EB-4 Visa

EB-4 Visa

The EB-4 visa is a special immigrant visa that allows individuals to permanently immigrate to the United States. This visa is designed for individuals who are considered “special immigrants,” including religious workers, broadcasters, Iraqi and Afghan translators, and employees of international organizations.

Eligibility Requirements for EB-4 Visa

To be eligible for the EB-4 visa, you must fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Religious Workers: You must have been a member of a religious denomination that has a non-profit religious organization in the United States for at least two years prior to applying for the visa. You must also be coming to the U.S. to work as a minister, professional or non-professional religious worker, or in a religious vocation or occupation.

  2. Broadcasters: You must be coming to the U.S. to work as a broadcaster for the International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors or for a similar organization.

  3. Iraqi and Afghan Translators: You must have been employed as a translator or interpreter by the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least one year.

  4. Employees of International Organizations: You must have been employed by a qualifying international organization for at least 15 years and be coming to the U.S. to work in a similar capacity for a qualifying international organization.

Application Process for EB-4 Visa

To apply for the EB-4 visa, you must first obtain an approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. This petition must be filed by the sponsoring employer or organization, and it must include evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa.

Once your petition is approved, you can then file Form DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, with the U.S. Department of State. You will also need to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, where you will be asked questions about your eligibility for the visa.

Benefits of EB-4 Visa

The EB-4 visa provides several benefits to those who are eligible, including:

  1. Permanent Residency: Once you are granted the EB-4 visa, you will be able to live and work in the United States permanently.

  2. Ability to Sponsor Family Members: You will also be able to sponsor your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 for permanent residency in the U.S.

  3. No Labor Certification Required: Unlike other employment-based visas, the EB-4 visa does not require a labor certification, which can save both time and money in the application process.

  4. Expedited Processing: In some cases, the EB-4 visa can be processed more quickly than other employment-based visas, particularly if you are a religious worker.