We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Law

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Special Immigrant?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,592
Share

A special immigrant is a person who qualifies for a green card under the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) special immigrant program. Annually, 10,000 visas are available for special immigrants. In order to apply for immigration documents under this status, an immigrant must fill out a petition documenting his or her circumstances and submit the petition to USCIS. Hiring an immigration attorney is not required for this process, but using the services of an attorney can make it run more quickly and smoothly.

Also known as the fourth employment-based preference, the special immigrant program provides people with the ability to live and work anywhere in the United States with a green card if they are members of certain groups. People who apply for the program will be scrutinized by USCIS to confirm that they qualify. Spouses and minor children of the primary applicant can also be admitted under the program. People who are not sure about the forms to use when applying for visas and residency documents can ask USCIS officials for help.

Among the categories of people considered special immigrants are doctors, workers for religious organizations, long-term government employees, Canal Zone workers, members of the armed services, workers for certain organizations, and people who have provided translation or other support to the United States military in Iraq and Afghanistan. All of these individuals will need to submit documentation of their qualifications to demonstrate that they are indeed eligible.

A special immigrant with a green card can live and work in the United States and has a legal immigration status. These individuals can opt to pursue citizenship in order to have voting rights and other benefits available to US citizens. It is important to be aware that, while in the country on a green card, immigrants can be closely scrutinized, and they can be at risk of deportation for violating the law. This permanent residency status, in other words, can be revoked.

People who are in the United States illegally can have difficulty applying for legal immigration status, including special immigrant status. Individuals in this position should consult an immigration attorney to get advice on how to proceed. The limited number of visas available to people each year are carefully rationed, and people should be aware that it can take months to process applications. People who are in urgent need, such as individuals at risk if they remain in their home nations, can discuss the situation with an immigration attorney and a US Embassy in their home nations.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-special-immigrant.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.