The EB-4 Green Card (Green Card for Religious Workers) is a special immigrant visa that allows individuals who perform religious services in the United States to obtain permanent residency. The EB-4 Green Card visa, which appeals to a wide range of applicants, from professionals working in religious organizations to volunteers, is an ideal option for those who want to continue their religious services in America.
EB-4 What is a Green Card for Religious Workers?
The EB-4 Green Card for Religious Workers offers an employment-based immigration pathway for people who engage in religious activities in the United States. From religious leaders to missionaries, volunteer workers to teachers, individuals in many different positions can benefit from this visa. The EB-4 category is a special type of immigrant visa with a limited annual quota.
Who Can Apply for an EB-4 Green Card?
Persons eligible to apply for an EB-4 visa are divided into the following categories
Religious Officials
- Religious Leaders: Pastors, imams, priests and other religious leaders.
- Religious Teachers and Professors: People who provide religious education.
- Missionaries and Volunteers: Those engaged in religious activities in the United States.
Retired Religious Officials
- Individuals who have served in the US for a long period of time and retired from an international religious organization.
Those serving in religious organizations
- Those working for US-based non-profit religious organizations.
- Officials sent to the US from international religious organizations.
EB-4 Green Card Application Process
Employer Support
The religious organization to serve in the US must support the application and provide the applicant with a formal job offer. This is the first step of the application.
Filling out Form I-360
The religious organization completes the I-360 form and sends it to USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to prove the applicant’s eligibility.
- Documents: Job offer, certificates of religious service, details of the applicant’s mission, and a description of the organization.
- Application Fee: The required fee for the I-360 application must be paid.
Evaluation of the Application
USCIS reviews the application in detail and assesses whether the applicant meets the criteria.
Green Card Application
- If you are in the US You can apply for a change of status with form I-485.
- If you are outside the US: You can apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing by completing the DS-260 form.
Biometric Appointment and Interview
The applicant attends a biometric appointment and provides data such as fingerprints and a photograph. The applicant then undergoes an interview with USCIS or consular officials.
Conclusion
Once the application is approved, the Green Card is delivered by post. In case of rejection, reasons are given and an appeal can be filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Marsan Akguc Law Firm, we are here to guide you in your EB-4 Green Card applications and carry out your process with confidence. You can take the first step by contacting our expert team.
Religious leaders, teachers, missionaries, volunteers and those working in religious organizations can apply.
It varies depending on the region and USCIS intensity. It usually takes between 15 months and 5 years.
The job offer, religious organization documents, documents proving the applicant's religious service experience, I-360 form and biometric data are required.
Your spouse and children under the age of 21 can be included in the Green Card application and can reside with you in the US.
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