Have you heard the term special immigrants being used in the context of immigration law? This article will walk you through exactly what that term means, its various forms, and the potential benefits it denotes.
What Does Special Immigrant Mean?
Special immigrant is a legal term meant to denote any non-citizen of the United States who is eligible to apply for permanent residence (a “green card”) due to their specific, unique circumstances. Special immigrants are broken down into eight categories: religious workers, certain employees of the U.S. government abroad, former employees of international organizations, persons who previously held citizenship of the United States, certain veterans, physicians, certain widows and widowers of U.S. citizens, and certain youth.
Who Qualifies as a Special Immigrant?
The most common categories of special immigrants are religious workers and U.S. government employees. Special immigrant religious workers must be members of a religious denomination having a bona fide, nonprofit, religious organization in the United States and must either be a minister, a professional in a religious vocation or occupation, or a professional in a religious occupation for at least two years before applying. Special immigrant U.S. government employees may be eligible for permanent residence longevity in the United States for their service as a civilian employee performing overseas missionary work or for the U.S. government.
What Are the Benefits of Special Immigrant Status?
The most significant benefit of special immigrant status is the ability to apply for permanent residence in the United States. Special immigrants are not counted against annual quota limits, so there is usually no wait for a special immigrant to gain permanent residence. In addition, special immigrants are able to bring their family members to the United States, and they are exempted from the two-year foreign residency requirement that applies to most non-immigrant visas.
How Do I Become a Special Immigrant?
The process for applying for special immigrant status depends on the specific category the applicant is applying under. Generally, eligible applicants must submit an application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the appropriate supporting documentation. Once the application is accepted, the applicant will be interviewed and then will be notified of the outcome.
Conclusion
For non-citizens of the United States, special immigrant status is an invaluable opportunity for obtaining permanent residence in the United States. In addition to bypassing the annual quota limits, special immigrants are also exempt from the two-year foreign residency requirement. If you believe you are eligible for special immigrant status, contact a licensed immigration attorney to discuss your options and explore the application process.