As if the tragedy of a spouse's death weren't bad enough, immigrants who were awaiting U.S. green cards once faced heavy barriers to completing the application process and remaining in the United States. Fortunately, if you learn and follow the rules, you have a good chance of being able to apply for and receive a green card even without the help of your U.S. citizen spouse.
U.S. Citizen Spouse Died: How Do I Get a Green Card on My Own?
If you were married to a U.S. citizen who died before you were able to get permanent residence in the U.S through the marriage, you may be eligible to get the green card anyway.
Filling Out USCIS Form I-360 Self Petition as a Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
Line-by-line instructions for filling out Form I-360, the petition form you use to let U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) know that you were married to a U.S. citizen who died, and you are self-petitioning for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residence).
Applying for Adjustment of Status as the Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
Procedural steps to get a U.S. green card if your petitioning husband or wife is deceased.
Who Is Exempt From Submitting Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
Situations where green card applicants can avoid having the U.S. petitioner submit a promise of financial support.
Conditional Residents: How to File I-751 for Green Card After Spouse's Death
If you received a “conditional,” two-year green card after marrying a U.S. citizen, you probably know that you need to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; but how and when can you do so after the U.S. petitioner's death?