EB-4 Visa: Employment-Based Green Card for Special Immigrants
The EB-4 visa is an employment-based green card specifically designed for certain categories of “special immigrants.” While most people recognize it as a pathway for religious workers affiliated with nonprofit religious denominations in the United States, the EB-4 category actually extends much further. It can also include special immigrant juveniles, international broadcasters, members of the U.S. Armed Forces, certain physicians, and even Iraqi and Afghan translators who supported the U.S. government.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys guide applicants through every stage of the EB-4 visa process. With experienced legal support, you can avoid delays, strengthen your application, and confidently move forward toward permanent residency.
What is the EB-4 Visa For?
Each year, the U.S. allocates 140,000 employment-based visas, divided across five preference categories. Only 7.1% of that annual cap is reserved for EB-4 visas, making availability limited. Once the quota is filled, remaining applications must wait until the following fiscal year.
The EB-4 visa provides green card eligibility to individuals in the following groups:
- Religious Workers: Ministers, priests, and other individuals working in a religious vocation or occupation for a nonprofit denomination.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): Children in the U.S. who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected, and who cannot reunite with their parents.
- Broadcasters: Radio and television professionals entering the U.S. to work in the media sector.
- Iraqis and Afghans who assisted the U.S. government: Translators, interpreters, and employees who provided critical support during U.S. operations.
- International U.S. Government Employees: Individuals employed abroad by the U.S. government and relocating to continue their work in the U.S.
- Other Special Categories: Includes retired NATO-6 employees, certain physicians, and other qualifying groups.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, consulting with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help clarify your eligibility and outline the best path forward.
EB-4 Visa Requirements
Because the EB-4 category encompasses many groups, requirements vary. However, general rules include:
- Filing Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant) with supporting documentation.
- Some petitions can be self-filed, without an employer sponsor.
- Employers, when applicable, must demonstrate financial ability to support the applicant.
Form I-360 Explained
Form I-360 is the core petition for EB-4 visa applicants. Depending on the applicant’s category, only relevant sections of the form need to be completed. For instance, a religious worker will fill out different sections than a broadcaster. Submitting the correct evidence is critical, as mistakes can delay or even derail approval.
EB-4 Visa Processing Times
Processing times depend on multiple factors, including the applicant’s category, case complexity, and visa availability.
- Form I-360 Processing: USCIS reports an average of 3.7 months, though times may differ by service center.
- Priority Date Wait Times: Applicants must wait for their priority date to be current on the Visa Bulletin. As of May 2025, the EB-4 category is marked as “Unavailable (U)” for all countries, meaning the annual limit has already been reached until October 1, 2025.
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): For applicants already in the U.S., this stage takes about 7 months after the priority date is current.
- Consular Processing: For applicants abroad, consular processing averages 6 months once the National Visa Center (NVC) creates the case.
Applying for the EB-4 Visa
All EB-4 applicants must file Form I-360, but the evidence and eligibility requirements vary. Common steps include:
- Providing proof of qualifying employment or service.
- Meeting employment duration requirements (e.g., two years for religious workers).
- Submitting documentation that matches your EB-4 category.
- Undergoing site visits or inspections by USCIS in certain cases.
Given the complexity of the EB-4 visa, personalized guidance from an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can make the difference between success and denial.
EB-4 Religious Worker Requirements
Religious workers face stricter eligibility standards. Key requirements include:
- At least two years of employment with a recognized religious denomination.
- Entering the U.S. as a:
- Minister or priest authorized to conduct religious worship.
- Religious professional with a bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent).
- Nonprofessional religious worker or an individual with a religious vocation (such as taking lifelong vows).
- Minister or priest authorized to conduct religious worship.
Applicants must also provide a letter from their religious organization in the U.S., verifying membership, job duties, qualifications, and financial arrangements. This letter serves as critical evidence for USCIS approval.
Why Work With Green Card Link?
The EB-4 visa is one of the most complex employment-based immigration options due to its wide range of qualifying categories. Each case is unique, and requirements vary significantly. At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys ensure every application is accurately prepared, backed by strong evidence, and filed on time.
Whether you are a religious worker, broadcaster, government employee, or other special immigrant, we help you navigate the EB-4 visa process with confidence.
Schedule a consultation today with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link and take the first step toward your green card.
1. Filing Fees Were Incorrect
Dear [Name of USCIS Officer],
I am writing to express my full support for the EB-4 visa application of [Name of Religious Worker], who has been a devoted member of our religious community and has faithfully served as a [Position Held] at [Name of Religious Organization] for [Number of Years].
Throughout this time, [Name of Religious Worker] has played a vital role in nurturing our community by leading worship services, providing pastoral care, and organizing outreach initiatives. His/Her dedication to both our congregation and the broader community has been extraordinary, making it clear that his/her continued presence in the United States is of great importance.
[Name of Religious Worker] possesses the education, training, and extensive experience required to perform his/her religious duties at the highest level. Known for compassion, integrity, and tireless commitment to service, he/she has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability as a spiritual leader.
We believe that granting [Name of Religious Worker] permanent residency will not only strengthen our community but also enrich the cultural and spiritual fabric of the United States as a whole. His/Her ongoing service provides immense value, and we are honored to support his/her petition.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further details.
Sincerely,
[Name and Title of Religious Organization Leader]
EB-4 Priority Dates
Understanding priority dates is key to estimating EB-4 visa processing times. Your priority date is the day USCIS receives your EB-4 petition. You must compare this date with the “final action dates” listed in the monthly visa bulletin published by the Department of State.
Once your priority date matches or surpasses the final action date for your country, your case becomes “current,” meaning an immigrant visa is available and you can move forward.
Processing times differ by country due to annual visa limits. Applicants from countries with high demand, such as India or China, may face longer waiting periods because of visa backlogs. In some cases, EB-4 visas may even become temporarily unavailable.
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
When your EB-4 priority date becomes current, you can obtain permanent residency through one of two processes:
- Consular Processing – Conducted at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in your home country. If your interview is successful, an immigrant visa is added to your passport, and you can enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
- Adjustment of Status – Available to individuals already in the U.S. under valid nonimmigrant status. This requires filing Form I-485 with USCIS to transition from nonimmigrant to immigrant status. The process generally takes about 7 months and costs $1,440 in filing fees.
Applicants should weigh both options carefully when deciding on the most suitable pathway.
Changing from R-1 Visa to EB-4 Green Card
Many religious workers initially enter the U.S. on an R-1 visa. To adjust from R-1 to EB-4 status, you must file Form I-360 and wait for your priority date to be current. Only then can you proceed with either consular processing or adjustment of status.
It is important to understand that holding an R-1 visa does not automatically lead to EB-4 approval. While the two categories share certain requirements, applicants must still meet EB-4 eligibility standards.
Green Card Link’s Experience with EB-4 Cases
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience handling EB-4 petitions for religious workers and other special immigrants. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link provide comprehensive guidance through every step, from filing Form I-360 to preparing strong supporting documentation.
As immigration attorneys at Green Card Link often emphasize, the EB-4 visa not only provides a legal pathway for religious workers to serve their communities but also contributes to the cultural and spiritual diversity of the United States. Guiding clients through this process is an honor, as it helps them continue their mission while strengthening American society.
Alternatives to the EB-4 Green Card
If you do not qualify for the EB-4 visa, other employment-based green card categories may be suitable:
- EB-1 Green Card – For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or executives of multinational companies.
- EB-2 Green Card – For advanced-degree professionals or individuals with exceptional ability, including those seeking a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
- EB-3 Green Card – For skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified workers.
- EB-5 Green Card – For immigrant investors creating jobs in the U.S. economy.
- H-1B Visa – For workers in specialty occupations.
- L-1 Visa – For intracompany transferees in managerial or executive roles.
- O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.
- TN Visa – For Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA (formerly NAFTA).
Selecting the right pathway depends on your qualifications, work experience, and long-term immigration goals. It is strongly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to determine the best strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions About EB-4 Religious Workers
Q: What qualifications are required to be considered a minister or clergy member?
A: U.S. law requires official recognition by a religious denomination. Examples include priests, rabbis, Buddhist monks, deacons, or commissioned officers of the Salvation Army. Proper documentation such as ordination or certification is required.
Q: What is a religious denomination?
A: A denomination is a formally organized group with established doctrines, practices, and places of worship.
Q: What are the main advantages of the EB-4 visa?
A: One major advantage is the faster timeline compared to other green card categories. No labor certification is required, and applicants may adjust status shortly after approval.
Q: Is premium processing available for EB-4?
A: No. Because EB-4 petitions use Form I-360, they are not eligible for premium processing.
Q: Can family members accompany EB-4 applicants?
A: Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may join once the EB-4 green card is approved, through either adjustment of status or consular processing.
EB-4 Visa Summary
The EB-4 green card is primarily available to religious workers and certain special immigrants who have contributed significantly to U.S. institutions and communities. The process is relatively fast, does not require a labor market test, and provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency.
If you are pursuing this pathway, working with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help ensure your petition is strong, well-documented, and positioned for success.