The EB-4 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category for special immigrants who meet specific criteria set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This category is designed for individuals who qualify as special immigrants, including religious workers, certain employees of the U.S. government abroad, retired employees of international organizations, and certain members of the armed forces, among others. The process for applying for the EB-4 visa begins with the filing of Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with USCIS. This petition must demonstrate the applicant's eligibility for one of the special immigrant classifications.
For applicants seeking the EB-4 visa as religious workers, they must provide evidence of their religious affiliation, qualifications, and at least two years of experience in a religious occupation. Religious workers must also be sponsored by a qualified religious organization in the U.S. For employees of the U.S. government abroad or retirees from international organizations, applicants must submit documentation showing their employment history and the relevant relationship to the organization. For other special immigrant classifications, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as proof of their role in the armed forces or as certain foreign nationals employed by the U.S. government abroad. The I-360 petition must include relevant supporting documents, including employment records, letters of recommendation, and proof of religious affiliation, where applicable.
Once the Form I-360 is approved, the applicant can either file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if already in the U.S., or go through consular processing if they are outside the U.S. at a U.S. embassy or consulate. After approval, the applicant will receive an immigrant visa or Green Card, granting them lawful permanent residency in the United States. The EB-4 visa category is beneficial for special immigrants who may otherwise not fit into the standard employment-based visa categories. While the processing time for an EB-4 visa can be quicker compared to other employment-based visas, applicants must meet very specific criteria. Consulting with an immigration attorney is advisable to ensure compliance with all documentation and eligibility requirements to facilitate a smooth application process.
