditional sponsorship models.
Check out How to Transition from an O-1 Visa to Green Card (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, PERM) for a complete step-by-step guide.
Book a Free Consultation
Unsure how to kick off your social media strategy? Schedule a call with one of our experts, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
What are the Self-Petition Green Card Requirements?
Each category has unique qualifications, but most self-petition green card requirements include:
- Filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) or Form I-360 (for VAWA)
- Demonstrating category-specific eligibility with strong documentation
- Providing personal identification and immigration history
- Filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status or pursuing consular processing
Your resident number on green card, also known as your permanent resident card A-number, will be issued upon approval.
4 Ways to Apply For a Self-Petition Green Card
1. EB1A: Green Card for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
The EB1A visa is one of the most prestigious self-sponsored immigration pathways. It is designed for individuals who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Those who qualify are considered to be at the very top of their field and have received national or international acclaim.
Who is eligible for it?
You may qualify for the EB1A self-petition green card if:
- You work in a field such as science, art, education, business, or athletics.
- You can show sustained recognition through awards, publications, media coverage, or leading roles in distinguished organizations.
- You do not need a job offer or labor certification, making it a true self-sponsored green card.
What are the criteria?
To meet the green card self-petition requirements under EB1A, you must:
- Show proof of a major international award (e.g., Nobel Prize) or
- Satisfy at least 3 out of 10 USCIS criteria, including:
- Lesser-known national or international awards
- Membership in selective professional associations
- Media coverage of your work
- Original contributions of significance
- Judging the work of others
- Scholarly publications
- Leading roles in prestigious organizations
- High salary compared to peers
- Artistic showcases
- Commercial success in performing arts
Give our blog, Comprehensive Guide to EB1A Profile Building: Strategies to Strengthen Your U.S. Immigration Case, a read to discover proven tips for boosting your green card application.
2. EB2 NIW: Green Card for National Interest Contributions
The EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is another green card self-sponsorship pathway that allows professionals to self-petition without employer backing. It is ideal for individuals whose work significantly benefits the national interest of the United States.
Who is eligible for it?
You may be eligible for the NIW green card self-petition if:
- You hold an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) or possess exceptional ability in your field.
- You work in a profession that has substantial national importance (e.g., public health, clean energy, national security).
- You believe that waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the U.S.
What are the criteria?
To meet the self-petition green card requirements under NIW:
- You must show evidence of advanced education (degrees, diplomas, etc.).
- Submit proof of at least 10 years of experience, licensing, or certification.
- Demonstrate remuneration indicating exceptional ability, such as a high salary.
- Provide letters of recommendation and peer recognition.
- Argue convincingly that your presence serves the national interest, making sponsorship unnecessary.
3. EB5 Investor Visa: Green Card Through Investment
The EB5 visa allows foreign investors to obtain a permanent resident card by making a substantial investment in a U.S. business that generates jobs. This category is often seen as a self-sponsored green card option for entrepreneurs.
Who is eligible for it?
You may qualify for the EB5 green card self-petition if:
- You can invest $1,050,000, or $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA).
- You aim to create 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.
- You can prove the lawful source of your investment funds.
What are the criteria?
To apply for this green card self-petition:
- Choose between a direct investment and investing via a USCIS-approved regional center.
- Submit Form I-526 and accompanying documentation.
- Demonstrate the creation of jobs and potential economic benefits.
- Prepare for a processing time of 24–60 months, depending on your country and USCIS backlog.
4. VAWA: Green Card for Survivors of Abuse
Under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), survivors of abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may apply for a self-petition green card confidentially and independently.
Who is eligible for it?
You may qualify for a VAWA green card self-petition if:
- You are the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
- You experienced battery or extreme cruelty from that relative.
- You can prove a history of cohabitation and good moral character.
What are the criteria?
To proceed with this self-sponsored green card:
- File Form I-360 (self-petition).
- Submit evidence of abuse, such as medical records, affidavits, or police reports.
- Demonstrate you meet eligibility criteria through marriage or a parent/child relationship.
- Be aware that your abuser will not be informed of your application.
This is one of the most protective forms of green card self-petition, offering a legal lifeline to vulnerable individuals.
Additional Notes for All Self-Petition Applicants:
- Your permanent resident card A-number (also known as the resident number on the green card) will be issued upon approval.
- Once approved, familiarize yourself with the things to do after getting a green card, including maintaining residency, filing taxes, and avoiding prolonged international travel.
Check out Why Is Public Relations Crucially Important: A Guide to Successful Green Card Application to learn how PR influences green card success.
Conclusion
To answer your question, can you apply for a green card without a sponsor? Yes, under EB1A, EB2 NIW, EB5, and VAWA, individuals may qualify to self-petition.
Each of these options demands a detailed legal strategy and strong documentation. If approved, your self-petition for a green card will grant you the right to live and work in the U.S. as a permanent resident.
However, self-petitioning for a green card is possible, but it’s not simple. Each category comes with its own legal standards, supporting evidence, and risks.
At Brandosaur, we help applicants navigate the green card self-petition process from start to finish. We assist with eligibility assessments, evidence collection, form preparation, and filing.
FAQs
Can I sponsor myself for a green card?
Yes, through EB1A, EB2 NIW, EB5, or VAWA categories.
What is the resident number on the green card?
It’s the unique A-number printed on your permanent resident card.
How long does it take to renew a green card?
Typically, 6 to 12 months, depending on the USCIS processing center.
What is the resident card renewal fee?
Renewing a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) costs $465 for paper submissions and $415 if filed online.
What are the things to do after getting a green card?
- Apply for a Social Security card
- Register for Selective Service (if male, age 18–25)
- Update your address with USCIS
- Understand reentry permit requirements
- File U.S. taxes as a resident
