Who qualifies for a religious worker green card?

Religious workers who have been part of a nonprofit religious organization for at least two years may qualify. This includes ministers and other religious professionals seeking to work in the U.S. under the EB-4 visa category.

What is the EB-4 visa process for religious workers?

The process starts with Form I-360, filed by the sponsoring religious organization. Once approved, applicants can proceed with adjustment of status if inside the U.S., or consular processing if abroad.

Can my family come with me under the EB-4 religious worker green card?

Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for green cards as derivative beneficiaries under the EB-4 visa category.

How long does it take to get a religious worker green card?

The processing time varies, but it typically ranges between 12 and 24 months, depending on USCIS workload and visa availability.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the EB-4 visa as a religious worker?

Yes, most applicants need a sponsorship from a U.S.-based religious organization. The organization must provide evidence of its nonprofit status and your prior experience.

EB-4 Visa: Employment-Based Green Card for Special Immigrants

The EB-4 visa is a U.S. employment-based green card category designed for special immigrants, including religious workers, broadcasters, certain members of the U.S. armed forces, and more. This immigrant visa allows qualified individuals to obtain lawful permanent residency based on specific job roles or unique qualifications.

At Immigration Universe Attorneys, our experienced EB-4 immigration attorneys are ready to guide you through the process step by step and ensure your petition is as strong as possible.

Who Qualifies for an EB-4 Visa?

The EB-4 green card is available to individuals who fall into one of several “special immigrant” categories, including:

Religious workers (such as ministers and other religious professionals)
Broadcasters working for the U.S. Agency for Global Media
Certain employees of international organizations or NATO
Iraqi or Afghan nationals who worked with or for the U.S. government
Certain members of the U.S. armed forces
Panama Canal employees
Juvenile immigrants declared dependent on a U.S. court
Retired employees of G-4 international organizations
Certain physicians practicing in underserved areas

Filing a Petition for a Special Immigrant

To begin the EB-4 visa process, a U.S. employer or qualifying organization must typically file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

EB-4 Visa Requirements

Each category under the EB-4 visa has specific documentation and eligibility criteria. For example:

Religious workers must show at least two years of continuous membership in a qualifying religious denomination.
Afghan and Iraqi nationals must prove their prior service to the U.S. government.
Special immigrant juveniles (SIJ) must obtain a juvenile court order before applying.

Unlike many employment-based green card categories, no labor certification (PERM) is required for EB-4 visas.

Benefits of the EB-4 Visa

Pathway to a green card: EB-4 visa holders can become lawful permanent residents of the United States.
Family inclusion: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for derivative green cards.
No job offer required in some cases: Some EB-4 categories do not require a U.S. employer sponsorship.

How Long Does the EB-4 Visa Process Take?

Processing times for EB-4 visas vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and visa availability. Applicants should also monitor the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the U.S. Department of State.

On average, EB-4 processing can take 9 to 18 months depending on your case type and USCIS backlog.

Why Work with Our EB-4 Immigration Lawyers?

Navigating EB-4 visa requirements can be complex, especially for religious workers or applicants applying under lesser-known categories. At Immigration Universe Attorneys, our EB-4 visa attorneys will:

Evaluate your eligibility
Gather the necessary documentation
Help your sponsor prepare Form I-360
Track your petition and provide updates
Assist you and your family with adjustment of status or consular processing

We’ve helped clients from all over the world successfully obtain EB-4 visas and green cards.

THIS CATEGORY COVERS A BROAD RANGE OF APPLICANTS:

Religious worker
Broadcasters
Iraqi and Afghan translators
Iraqis who have provided aid to the U.S.
Employees of an International Organization
Members of Armed Forces
Employees of the Panama Canal
Physicians
Retired employees of NATO-6
If NATO-6 employee is deceased, spouse and children are still eligible

Start Your EB-4 Visa Journey Today

Schedule a consultation today to explore your eligibility and take the first step toward obtaining your EB-4 green card with confidence.

If you believe you qualify as a special immigrant under the EB-4 category, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced employment green card attorneys today. We’re here to help you understand your options and protect your future in the United States.