EB4 Visa FAQ | Costs & Fees | Document Requirements Checklist

The EB4 visa is a special immigrant visa reserved for religious workers who wish to come to the United States to engage in religious work or other related activities. This visa is intended to provide a pathway for religious workers to come to the United States on a permanent basis.

To qualify for an EB4 religious worker visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. First, they must have a job offer from a religious organization in the United States. The religious organization must be tax-exempt and have been in existence for at least two years.

In addition, the applicant must have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years prior to filing the application. They must also be coming to the United States to work in a religious vocation or occupation, such as a minister, religious instructor, or other religious worker.

The application process for an EB4 religious worker visa is somewhat complex, and applicants should be prepared to provide extensive documentation to support their case. This may include evidence of the religious organization’s tax-exempt status, evidence of the applicant’s membership in the religious denomination, and evidence of the job offer and the applicant’s qualifications for the position.

It is important to note that there is a cap on the number of EB4 visas that can be issued each year, and demand for these visas can be high. As a result, it is important to start the application process as early as possible to avoid any delays or issues.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) are the primary government agencies responsible for processing EB4 visa applications. Applicants should consult these agencies for the most up-to-date information on eligibility requirements and application procedures.

In summary, the EB4 visa is a special immigrant visa designed to provide a pathway for religious workers to come to the United States on a permanent basis. To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from a tax-exempt religious organization and be coming to the United States to work in a religious vocation or occupation. The application process can be complex and demand for these visas can be high, so it is important to start the process early and work with experienced immigration professionals.

Sources:

• https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fourth-preference-eb-4
• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/employment-based-immigrant-visas.html#fourth  

If you are applying for an EB4 visa as a religious worker, there are certain documents that you will need to include in your application. These documents are necessary to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa and to support your case for approval.

To help ensure that your application is complete and accurate, it can be helpful to use a checklist of required documents. This checklist can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, and includes the following items:

1. Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
2. Evidence of the religious organization’s tax-exempt status
3. Evidence of the applicant’s membership in the religious denomination
4. Evidence of the job offer and the applicant’s qualifications for the position
5. Evidence of the applicant’s prior religious work experience, if applicable
6. Evidence of the applicant’s intent to work in a religious vocation or occupation in the United States

In addition to these required documents, applicants may also need to provide additional supporting evidence, depending on the specifics of their case. For example, if the applicant is a minister, they may need to provide evidence of their ordination or other religious credentials.

It is important to note that all documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. In addition, all documents must be submitted in their original form, unless USCIS specifically requests a copy.

Submitting a complete and accurate application, with all required documents, can help to ensure that your case is processed as quickly and smoothly as possible. Any missing or incomplete documents could result in delays or even a denial of your application.

In summary, applying for an EB4 visa as a religious worker requires a number of specific documents and evidence to be provided. It is important to use a checklist of required documents to ensure that your application is complete and accurate. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation, and must be submitted in their original form. By following these guidelines, you can help to increase your chances of success in obtaining an EB4 visa.

Sources:

• https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/checklist-of-required-initial-evidence-for-form-i-360-religious-worker

The EB-4 visa is a special category of visa that allows certain types of individuals to immigrate to the United States. While the visa is not as well-known as some other visa categories, it has a unique history and some interesting statistics and facts associated with it.

One interesting fact about the EB-4 visa is that it has been used to bring many religious workers to the United States. According to data from the U.S. Department of State, more than 70% of EB-4 visas issued in 2020 went to individuals in the religious worker category. This is a significant increase from just a few years ago, when religious workers accounted for less than half of all EB-4 visas issued.

Another notable statistic is that the number of EB-4 visas issued has remained relatively stable over the past decade. In 2010, just over 15,000 EB-4 visas were issued, while in 2020, the number was just under 14,000. While there have been some fluctuations in the number of visas issued over the years, overall, the number has remained fairly consistent.

US presidents have also had a lot to say about the EB-4 visa. In 2018, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order that placed new restrictions on the issuance of EB-4 visas to certain countries. The order was designed to prioritize the issuance of visas to individuals who would provide the most benefit to the United States. However, the order was met with significant opposition from immigration advocates, who argued that it unfairly targeted certain countries.

Former President Barack Obama also spoke about the importance of the EB-4 visa, particularly in the context of religious workers. In a speech in 2011, he praised the contributions that religious workers make to communities across the United States, and emphasized the importance of providing them with a pathway to permanent residency.

In summary, the EB-4 visa is an important immigration category that has been used to bring many religious workers to the United States. While the number of visas issued has remained fairly consistent over the years, there have been some notable changes in the demographics of those receiving the visas. Both former President Trump and former President Obama have spoken about the importance of the EB-4 visa, albeit with differing views on how it should be administered.

Sources:

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-statistics/immigrant-visa-statistics/monthly-immigrant-visa-issuances.html
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-targets-religious-worker-visas-11542479714
• https://www.cnn.com/2011/10/28/politics/obama-religious-workers/index.html
• https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-executive-order-targets-visa-program-for-religious-workers

Navigating the complex process of obtaining an EB-4 visa can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the requirements and procedures. This is why it is often beneficial to hire an experienced immigration lawyer to help you prepare your case.

An EB-4 visa is a special category of visa that allows certain individuals to immigrate to the United States. It is intended for individuals who are religious workers, government employees, or have other specific types of employment or educational experience. Due to the unique requirements and restrictions associated with the EB-4 visa, it is important to have an immigration lawyer who is familiar with the process and can help you prepare your case in a way that maximizes your chances of success.

One of the main reasons to hire an immigration lawyer to prepare your EB-4 case is that they can provide you with valuable guidance on the requirements and procedures. A lawyer can help you understand the eligibility criteria for the EB-4 visa, and assist you in gathering the necessary documentation to support your case. They can also help you navigate the complex application process, and ensure that all of your paperwork is properly filed and submitted to the appropriate agencies.

Additionally, an immigration lawyer can provide you with important legal advice and representation throughout the process. They can help you understand your rights and obligations under U.S. immigration law, and can represent you in any legal proceedings related to your case. This can be particularly valuable if you encounter any challenges or obstacles during the application process.

Overall, hiring an immigration lawyer to prepare your EB-4 case can help you streamline the process and increase your chances of success. They can provide you with valuable guidance and legal representation, and can ensure that your case is properly prepared and submitted to the relevant authorities.

If you are considering applying for an EB-4 visa, it is important to seek the assistance of a qualified immigration lawyer. A reputable EB-4 visa law firm can provide you with the expertise and guidance you need to navigate the process with confidence and achieve your immigration goals.

Sources:

• https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/employment-based-fourth-preference-eb-4
• https://www.immigrationlawyerstl.com/blog/the-basics-of-eb-4-visas/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2020/10/06/trumps-executive-order-on-immigration-proclamation-10014-explained/?sh=4d53a0aa4c4b /expand]

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Additional EB-4 FAQ

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What is the difference between EB-4 and R-1?

While the R-1 visa is temporary, the EB-4 visa offers permanent residence in the United States. EB-4 visas are specifically for those working full-time in religious roles, such as ministers or religious workers, granting them permanent residency.

Does EB-4 require labor certification?

No, EB-4 for special immigrant religious workers requires a permanent, full-time job offer, but labor certification is not necessary. Each year, there is a limit of 5,000 visas available for special immigrant religious workers seeking a green card through employment.

How many EB-4 visas are there per year?

There is a yearly cap of 140,000 visas for the five EB-4 visa categories. Approximately 9,940 EB-4 visas are available annually, constituting 7.1% of the total allocated amount for EB Visas.