Fourth Preference EB-4: Special Immigrant Categories

The EB-4 visa is one of the lesser-known employment-based green card options. But for many people, it's the only way to get permanent residency in the United States. This visa is intended for "special immigrants,” which actually encompasses several distinct categories. It includes groups like religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, broadcasters, certain military members, and others with unique immigration paths.

Unlike other employment-based visas, the EB-4 category isn't just about having a job offer. It’s about meeting specific legal and humanitarian criteria outlined by U.S. immigration law. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the EB-4 visa. We’ll cover who qualifies, the different categories, how to apply, and what to expect during the process. Keep in mind that this guide offers general information based on public sources. For advice on your specific case, we strongly recommend speaking with an experienced EB-4 visa lawyer. Without further ado, let’s get right into it!

What is and Who Qualifies for the EB-4 Visa?

The EB-4 visa is part of the fourth preference category for employment-based immigration. But unlike other work visas, it's not based on job skills or degrees alone. Instead, it’s designed for people who fit into special categories defined by U.S. immigration law. These categories are listed under the Immigration and Nationality Act, also called the INA. To qualify, you must meet the legal definition of a "special immigrant." That means you fall into one of the approved groups, like religious workers, SIJs, or U.S. government employees abroad. Some EB-4 applicants need a sponsoring organization, while others can self-petition. That depends on your category.

Compared to the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 visas, the EB-4 isn’t focused on education, salary, or employment-based labor certifications. It’s more about your role, service, or unique life situation. If you're not sure which visa fits your background, this category might surprise you. Many people qualify for EB-4 without realizing it.

Special Immigrant Categories Under the EB-4 Visa

The EB-4 visa includes a wide range of special immigrant categories. Each one has unique requirements, and not all of them need a U.S. employer to file the petition. These categories were created to help individuals who have made specific contributions or faced special circumstances. Some are based on humanitarian needs, while others recognize long-term service to the U.S. government. Below, we’ll go over the different special immigrant categories that are available in the fourth preference. Make sure to review the details of your specific group before starting your application.

EB-4 Visa for Religious Workers

One of the most common EB-4 categories is for religious workers. This includes both ministers and non-minister religious professionals. To qualify, you must be part of a religious denomination that has a nonprofit presence in the United States. You must also have been a member of that denomination for at least two years before applying. Ministers perform religious duties like preaching, leading worship, or conducting ceremonies. Non-ministers can be involved in religious teaching, liturgical functions, or other spiritual work. The religious organization must file the petition on your behalf. You can’t self-petition in this category. You’ll need proof of the organization’s tax-exempt status, your membership in the religious group, and your work history in religious roles. This category is not for volunteers. You must be entering the U.S. to work full-time in a religious vocation or occupation. If approved, you can become a permanent resident and continue your service in the United States.

Note: The program for non-minister religious workers is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Only those who apply for a green card or adjustment of status by that date will qualify. This sunset date also applies to their spouses and children. Ministers and their family members are not affected by the sunset provision.

EB-4 Visa for Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ)

Special Immigrant Juvenile status is for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. It allows them to apply for lawful permanent residency in the United States. To qualify, the applicant must be under 21 years old, unmarried, and declared dependent by a juvenile court. The court must find that the child can't reunite with one or both parents due to abuse or neglect. The process starts with a state court order. After that, the child or their guardian can file Form I-360 with USCIS. Unlike most green card paths, SIJ applicants don’t need a sponsor. They apply on their own. Once approved, they may apply for a green card through adjustment of status. This category is humanitarian and aims to protect vulnerable youth. However, the process can be complex and varies depending on the state. Because of the court involvement and strict documentation rules, legal help is highly recommended.

EB-4 Visa for “Certain Broadcasters”

This EB-4 category is reserved for broadcasters working with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) or its grantees, like Voice of America. To qualify, you must be coming to the United States to work as a broadcaster, journalist, or related media professional. Your work must support international broadcasting operations. This visa is not available to private media workers. It only applies to employees sponsored by the USAGM or its designated organizations. Your employer must file Form I-360 on your behalf. You cannot self-petition in this category. The role must be permanent and directly related to broadcasting. Freelancers or temporary hires do not qualify. If approved, you may apply for a green card. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply as derivatives.

EB-4 Visa for G-4 and NATO-6 Employees and Their Family Members

This EB-4 category is for long-term employees of international organizations and their eligible family members. It includes former G-4 and NATO-6 visa holders. To qualify, the employee must have worked for a qualifying organization, like the United Nations or NATO, while holding G-4 or NATO-6 status. They must also be retiring from that organization. The employee must have lived in the United States for at least 15 years before retirement. At least half of that time must have been spent in G-4 or NATO-6 status. This category is also open to spouses, widows or widowers, and unmarried sons or daughters of these employees. They must also meet specific residency and status rules. Applicants must file Form I-360 and provide detailed evidence of service, visa history, and retirement plans. This visa path honors those who supported global diplomacy while living in the United States for years.

EB-4 Visa for U.S. Government Employees Abroad and Their Family Members

This EB-4 category helps foreign nationals who worked for the U.S. government in another country for a long time. It also covers their spouses and children in some cases. To qualify, the applicant must have been employed for at least 15 years by the U.S. government or a qualifying agency abroad. The employment must have been honest, faithful, and full-time. Eligible positions include roles at U.S. embassies, consulates, and government-affiliated offices in foreign countries. This path also covers surviving spouses and unmarried children of such employees, as long as the original employee met the service and moral conduct rules. Form I-360 must be filed with detailed records of employment and duration of service. USCIS may ask for supporting letters from the agency where the applicant worked. If granted, this green card pathway honors long-term service to the U.S. government carried out overseas.

EB-4 Visa for Members of the U.S. Armed Forces

This EB-4 visa category is for foreign nationals who have served honorably in the U.S. military. It recognizes their dedication and gives them a path to lawful permanent residency. To qualify, the applicant must have served for at least 12 years in the U.S. Armed Forces. That service must be active duty and honorable. The Department of Defense must provide a recommendation. This confirms that the applicant’s military service was faithful and meets all eligibility rules. Service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard may also count, depending on the type and duration of duty. Form I-360 must be filed along with service records and proof of military status. USCIS may also request a signed statement from a commanding officer. This path supports those who have protected the country and want to build a future in the United States.

EB-4 Visa for Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone Government Employees

This EB-4 category is for foreign nationals who worked for the U.S. government in the Panama Canal Zone. It includes employees of the Panama Canal Company, the Canal Zone Government, or U.S. agencies operating there. To qualify, you must have worked for one of these entities before the Canal Zone was returned to Panama. Your employment must have started before October 1, 1979. You must have been a resident of the Canal Zone at the time and held a qualifying position. The work must have been full-time and dedicated to supporting U.S. operations. This category also includes surviving spouses and unmarried children of qualifying employees, if other conditions are met. Applicants must file Form I-360 and provide detailed evidence of their work history, residency, and role in the Canal Zone. This category is limited but exists to honor those who served during an important period of U.S. involvement in Panama.

EB-4 Visa for Certain Physicians Practicing Before 1978

This EB-4 category is for foreign-born physicians who were practicing medicine in the U.S. on January 9, 1978. It offers a path to a green card based on long-term service. To qualify, you must have been licensed and actively practicing medicine in a U.S. state on or before that date. You also need to show that you’ve maintained lawful status since then. This visa option was created to help physicians who were already contributing to the U.S. healthcare system before modern immigration rules were in place. Applicants must provide proof of state licensure, medical practice, and compliance with immigration laws over time. Form I-360 must be filed with complete supporting documentation. That includes medical records, licensing history, and status paperwork. This is a very limited category, but it still applies to a small number of long-serving medical professionals.

Note: This category exists to protect physicians who were lawfully working in the U.S. before immigration rules changed in 1978. It prevents them from being penalized by newer requirements.

EB-4 Visa for Informants on Criminal or Terrorist Organizations

This EB-4 category is for individuals who helped U.S. law enforcement by providing valuable information on criminal or terrorist activity. It applies only in rare and specific cases. To qualify, you must have entered the U.S. under an S-5, S-6, or S-7 nonimmigrant visa. These are issued to informants who assist law enforcement or intelligence agencies. You must also meet all the terms of your S visa. That includes full cooperation with investigations and court proceedings. The lead agency must confirm that your help was meaningful. Form I-360 must be filed with a certification from a U.S. law enforcement agency or the Department of Justice. They must agree that granting you a green card is in the national interest. This category is narrow but important. It protects those who take serious risks to support public safety or national security.

EB-4 Visa Benefits and Limitations

The EB-4 visa offers many benefits, especially for people in roles that don’t fit the typical employment-based green card categories. Still, it comes with some limits you should understand before applying.

Key Benefits of the EB-4 Visa

1. Direct Path to a Green Card The EB-4 is an immigrant visa. That means successful applicants can become lawful permanent residents without first going through a temporary work visa like an H-1B or O-1.

2. No Labor Certification Needed Unlike EB-2 and EB-3 green cards, the EB-4 does not require a labor certification (PERM). This saves time and avoids the need to prove that no U.S. workers are available for the job.

3. Some Applicants Can Self-Petition Certain categories, like Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) or G-4 retirees, don’t need an employer to sponsor them. This offers more flexibility and independence in the process.

4. Work and Travel Benefits Once granted, EB-4 green card holders can live, work, and travel freely in the United States. You can take any lawful job without restrictions on the type of employer or field.

5. Family Members May Qualify Most EB-4 applicants can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in the same green card application. If approved, these family members also become permanent residents.

6. Eligible for U.S. Citizenship After holding a green card for five years, EB-4 recipients may apply for naturalization and become U.S. citizens, just like other green card holders.

Key Limitations of the EB-4 Visa

1. Visa Cap and Backlogs The EB-4 is subject to an annual limit. Only about 7.1% of all employment-based green cards go to EB-4 applicants each year. This small share is then split among all EB-4 categories and countries.

If demand is high, the visa bulletin may show that EB-4 applications are “backlogged,” especially for certain nationalities like Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This means applicants may have to wait months or years before they can apply for a green card, even after their petition is approved.

2. Narrow Eligibility Categories
The EB-4 is only available to people who fall into specific categories. You can't apply unless you meet the strict legal definition of a “special immigrant.” Even a strong work or humanitarian record may not help if you're not clearly in a qualifying group.

3. Strict Documentation Requirements
Each EB-4 category has its own rules and documents. USCIS will expect detailed evidence to prove that you qualify. This often includes court orders, government letters, service records, or organizational endorsements.

4. Limited Adjustment of Status Options
Some EB-4 applicants must go through consular processing outside the U.S. Others may be ineligible to adjust status from within the U.S. if they entered unlawfully or overstayed a visa. This depends on the applicant’s background and immigration history.

5. Expiring Subcategories
Some EB-4 subcategories have sunset dates, meaning they expire unless Congress renews them. For example, non-minister religious workers can only apply through September 30, 2025. If no extension is passed, this path will close.

EB-4 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the EB-4 visa, you must meet the specific requirements of a designated special immigrant category. The general process is similar across categories, but details vary depending on who you are and what type of petition you're filing.

Petition Type: Form I-360

Most EB-4 applicants must submit Form I-360, known as the Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. This is the core form used to request EB-4 classification. Some applicants can file this form themselves (self-petition), while others need a U.S. employer or agency to file it for them. If you're unsure whether you qualify for self-petitioning, review the rules for your category carefully or ask an immigration attorney.

Sponsorship Requirements

Some EB-4 categories require a sponsoring employer or organization. This is common for:

• Religious workers
• Broadcasters
• Certain U.S. government or international organization employees

The sponsor must provide evidence of their status, your role, and how your work qualifies under the category. Others, like Special Immigrant Juveniles, G-4 retirees, or military service members, do not need an employer to sponsor them. They can file Form I-360 independently with the required proof.

Category-Specific Evidence

Each category comes with its own set of supporting documents. USCIS will not approve your petition without solid evidence. Examples include:

• Court orders for SIJ applicants
• Service records for military and government employees
• Organizational letters for religious workers or broadcasters
• Medical licenses for qualifying physicians
• Agency endorsements for informants under S visas

Make sure all documents are current, clear, and translated into English if needed. We'll cover translations in more detail in the next section.

Good Moral Character

Most EB-4 applicants must show they have good moral character. This means you should not have a serious criminal record, history of fraud, or immigration violations. USCIS may ask for police clearance letters, background checks, or other records to support this part of the application.

Admissibility and Lawful Presence

You must also be admissible to the United States. This means you don’t fall under any bars to entry, such as past deportations, visa fraud, or unlawful presence. If you do have a history that could make you inadmissible, you may be able to apply for a waiver, but approval is not guaranteed.

Translation Requirements for EB-4 Visa Applications

If you’re applying for an EB-4 visa and your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you’ll need to submit certified translations. This is a mandatory requirement for USCIS. USCIS will not accept untranslated or unofficial documents. Even if your paperwork comes from a trusted authority in your home country, it must be accompanied by an accurate English translation.

What Needs to Be Translated?

Here are common documents that often require translation in EB-4 applications:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Court orders (especially for SIJ applicants)
• Employment records and job descriptions
• Medical licenses and certifications
• Military or government service letters
• Police clearance letters
• Immigration documents from foreign countries

Certification of Translation

Each translated document must include a certification statement from the translator. This statement confirms that the translator is fluent in both languages and that the translation is complete and accurate. Here’s what the certification should contain:

• Full name and signature of the translator
• A statement of fluency in English and the source language
• Date of translation
• Contact information for the translator or agency

USCIS may reject your application if this certification is missing or incomplete.

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Summary

While the EB-4 visa doesn’t require labor certification or high-level education, it does require very specific eligibility. The key is to know your category, gather strong evidence, and submit Form I-360 with the right support. If anything is missing or unclear, your case could be delayed or denied.

EB-4 Visa Application Process

The EB-4 visa process starts with a petition and ends with either an adjustment of status or consular processing. The steps can vary depending on your category, location, and immigration history. Here’s how the process usually works:

Step 1: File Form I-360

Most EB-4 applicants must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.

• If you're eligible to self-petition, you’ll submit it yourself.
• If your category requires a sponsoring organization, they must file it on your behalf.

This petition must include detailed evidence showing that you meet all the qualifications for your specific EB-4 category. USCIS will review your petition and may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) if anything is missing or unclear.

Step 2: Wait for Approval and Priority Date

Once USCIS approves your petition, you'll get a priority date. This date is used to determine your place in line for a green card. You’ll need to check the visa bulletin each month to see if your priority date is current. If it is, you can move forward. If not, you must wait until a visa becomes available. Some countries or categories may have a backlog, which can delay the process.

Step 3: Choose a Path – Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

• If you are inside the United States:
  You may be eligible to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) with USCIS once your priority date is current. This lets you apply for your green card without leaving the country.

• If you are outside the United States:
  You’ll go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. You’ll attend a visa interview and submit your documents there.

Step 4: Submit Additional Forms and Attend Appointments

No matter which path you take, you’ll need to:

• Submit required forms (like I-485 or DS-260)
• Complete a medical exam with a certified doctor
• Attend a biometrics appointment (if adjusting in the U.S.)
• Show up for an in-person interview

You’ll also need to bring translated and certified documents, especially if they’re in a foreign language.

Step 5: Receive Your Green Card

If everything goes well, you’ll receive your green card either in the mail (after adjustment of status) or after your visa is approved abroad. You can now live and work permanently in the U.S. and apply for citizenship after five years of residency.

The EB-4 process can take time and involves many steps, but it’s one of the few green card options available for special cases. Getting help from a qualified immigration lawyer can be especially helpful if your case is complex.

EB-4 Visa Processing Time

The total processing time for the EB-4 visa depends on many factors. These include your special immigrant category, your country of origin, and how busy USCIS and the National Visa Center are at the time you apply. Let’s break it down by stage.

I-360 Petition Processing Time

The first step is getting your Form I-360 approved. On average, this takes 6 to 12 months, though some cases may move faster or slower. Factors that affect I-360 timelines:

• Type of EB-4 category (e.g., SIJ vs. religious worker)
• Whether your petition is complete and well-documented
• Whether USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE)
• Workload at the service center handling your case

Can You Use Premium Processing?

No, Form I-360 for EB-4 applicants is not eligible for premium processing. Unlike some employment-based petitions (like EB-1 or EB-2), EB-4 petitions cannot be fast-tracked by paying an additional fee. This means every EB-4 case is processed in the standard order, with no guaranteed timeline for approval. Some EB-4 applicants, like Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs) or religious workers, may face longer processing times due to higher demand or category-specific delays.

Visa Bulletin Wait Times

After your I-360 is approved, you must wait for your priority date to become current if your category is subject to annual limits. There is no wait if your category is current and your country has no backlog. But in some cases, especially for nationals of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras, the wait can be months or even years. You can check your place in line by reviewing the Department of State’s monthly visa bulletin.

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Once your priority date is current, the final green card step begins.

• Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Takes 8 to 14 months on average if filed inside the U.S.
• Consular Processing: May take 6 to 12 months, depending on embassy schedules and completeness of your documentation.

In both cases, delays can occur due to:

• Background checks or security screenings
• Requests for additional documents
• Medical exam or vaccination issues
• Errors or inconsistencies in forms

In total, EB-4 processing can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months, or longer if your case is subject to visa bulletin delays. While you can’t speed it up with premium processing, submitting a strong, complete application and responding to any USCIS requests quickly can help keep your case moving.

EB-4 Visa to Green Card Transition

Once your EB-4 petition is approved and your priority date is current, you can move to the final step: getting your green card. This step is called the adjustment of status if you’re already in the U.S., or consular processing if you’re outside the country. Both options lead to the same result: lawful permanent residency in the United States.

If You Are Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

If you’re in the U.S. with valid status, you may apply for a green card by filing Form I-485 with USCIS. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A copy of your approved Form I-360
• Evidence that your priority date is current
• Proof of lawful entry and legal presence
• A medical exam report from a certified civil surgeon
• Supporting documents like ID, photos, and translations

You’ll attend a biometrics appointment and may be called for an in-person interview. If approved, you’ll receive your green card in the mail. During this time, you may also apply for:

• Work authorization (Form I-765)
• Travel permission (Form I-131)

These allow you to work and travel while your green card is pending.

If You Are Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)

If you’re abroad, you’ll complete the green card process through a U.S. embassy or consulate. This is called consular processing. After your I-360 is approved and your priority date is current, your case will be sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). From there, you’ll:

1. Submit civil documents and translations
2. Pay visa application fees
3. Attend a medical exam in your home country
4. Go to a visa interview at the U.S. consulate

If the interview goes well, you’ll get an immigrant visa in your passport. After you enter the U.S., your green card will be mailed to you.

After You Receive Your Green Card

Once you have your green card, you’ll enjoy full permanent resident benefits:

• Live and work anywhere in the U.S.
• Travel freely with few restrictions
• Sponsor eligible family members for visas
• Apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency

Whether you apply from inside or outside the U.S., the EB-4 transition to a green card is a major milestone. Be sure your documents are complete, accurate, and up to date before filing.

FAQs About the EB-4 Visa

1. How many EB-4 visas are issued each year?

Each year, about 7.1% of all employment-based immigrant visas are allocated to EB-4 applicants. This percentage is shared across all EB-4 categories and nationalities. Because of this small share, some countries may face backlogs if demand is high. For example, applicants from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico often see longer wait times due to oversubscription.

2. Do I need a U.S. employer to file for the EB-4 visa?

It depends on your category. Some applicants, like religious workers or broadcasters, must be sponsored by a qualifying U.S. employer or organization that files Form I-360 for them. Others, like Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) or retired G-4 employees, can self-petition. They do not need an employer to file on their behalf, but they must submit strong evidence proving they meet all legal requirements.

3. Can EB-4 applicants bring family members?

Yes. Most EB-4 applicants can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 as derivative beneficiaries. If the primary EB-4 applicant is approved, eligible family members may also receive green cards. These family members must go through the same adjustment of status or consular processing steps. Their applications are usually tied to the principal applicant's case.

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The EB-4 visa is a unique path for many underrepresented immigrant groups. It offers a chance to gain permanent residency based on service, humanitarian needs, or special circumstances, not just job offers or degrees.

The key to a successful EB-4 application is understanding your eligibility and submitting a complete petition with all required documentation. Each category has specific rules, so take the time to review what applies to you.

In many cases, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration attorney. This is especially important for complex categories like SIJs, informants, or applicants with past immigration issues. And when it comes to your translation needs, MotaWord has you covered. MotaWord provides fast, accurate, and USCIS-compliant certified translations for all your supporting documents. Whether you need court orders, service letters, marriage certificates, or professional records translated, we deliver with precision and speed.

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