Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, is a USCIS petition filed by or on behalf of individuals seeking classification as a special immigrant. It covers a broad range of categories, including Amerasians born in certain countries, surviving spouses of deceased U.S. citizens, religious workers, and special immigrant juveniles, among others. A successful petition establishes the applicant’s eligibility to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Eligibility for Form I-360 depends entirely on the specific category being claimed. Amerasians must have been born in a qualifying country to a U.S. citizen father. Widow(er)s must have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least two years and not have remarried. Religious workers must have been a member of a religious denomination and actively practiced their religion for at least two years. Each category carries its own evidence requirements and filing procedures.
I-360 petitions span multiple complex immigrant categories, and a wrong classification or missing document can result in denial or significant delays. Immigration Professional Association’s attorneys evaluate which category fits your situation, compile the precise evidentiary package USCIS expects, and guide you through every stage — from petition filing to the adjustment of status or consular processing that follows. Their experience with special immigrant cases helps avoid the mistakes that most commonly lead to requests for evidence and denials.
Unlike family-based petitions, Form I-360 does not require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor for most categories. Widow(er)s and self-petitioning Amerasians file in their own right. This self-petition structure gives eligible individuals direct control over their immigration process, but it also means the entire evidentiary burden rests on the petitioner — making thorough documentation especially critical for approval.
To qualify as a widow or widower, the marriage to the U.S. citizen must have lasted at least two years before the citizen's death, and the petition must be filed within two years of the death. Petitioners who remarry before approval are automatically disqualified. USCIS scrutinizes the bona fide nature of the marriage closely, so maintaining strong marital evidence — joint financials, photos, correspondence — is essential from the beginning.
Religious workers must demonstrate two continuous years of membership and work in a qualifying religious vocation or occupation immediately preceding the petition. USCIS routinely issues Requests for Evidence for religious worker I-360s, often challenging the legitimacy of the religious organization or the applicant's role within it.
Before submitting your application, always confirm that you are using the most recent edition of the form available from USCIS.gov. Filing outdated forms may result in rejection.
An immigration attorney reviews your background, qualifying relationships, and documentation to determine the correct I-360 category and viability of your petition before any filing takes place. Average budget: $200–$500 consultation fee
Full preparation of Form I-360, supporting documentation, and submission to USCIS, including cover letters and evidence compilation tailored to your specific immigrant category. Average budget: $1,500–$3,500 attorney fees + $435 USCIS filing fee.
Legal analysis and preparation of a comprehensive response when USCIS issues an RFE challenging the petition’s evidence, eligibility, or documentation. Average budget: $800–$2,000 attorney fees, depending on complexity.
Once the I-360 is approved, many petitioners are eligible to apply for a green card through Form I-485. An attorney prepares the full adjustment package, including medical exam coordination and interview preparation. Average budget: $2,000–$4,500 attorney fees + $1,440 USCIS filing fee (for applicants 14–78).
For applicants residing abroad, an attorney manages the NVC process and prepares for the immigrant visa interview at the U.S. consulate. Average budget: $1,500–$3,000 attorney fees + applicable State Department fees.
Full legal service for surviving spouses, including eligibility review, assembly of marital and death documentation, and submission of the I-360 self-petition under the widow(er) category. Average budget: $2,200–$4,000.
Representation for minors seeking SIJ classification, including coordination with family court proceedings, review of the dependency order for USCIS-required language, and preparation and filing of the I-360. Average budget: $2,500–$5,000.
Work with us for expert guidance, compassionate support, and a trusted path to safety. Your future starts here.
Scheduling a live consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys provides personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of immigration law with confidence. Our attorneys offer tailored advice based on your unique situation, whether you're applying for a visa, seeking permanent residency, or addressing deportation concerns, ensuring you receive accurate insights from professionals well-versed in the latest regulations. With flexible scheduling for virtual or in-person appointments, we help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and develop a strategic plan in a secure, confidential environment to achieve your immigration goals efficiently.
