The EB-4 is an employment-based fourth preference immigrant visa that offers a path to U.S. permanent residency (green card) for a select group of “special immigrants”. A major group within this category includes religious workers, though others—such as Afghan/Iraqi nationals who assisted the U.S. government—also qualify.
👤 Who Qualifies as a Special Immigrant?
The EB-4 category includes:
-
Religious workers: Ministers and religious professionals coming to work full-time for a nonprofit U.S. religious organization.
-
Special immigrant juveniles: Minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
-
Afghan or Iraqi nationals: Who worked with or for the U.S. military or government.
-
Broadcasters: Working for the U.S. Agency for Global Media or its affiliates.
-
Certain international organization employees, and more.
🙏 EB-4 for Religious Workers: Requirements
To qualify as a religious worker under EB-4:
-
You must have been a member of a religious denomination for at least 2 years.
-
You must have been working continuously in a religious capacity for at least 2 years before applying.
-
The sponsoring organization must be a bona fide nonprofit religious organization.
-
You must be entering the U.S. to work full-time (35+ hours/week) in a religious vocation or occupation.
Note: Non-minister religious worker green cards are currently subject to sunset provisions and may be temporarily suspended depending on legislative updates.
📝 Application Process
-
The sponsoring religious or qualifying organization files Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant).
-
Upon approval, the immigrant may file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) if already in the U.S., or proceed with consular processing abroad.
-
After approval, the applicant becomes a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder).
📎 Supporting Documents
-
Proof of nonprofit status of the organization (IRS 501(c)(3) letter).
-
Evidence of prior religious work and continuous membership in the denomination.
-
Letter of intent from the U.S. employer.
-
Valid passport and civil documents for the immigrant and dependents.
📞 Borderless Lawyers assists both U.S. religious organizations and foreign nationals in securing green cards under the EB-4 category. Let our team support your journey to permanent residency with precision and care.