The EB-4 visa category is an immigrant visa reserved for a broad group of special immigrants that typically includes religious workers, broadcasters, Iraqi/Afghan translators, Iraqis who have assisted the United States, employees of international organizations, physicians, members of the armed forces, Panama Canal Zone employees, former NATO-6 personnel, and spouses and children of deceased former NATO-6 personnel.
The EB-4 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa for “special immigrants” eligible under U.S. immigration law — those in particular service, religious, humanitarian or governmental roles.
Eligible sub-categories include religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, certain broadcasters, certain employees/retirees of international organizations (G-4/NATO-6) and their families, U.S. government employees abroad and their families, certain physicians, Panama Canal Zone employees, and certain Afghan/Iraqi nationals who served U.S. interests.
No. Many EB-4 categories do not require a labor certification. Some categories permit self-petitioning rather than needing a U.S. employer sponsorship.
Applicants (or their petitioner) generally file Form I-360, “Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant,” to establish eligibility for the EB-4 category.
The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of the principal EB-4 beneficiary may derive immigration benefits and become lawful permanent residents together.
Yes. Although EB-4 is a distinct category, immigration numbers and priority date tracking apply; applicants must monitor the visa bulletin for availability of EB-4 visas in their category or country.
Once approved, the EB-4 visa leads to lawful permanent resident (Green Card) status in the U.S., enabling the holder to live and work permanently in the U.S., and eventually pursue U.S. citizenship if eligible.
