Immigration Help for Widows and Widowers of U.S. Citizens
Legal Support for Widow(er) Self-Petitions and Green Card Applications
At Powers Immigration Law, we provide caring and experienced legal support to help widows and widowers of U.S. citizens navigate the immigration process after the loss of a spouse. If your U.S. citizen spouse passed away before you obtained lawful permanent residence, you may still qualify for a green card by filing a widow(er) self-petition (Form I-360).
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Our firm offers compassionate, thorough legal representation to help you secure your future in the United States—on your own terms and without needing a new sponsor.
What Is a Widow(er) Self-Petition?
A widow(er) self-petition allows the surviving spouse of a U.S. citizen to apply for a green card without needing a family member to sponsor them. This process is available under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) and is filed using Form I-360.
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Widow(er) self-petitions are a special provision that acknowledges the hardship of losing a spouse while still honoring the path to lawful permanent residence that had already begun or was intended.
Who Qualifies for a Widow(er) Petition?
You may be eligible to file a self-petition as the widow or widower of a U.S. citizen if:
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You were legally married to a U.S. citizen at the time of their death
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You file within two years of your spouse’s death
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You have not remarried
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You were not legally separated or divorced at the time of death
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You can prove that the marriage was entered into in good faith
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You are admissible to the U.S. or eligible for a waiver
You do not need a previously filed I-130 petition to qualify, though it may help in certain cases. You may also include unmarried children under 21 as derivative beneficiaries on your application.
Our Widow(er) Self-Petition Legal Services
At Powers Immigration Law, we help surviving spouses understand their rights and take timely steps to preserve their immigration status. Our services include:
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Eligibility evaluation and personalized legal strategy
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Preparation and filing of Form I-360 (Widow(er) Petition)
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Help with supporting documentation to prove good faith marriage and eligibility
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Waivers of inadmissibility, if needed
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Adjustment of status (Form I-485) to obtain a green card
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Assistance for eligible children as derivative applicants
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We handle your case with sensitivity and professionalism, ensuring your petition is complete, accurate, and filed on time.
Why Choose Powers Immigration Law?
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Compassionate support during difficult times
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Experience with complex self-petition cases under Form I-360
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Careful attention to detail and USCIS requirements
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Ongoing communication and trusted legal guidance
Losing a spouse is painful enough—you shouldn’t have to face the immigration system alone. Let us guide you through your legal options with respect and care.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Widow(er) Petition
If your U.S. citizen spouse passed away and you need help protecting your immigration status, Powers Immigration Law is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how to move forward with a widow(er) self-petition and green card application.