Applying for a US Green Card with Self-Petition

Did you know that you can apply for a green card by yourself without an employer or lawyer? At GreencardforPhD.com, we have assisted numerous applicants—some choosing to go through the green card application process independently and others opting for legal assistance. From our extensive experience, here are the top reasons why self-petitioning for a green card is worth the effort.

Green Card Application Process for EB2-NIW and EB1A

Let us consider some key points about a typical National Interest Waiver (EB2-NIW) or Extraordinary Ability (EB1A) green card application. Hundreds of PhD holders apply for permanent residency in the USA—either on their own or through an immigration lawyer—every year.

Comparing Self-Petition vs. Using a Lawyer

When considering the EB2-NIW green card application or the EB1A self-petition process, there are advantages to applying independently:

• Self-petitioning for a green card saves you from high lawyer fees.
• The work involved is nearly the same whether you self-petition or hire an immigration lawyer. Here’s why:
• You need to outline or write 6-12 recommendation letters.
• You will still need to communicate with your recommenders, conveying the letter requirements and lawyer suggestions.
• You will have to collect all evidence and content for exhibits.
• Reviewing and making changes to the green card petition is also your responsibility.

In fact, 95% of the work is completed by the applicant, even when a lawyer is involved. By following an effective DIY green card application, you can handle the entire process yourself. Remember—you are a PhD, and you have the skills to succeed!

Green Card Lawyer Fees vs. Self-Petition

• On average, immigration lawyer fees can range between $3,000 for an individual application and $6,000 for a family application, in addition to the USCIS application fee.
• Did you know that both types of green card applications—whether done independently or through a lawyer—have nearly the same success rate?

Why Consider a DIY Green Card Application?

If you have successfully completed a PhD thesis, we believe you can successfully complete a green card self-petition too. You can do it, and our do-it-yourself green card packets are here to guide you every step of the way.

Benefits of a Green Card for PhD Holders

Obtaining a green card through self-petition has additional benefits, especially for PhD holders and advanced degree professionals:

• Green card beneficiaries can file concurrently, allowing family members to take immediate advantage of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for work and Advance Parole for travel.
• Self-petition allows applicants to bypass the need for employer sponsorship, providing flexibility in career choices and job changes.

Approximately 140,000 immigrant visas are available each year across all employment-based green card categories, including EB1 and EB2 categories, making this an achievable goal for qualified individuals.

Take Control of Your Green Card Process

Don’t let the green card process intimidate you. Our DIY green card packets are designed to take the confusion out of the complex application process. Learn from real experiences of successful applicants and get the guidance you need for a successful self-petition. Take control of your future—explore our DIY packet today!

Disclaimer: The content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While many applicants successfully obtain their I-140 approvals using our resources, the information here should not be considered a guarantee of the outcome of your green card application.