Overview
EB-4 covers a diverse group of ‘special immigrant’ categories including: religious workers (ministers, religious vocations); certain employees of the U.S. government abroad; certain physicians; international broadcasters; certain U.S. armed forces members; Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ); and others. The most common path is the religious worker category.Eligibility Requirements
Religious workers: ministers must demonstrate ordination and 2 years of denomination membership; non-ministers must show 2 years of full-time religious work and continuing employment plans. SIJ: state court order finding child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, with reunification with one or both parents not viable. Other categories have specific eligibility criteria.
Application Process
Petitioner files Form I-360 (different form than I-140). Religious worker petitions require USCIS site visits before approval. SIJ petitions require state court findings before USCIS filing.
Required Documentation
Vary significantly by subcategory. Religious workers: 501(c)(3) determination, denomination documentation, 2-year membership evidence, employment offer, compensation arrangements. SIJ: state court order, supporting documentation.
Government Filing Fees
I-360 filing fee (some categories exempt); I-485 fee; Biometrics.Processing Timeline
I-360 6–18 months; I-485 dependent on category and priority date.
Why Choose Our Firm
We represent religious organizations across denominations (Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Sikh) in EB-4 religious worker filings. We also handle SIJ cases for vulnerable youth and international broadcasters.
