U.S. Green Card Options That Don’t Involve Marriage

Learn the top ways to get a U.S. green card without marriage – from employment-based visas and investor programs to family sponsorship, the visa lottery, and humanitarian options. Understand consular processing vs. adjustment of status, and why an experienced immigration lawyer’s guidance is crucial.

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Introduction

Obtaining a green card (lawful permanent residence) in the United States is not limited to marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. There are many alternative pathways for those who cannot or choose not to pursue a marriage-based petition. Whether you are a professional seeking an employment-based green card, an investor, have family ties other than a spouse, or qualify through humanitarian programs, you have options. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get a green card in the USA without marriage by covering all the major eligibility categories aside from marriage. We’ll also explain the two processes for obtaining your green card – adjustment of status vs. consular processing – and highlight why accurate legal guidance from an experienced U.S. immigration lawyer is so important.

If you’re considering immigration options outside of marriage, read on to learn about the various pathways to U.S. permanent residency and how an attorney can help navigate these complex processes.

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Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

Before diving into specific green card categories, it’s crucial to understand the two main avenues for obtaining a green card: Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing. The eligibility category (employment, family, etc.) determines what basis you are applying under, but these processes determine how you get your green card.

• Adjustment of Status (Applying from Inside the U.S.): Adjustment of status is the process of applying for a green card from within the United States. If you are already in the U.S. on a valid visa or otherwise eligible to adjust, you file Form I-485 and related forms with USCIS. You can remain in the U.S. during the process, and you do not have to depart to get your immigrant visa. Many people prefer adjustment of status because it allows them to stay with family in the U.S. (and even obtain a work permit while waiting) rather than traveling abroad for an interview. However, to adjust status you generally must have entered the U.S. lawfully and have an immediately available visa number (for some categories, this means current priority date). Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens always have a visa available, but many other categories have backlogs, so not everyone will be eligible to adjust status in the U.S. Consult an attorney to see if you qualify for adjustment of status in your situation.
  

• Consular Processing (Applying from Abroad): If you are outside the United States – or ineligible to adjust status from inside the country – you will go through consular processing. Consular processing means you apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. After your immigrant petition is approved, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (part of the State Department) and then to a U.S. consulate for an interview. In other words, when the applicant lives abroad, the procedure is known as “consular processing,” involving officers at U.S. consulates and embassies. Once the consulate issues the immigrant visa, you travel to the U.S. and become a permanent resident (green card holder) upon entry. Consular processing typically has slightly different paperwork and can sometimes be faster than adjustment of status, but it requires you to depart the U.S. for the interview. It’s important not to travel abroad while certain petitions or applications are pending without guidance, as it could affect your case. An immigration lawyer can help you decide which process (adjustment vs. consular) is available or best for you, and ensure you are prepared for the requirements of each.

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Employment-Based Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)

One of the most common ways to obtain a green card without marriage is through employment. Employment-based green cards are divided into preference categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, etc.), each with specific eligibility criteria. These usually require a U.S. employer to sponsor you through a job offer and a PERM labor certification in many cases. The labor certification process (PERM) is done through the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job and that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect U.S. wages. Below are the major employment-based categories:

• EB-1 (First Preference: Priority Workers): The EB-1 category is for top-tier individuals and is divided into subcategories: EB-1A for persons of extraordinary ability, EB-1B for outstanding professors or researchers, and EB-1C for multinational executives or managers. EB-1A applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field (science, arts, education, business, or athletics) with sustained national or international acclaim. They can self-petition without a job offer, since no employer sponsorship or labor certification is required for EB-1A. EB-1B is for professors/researchers who are internationally recognized in their academic field and have a permanent job offer from a U.S. university or research institution. EB-1C is for executives or managers who have worked for a qualifying multinational company abroad for at least 1 year and are transferred to a U.S. affiliate as an executive/manager. None of the EB-1 categories require PERM labor certification (the test of the U.S. labor market), which makes them faster – but EB-1B and EB-1C do still require a job offer from the U.S. employer. EB-1 visas are in high demand, but if you qualify, this is a direct route to a green card as a priority worker.
  

• EB-2 (Second Preference: Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability): EB-2 is for professionals who hold an advanced degree (master’s or higher, or equivalent) or those with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Typically, EB-2 applicants need a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer and must go through the PERM labor certification process. The employer must advertise and prove there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position before the green card petition can be filed. One important feature of EB-2 is the National Interest Waiver (NIW) option. An EB-2 NIW lets you self-petition for a green card without a job offer or labor certification if you can show that your work has substantial merit and national importance, and that giving you a green card (waiving the normal job requirement) would benefit the U.S. overall . For example, researchers, entrepreneurs, or experts whose work is in the national interest might qualify for an NIW. The EB-2 category is a popular path for those with graduate degrees or significant expertise but be aware that if you’re from a country with a high number of applicants (like India or China), there might be a waiting list (priority date backlog) before you can get the green card.
  

• EB-3 (Third Preference: Skilled Workers and Professionals): EB-3 is the next category, which covers skilled workers (jobs requiring at least 2 years of training or experience), professionals (jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree), and unskilled “other workers” (jobs requiring less than 2 years training). Most EB-3 applicants also need a U.S. employer sponsor and an approved PERM labor certification, similar to EB-2. This category is generally a bit less stringent in qualifications (for example, a bachelor’s degree or even just work experience might suffice), but it often has longer backlogs. In fact, EB-3 tends to have significant wait times for certain countries with high demand – for instance, nationals of India or China in EB-3 may wait many years for a visa to become available. If you have an employer willing to sponsor you and you meet the qualifications, EB-3 is a viable path. Just be prepared that the process involves multiple steps (PERM, I-140 petition, then visa or adjustment of status) and potentially a long timeline if you’re from an oversubscribed country.

Employment-based green cards are an excellent option if you have job skills or offers that the U.S. needs. In EB-2 and EB-3, the PERM labor certification is a key hurdle – it certifies that hiring you won’t displace U.S. workers. Some high-skilled individuals can avoid that hurdle via EB-1 or EB-2 NIW self-petitions. Each subcategory has specific requirements, so it’s wise to consult with an immigration lawyer to assess your qualifications. An attorney can also guide your employer through the sponsorship process. With the right job offer or credentials, an employment-based green card is one of the most direct ways to obtain U.S. permanent residency without needing a marriage-based petition.

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Investment Immigration (EB-5 Immigrant Investor and E-2 Visa)

If you have significant financial resources, investment immigration routes may lead to a green card. The primary investment-based green card is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, and there’s also the E-2 treaty investor visa (a non-immigrant visa) which, while not a green card itself, can be a stepping stone for investors eventually seeking permanent residence. Here’s how these options work:

• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green Card: The EB-5 program offers a direct path to a green card for those who invest a substantial amount of money in a U.S. business and create jobs. Currently, the minimum investment is typically $1,050,000, or $800,000 if you invest in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA such as a rural or high-unemployment area). The investment must be in a new commercial enterprise (for example, starting a business or funding a project) and must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within about two years. Investors can start their own business (direct investment) or invest through a designated Regional Center which pools funds for larger projects. Successful EB-5 applicants first receive a conditional green card valid for two years. After proving that the investment and job creation requirements were met, the condition is removed and the investor (and immediate family) become permanent residents. The EB-5 process involves extensive documentation of the funds’ lawful source and the business plan for jobs. It’s a complex but powerful option for those who have the means – in exchange for a large investment that stimulates the U.S. economy, you and your family can obtain green cards. If considering EB-5, it’s highly recommended to work with an immigration attorney and possibly financial advisers, as the legal and financial due diligence is critical.
  

• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (Temporary Visa with Potential Path): The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant (temporary) visa for investors from certain treaty countries. It allows an individual to invest a “substantial” amount in a U.S. business and move to the U.S. to direct and develop that enterprise. Unlike EB-5, the E-2 is not a green card and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business continues operating and meeting the visa requirements. Many foreign entrepreneurs use the E-2 to live and work in the U.S. and later explore options for a green card, such as transitioning to EB-5 or having their company sponsor them for an EB-2/EB-3 green card. The E-2 visa has no fixed investment minimum by law (it just must be proportional to the business), but in practice the investment usually should be significant (often $100k or more, depending on the business). Only citizens of countries that have the required treaty with the U.S. are eligible. If you qualify, the E-2 is a relatively fast way to start your life in the U.S. as an investor. While on an E-2, you can build your enterprise and, if desired, work toward meeting EB-5 criteria or find an employer to sponsor you for a green card down the line. It’s a useful option for entrepreneurs, but you’ll want legal guidance to maintain compliance and plan an eventual transition to permanent status.

Note: Investors from non-treaty countries cannot get an E-2, but might use alternatives like the EB-5. There are also other less common investment-related paths (for example, the EB-5 Regional Center option mentioned above, or EB-6 if it existed – currently, EB-6 is a proposed startup visa, not law yet). Always consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate your investor visa options and chart a course toward a green card. Investment routes often involve large sums and complex rules, so experienced legal advice is invaluable.

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Humanitarian Pathways to a Green Card (Asylum, Refugee, VAWA, T & U Visas)

U.S. immigration law provides several humanitarian programs through which people can obtain green cards due to persecution, abuse, or other extraordinary circumstances. These paths do not involve employers or traditional family sponsorship at the outset; instead, they are meant to protect vulnerable individuals. Below are the major humanitarian pathways to a green card aside from marriage:

• Asylum (Refugee Status): If you have fled your home country or cannot return due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may qualify for asylum or refugee status. Asylum is sought by people already in the U.S. or at the border, while refugee status is applied for from outside the U.S. through UNHCR or U.S. refugee programs. The core standard is the same – proving you have been or will be persecuted on account of one of those protected grounds. Those who are granted asylum (asylees) or admitted as refugees are eligible to apply for a green card one year after the grant of status. For example, if you win asylum, after one year of physical presence in the U.S. you can file for adjustment of status to permanent resident. Asylees and refugees can also include their immediate family (spouse and children) as derivatives in most cases. This humanitarian route is critical for people escaping danger. It’s important to prepare a strong case with evidence of the persecution and, if possible, documentation or expert support. An immigration lawyer or nonprofit specializing in asylum can help present your story persuasively. Once you have your asylum-based green card, you can rebuild your life in the U.S. safely. (Keep in mind: asylum/refugee applicants must meet admissibility requirements and there are bars for serious criminal or security issues, but many grounds of inadmissibility can be waived.)
  

• VAWA Self-Petition (Victims of Domestic Abuse): VAWA – the Violence Against Women Act – is a law that, among other things, allows certain abused family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for a green card without the abuser’s knowledge or consent. Despite the name, VAWA protections apply to all genders. You may qualify for a VAWA self-petition if you are the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or green card holder who has subjected you to battery or extreme cruelty. Instead of relying on the abusive family member to sponsor you, VAWA allows you to file a Form I-360 petition on your own, confidentially. For example, if a person is married to a U.S. citizen who is abusive, they can self-petition under VAWA and obtain a green card without staying in an unsafe marriage. Similarly, a child abused by a U.S. citizen parent or a parent abused by a U.S. citizen adult child could self-petition. VAWA falls under the “humanitarian” category here because it’s meant to protect victims of domestic violence. A VAWA self-petitioner needs to show evidence of the relationship, the abuse, and their good moral character, among other requirements. If the I-360 is approved, the person can then proceed to a green card either through adjustment of status or consular processing, as appropriate. VAWA is an invaluable option if you are in an abusive situation – it removes the power from the abuser and lets you seek safety and status on your own. Immigration attorneys often assist clients in preparing VAWA cases with sensitivity and confidentiality.
  

• U Visa (Victims of Certain Crimes): The U visa is a non-immigrant visa set aside for victims of serious crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and who assist law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. Examples of qualifying crimes include domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and many others. If you are granted a U visa, it gives you legal status and work authorization in the U.S. for four years. Importantly, after three years in U visa status, you can apply for a green card (adjust status to permanent resident), provided you meet certain conditions like ongoing cooperation and admissibility. U visas were created to help law enforcement by encouraging immigrant crime victims to come forward without fear of deportation, and to provide humanitarian relief. One challenge is that there is an annual cap of 10,000 U visas, and the waitlist for new U visas is very long (many years). But approved U visa holders do have a pathway to a green card and even pending U visa applicants get some protections (such as deferred action). If you’ve been a victim of a serious crime in the U.S., it’s worth speaking to an immigration lawyer about the U visa. They can help obtain the necessary law enforcement certification and file the application. Once you eventually become a permanent resident through the U visa route, you can live and work in the U.S. permanently and later apply for citizenship, just like other green card holders.
  

• T Visa (Victims of Human Trafficking): The T visa is another humanitarian program, specifically for victims of severe human trafficking. Trafficking can include sex trafficking or labor trafficking (forcing someone into work or services through force, fraud, or coercion). The T visa, like the U, grants temporary status (usually 4 years) and requires the victim to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to investigate/prosecute the traffickers (with some exceptions if the victim is too traumatized to assist). After 3 years in T visa status, or sooner if the investigation is completed, a T visa holder can apply for a green card. T visa applicants must show they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the U.S., among other criteria. There is a smaller annual cap (5,000) on T visas, but it’s typically not reached. Like U visas, T visas provide a clear path to permanent residency for vulnerable individuals who assist authorities in combating trafficking. Family members of the victim may also receive derivative T visas and follow the same path to residency. If you are a survivor of trafficking, organizations and attorneys can help you obtain a T visa as a step toward safety and a new life in the U.S.

These humanitarian green card pathways often involve complex stories and sensitive circumstances. In all these cases – asylum, VAWA, U, and T – accurate legal guidance is extremely important. An experienced immigration attorney or accredited representative can help gather evidence, prepare strong personal statements, and navigate the process to give you the best chance at a successful outcome. The benefit of these programs is that they focus on humanitarian protection; the reward for those who qualify is not only safety and temporary permission to stay, but ultimately the opportunity to become a permanent resident (green card holder) and eventually a U.S. citizen. If you think you might qualify under any of these categories, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice on how to proceed.

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Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)

Another way to get a green card without marriage is pure luck: the Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery, commonly known as the green card lottery. Each year, the U.S. Department of State runs this lottery to randomly select people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States. The Diversity Visa (DV) program makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually via random selection among entries from eligible countries. If you are selected in the lottery and you meet the education or work experience requirements (a high school education or equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience), you can apply for an immigrant visa/green card.

Key things to know about the DV lottery:

• Eligibility: Countries that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are not eligible for the lottery in the current year. This typically excludes countries with high U.S. immigration rates (for example, in recent years natives of countries like Mexico, India, China, the Philippines, etc., have been ineligible). The list of eligible countries is published each year in the lottery instructions. You must also have at least a high school education or two years of recent qualifying work experience in a skilled job.

• Entry: Entry to the lottery is free and done online at the official State Department website during a specified registration period each year (usually around October). Beware of scams – there’s no fee to enter. You submit your personal information and a photo. Only one entry per person is allowed (married couples can each submit an entry, and include the other spouse as a derivative).

• Selection and Next Steps: If you “win” the lottery (i.e., your entry is selected), you are notified via the official Entrant Status Check on the State Department’s website. Being selected doesn’t mean you automatically get a green card, but it means you can apply for one under the DV program. There are typically more selectees than visas (to account for those who don’t pursue the visa), so timing and following instructions is critical. You will receive a rank number, and visas are available to selectees in order of their rank number by region, each month, as published in the Visa Bulletin. You must proceed quickly to file the immigrant visa or adjustment of status application once your number becomes current, and all DV green cards for a lottery year must be issued by the end of that fiscal year (September 30 of the following year), or the opportunity is lost.

• Process: Most lottery winners who are abroad will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy. If a lottery winner is legally in the U.S. in some status, they might be able to adjust status through USCIS, but strict timing and status rules apply. In either case, the selectee must show they are admissible (pass background checks, medical exam, financial support, etc.) just like other immigrants.

The Diversity Visa lottery is truly a random chance, but it has been a lifesaver for many immigrants who had no family or employer to sponsor them. Because it’s random, you shouldn’t rely on it as a sole plan – but if you are from an eligible country, it’s wise to submit an entry each year just to try your luck. It costs nothing and could result in an opportunity to apply for a green card. Always use the official dvprogram.state.gov website for entries and follow official instructions. If you are selected, consider consulting an immigration attorney to help with the paperwork, as you want to get it right before the strict deadlines expire.

(Tip: The lottery usually opens for entries in the fall, and results are announced the following May. If you plan to enter, make sure to read the current year’s instructions carefully or have a lawyer assist, as requirements and eligible countries can change year to year.)

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Family-Based Green Cards (Non-Marriage Categories)

Family sponsorship is a traditional path to a green card, and it’s not limited to spouses. If you have relatives in the U.S. who are citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to petition for you. Marriage to a U.S. citizen is often talked about, but other family relationships can also lead to a green card, though some involve long waiting times. Here are the family-based categories aside from a spouse:

• Parent of a U.S. Citizen: U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for their foreign-born parents to immigrate. A parent of a U.S. citizen is considered an “immediate relative” under immigration law, which means there is no annual cap or visa backlog for this category . This is a fast-track family category – once the I-130 petition is approved, the parent can immediately proceed with adjustment of status or consular processing, without waiting for a visa number. The U.S. citizen child must demonstrate the parent-child relationship (usually a birth certificate) and meet the age requirement of 21+ to file the petition. This path is commonly used when parents want to join their adult U.S. citizen children in America.
  

• Children of U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents: There are several subcategories depending on the age and marital status of the child, and whether the petitioning relative is a citizen or green card holder:

• Unmarried Children Under 21 of U.S. Citizens: These are immediate relatives (no quota/backlog) just like parents. A U.S. citizen can petition for a child (biological, step, or adopted, with conditions) under 21 and unmarried, and visas are immediately available .

• Unmarried Adult Children (21 or older) of U.S. Citizens: This falls into First Family Preference (F1). Unlike immediate relatives, F1 is capped and backlogged, meaning after the I-130 is approved, the son or daughter may wait several years (the wait time varies by country of origin) for a visa slot .

• Children of Permanent Residents: Permanent residents (green card holders) can petition for their unmarried children. If the child is under 21, that’s category F2A, and if 21 or older, F2B. These too have yearly caps. In recent years, the F2A (spouse and minor children of LPRs) has sometimes been current or had shorter waits, but it can backlogged as well . F2B (adult children of LPRs) usually has a moderate wait. Note that permanent residents cannot petition married children at all – only U.S. citizens can (in F3).

• Married Children of U.S. Citizens: This is Third Preference (F3). A U.S. citizen of any age can petition a married son or daughter. Because the son/daughter is married, their spouse and children can immigrate as dependents. F3 has a cap and often quite long wait times (potentially 10+ years, especially if from a high-demand country).

In summary, children can certainly be sponsored, but adult children will likely wait in line. Minor children of U.S. citizens have one of the easiest paths (immediate, no wait). Minor children of green card holders have to wait for a visa number but it’s one of the higher priority categories in the family preference system.

• Siblings of U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens who are 21 or older can petition for their brothers and sisters. This category is Fourth Family Preference (F4), and it is the lowest priority in family immigration. Sibling green cards are capped each year and demand is high, so the waiting periods are notoriously long. It’s not uncommon for siblings from countries like the Philippines, India, Mexico, etc., to wait 15-20+ years after the I-130 is filed before they can immigrate. Less populous countries might have somewhat shorter waits, but it is still usually a decade or more. Despite the wait, this is a path worth pursuing if you have a U.S. citizen sibling – just set realistic expectations that it’s a very long-term opportunity. The process starts with the U.S. citizen filing an I-130 petition for the brother or sister, proving the sibling relationship (commonly by showing both share at least one common parent). Once the petition is approved, the case sits in the queue until the priority date becomes current. Because of the long delays, beneficiaries should keep their addresses updated and maintain evidence of the sibling relationship over the years. Eventually, when the visa is available, the sibling (and their spouse and minor kids) can complete consular processing or adjust status if they happen to be in the U.S. lawfully at that time.

It’s worth noting that marriage to a permanent resident (F2A) is another family category, but since we’re focusing on “without marriage,” we exclude spousal cases. All the above categories aside from immediate relatives are part of the family preference system, which has quotas. The Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State each month shows the cutoff dates for each category by country, indicating who can apply at that time. Family immigration can be complex and slow, but it’s a critical avenue for reuniting with loved ones.

If you have a U.S. citizen or LPR family member who can petition for you, start the process sooner rather than later, given the long queues. Also, consult an immigration lawyer if you’re in the U.S. and a visa might become available – sometimes, there are strategies to lawfully stay and adjust status when the time comes (such as via 245(i) if you had an old petition, or other technical provisions). An experienced attorney can also ensure the paperwork is done correctly and advise on issues like the affidavit of support requirement for family-based immigrants.

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Special Immigrant Categories (Religious Workers, Special Juveniles, Translators, etc.)

Beyond the well-known family and employment categories, U.S. law has a handful of special immigrant categories that confer green card eligibility. These are often grouped under the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4), though they don’t necessarily involve a traditional job offer. We’ll highlight a few notable ones:

• Religious Workers: Certain religious workers can obtain green cards under a special immigrant category. This typically includes ministers, priests, imams, or other clergy, as well as certain non-minister religious workers (like missionaries or religious instructors) in some cases. To qualify, the person must have been performing religious work continuously for at least 2 years before applying, and the job in the U.S. must be a full-time, compensated position in a religious vocation or occupation. The sponsoring organization (a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the U.S.) petitions on their behalf via Form I-360. Religious worker visas have an annual cap (and non-minister roles have had sunset dates that Congress periodically renews). No labor certification is required for religious workers, but the petition must show the bona fides of the organization and that the worker meets the experience and qualifications. If you are a member of clergy or religious worker, this is a viable path to consider. Note: as of 2025, the EB-4 religious worker green card program for non-ministers has been reauthorized by Congress after lapsing periodically, so check current status with an attorney.
  

• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS): SIJS is a provision to protect certain undocumented children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. A state juvenile court must first make specific findings that the child cannot be reunified with the parent(s) due to abuse/neglect/abandonment and that it’s not in the child’s best interest to be returned to their home country. Once those findings (often called “SIJ findings”) are issued by the family or probate court, the child can apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for Special Immigrant Juvenile classification. If granted, the child can then apply for a green card. SIJS cases have some unique aspects: for instance, once SIJS is granted, the child cannot later sponsor their parents for immigration (the law is designed to protect the child, not benefit the neglectful parents). SIJS also waives many grounds of inadmissibility that might otherwise bar someone from a green card. There are limits on SIJS green cards each year (which has caused backlogs, especially for certain countries), so some SIJS beneficiaries have to wait until a visa is available. Still, it offers a direct path to permanent residence for vulnerable youth who meet the criteria. If you are a young person in the U.S. without status and have a difficult family situation, or if you’re caring for a foreign child who has been abused/abandoned, ask an attorney about SIJS. It requires coordination between state court and immigration, but it can be life-changing.
  

• Afghan and Iraqi Translators/Interpreters (Special Immigrant Visas): The U.S. has specific Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) programs for nationals of Afghanistan and Iraq who assisted the U.S. military or government. These include translators, interpreters, or people who worked for the U.S. Armed Forces or embassy under certain conditions. One such program, often referred to as the Section 1059 program, offers up to 50 visas per year to qualifying translators/interpreters from Iraq or Afghanistan who worked with the U.S. military and obtained a recommendation from a General or Flag Officer . (Other related SIV programs for Iraqis and Afghans who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government had larger allocations, especially after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, but those are often tied to specific legislation and may vary in availability.) The key point is that these individuals, due to the risks they took in assisting U.S. forces, can apply for special immigrant status. If approved, they (and their immediate family) can receive green cards. In recent years, thousands of Afghans have been relocated to the U.S. under SIV or refugee parole programs given the change in government there; many of those pathways lead to permanent residence. If you believe you qualify as a special immigrant in this translator/employee category, you should reach out to the U.S. State Department or an immigration lawyer. The process involves filing a Form I-360 petition and lots of verification of employment and recommendation letters . These cases can be complicated by the challenging conditions in those countries, but the U.S. government has provisions to help these deserving applicants immigrate.
  

• Other Special Immigrants: EB-4 is a bit of a catch-all. Other people who might qualify under less common provisions include: certain longtime employees of the U.S. government abroad; certain interpreters or contractors (beyond the above) from Iraq/Afghanistan; physicians who worked in underserved areas in the past (the “physician NIW” is actually EB-2); international organization employees (like retired NATO staff) and their families; Amerasian children of U.S. citizens born during certain wartime periods; and widows or widowers of U.S. citizens (who can self-petition if the citizen spouse died). The widow(er) provision is worth noting: if a U.S. citizen spouse dies, the surviving spouse can still petition for a green card on their own, as long as they were married and file within two years of the death (this is technically another form of immediate relative petition via self-petition). This might not fit the “without marriage” theme since it stems from marriage, but it doesn’t require the deceased spouse to petition, so it’s a self-sponsorship route due to a special circumstance.

As you can see, the special immigrant category covers a diverse range of cases. They exist to address specific situations where Congress or the immigration system has decided to offer a path to residence for humanitarian, logistical, or policy reasons that don’t fall under the usual family or employer umbrellas. If you think you might qualify for any special immigrant program, consult an immigration lawyer. These tend to be one-off categories with very particular requirements, and not all are open continuously (some are time-limited or cap-limited). An attorney can determine if you qualify and help assemble the necessary evidence.

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Registry and Long-Term Residence Provisions

One interesting aspect of U.S. immigration law is that it sometimes rewards long-term presence in the country, even if that presence was without status. The two primary examples are the Registry provision and a relief called Cancellation of Removal for non-permanent residents. These are less common pathways, but worth mentioning for completeness:

• Registry (Continuous Residence Since 1972): The immigration law has a section known as “registry” (INA §249) that allows certain long-term residents of the U.S. to apply for a green card even if they have no other avenue. To qualify, you must have been continuously residing in the U.S. since before a specific cutoff date – which is currently January 1, 1972. In other words, if an immigrant can prove they entered the U.S. and never left since before 1972, they could “register” and become a permanent resident. The registry provision was created to allow people who had lived in the country for decades to legalize their status. However, because the date has not been updated in a long time (it was last updated in 1986 when the cutoff was set to 1972), very few people can use it today. You’d have to have been here for over 50 years without papers, which is rare (and if you did, you likely benefited from some other amnesty in the past). There have been discussions in Congress about updating the registry date to a later year (or making it “rolling”), which could potentially legalize many long-term undocumented immigrants. As of now, though, registry is essentially a relic – a valid law, but applicable only to a “handful of long-term residents” in its current form. If you do happen to have been in the US since the 1970s and never got status, talk to a lawyer about registry. It requires showing good moral character, no disqualifying criminal issues, and that you are not inadmissible on certain serious grounds. It’s a discretionary benefit, meaning even if you meet the requirements, USCIS can choose to deny it. But it’s a nice avenue of mercy for the rare individual who truly has deep roots going back decades.
  

• 10-Year Cancellation of Removal: This is not an application you can file on your own with USCIS; rather, Cancellation of Removal for non-permanent residents is a defense to deportation that an immigration judge can grant. If someone has been in the U.S. for at least 10 years continuously and is placed in removal proceedings (deportation court), they can ask the judge for cancellation of removal under INA §240A(b). The requirements are quite strict: the person must show 10+ years of physical presence, good moral character for that period, no disqualifying criminal convictions, and that their removal would cause “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child. The hardship standard is very high – substantially beyond the normal hardship of separation or economic loss. Many cases fail on that hardship part because it must be truly compelling (such as a U.S. citizen child with a serious medical condition that depends on the parent). If granted, the removal is canceled and the person becomes a permanent resident. There is a numerical limit of 4,000 of these per year, and if more are granted, cases get put in a wait queue. Cancellation is essentially a form of amnesty for people who have lived a long time in the U.S. and whose families would suffer extraordinarily if they were deported. It’s important to note: you cannot just “apply” for the 10-year law unless you are in deportation proceedings – and you usually wouldn’t want to deliberately put yourself into proceedings given the risk. But if you are undocumented for 10+ years and get caught by ICE, cancellation is a potential defense. Another nuance: if you have a prior deportation or certain criminal issues, you might not be eligible, and leaving the U.S. resets the 10-year clock. Cancellation is a one-time, last-resort kind of relief. It’s handled by immigration judges and is complex, so you absolutely need a lawyer if you’re pursuing this. We mention it here because it’s a long-term residence based avenue to a green card – some people refer to it casually as the “10-year law” for getting a green card, but as you can see, it’s not easy or guaranteed.

In summary, registry and cancellation are ways that long-term residence in the shadows can potentially be converted to legal status. They recognize that in some cases, people develop deep ties and equities in the U.S. over many years. However, these are highly specific and limited provisions – they are not generalized “plan A” strategies for most people. Legislation could update or expand these in the future (for example, proposals to advance the registry cutoff date have been floated), but until then, they help only a small subset of immigrants. If you think you might qualify for either, consult an immigration attorney who can assess your situation and, if appropriate, assist in preparing the case (or connecting with a defense attorney if you are in proceedings).

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Conclusion: Find the Right Path With Legal Guidance

As we’ve covered, there are many paths to a U.S. green card without marriage. Whether through employment (from skilled workers to extraordinary talent visas), investing in America’s economy, being sponsored by family members, winning the diversity lottery, or seeking refuge from persecution or abuse, each pathway has its own requirements and procedures. It’s crucial to understand the differences – for example, whether you need a job offer and PERM, whether there’s a long waiting list for a visa, or whether you can apply from inside the U.S. via adjustment of status or must go through a consulate abroad. Navigating U.S. immigration law can be complex, but with the right strategy, it is possible to achieve your goal of permanent residency.

One common thread in all these options is the importance of accurate legal guidance. Immigration rules are constantly evolving, and the stakes are high. Small mistakes in paperwork or misunderstandings about eligibility can lead to costly delays or denials. An experienced U.S. immigration lawyer can evaluate your case, help you identify the strongest green card option, and guide you step-by-step through the application process. Especially for complicated categories (like NIWs, asylum, VAWA, or when dealing with backlogs and priority dates), a lawyer’s expertise is invaluable in avoiding pitfalls and expediting your case where possible.

If you’re considering applying for a green card through any of the above pathways, our immigration law firm is here to help. With deep experience in employment, investment, family, and humanitarian immigration, we can clarify your options and chart the optimal course for your situation. Contact us today for a personalized consultation. We will answer your questions, ensure you meet eligibility requirements, and help you prepare a strong application. The journey to a green card can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to our team of dedicated immigration attorneys and take the next step toward making your American dream a reality. Your opportunity to live and work in the United States is within reach – and we’re ready to assist you in achieving it.