E-B4 Visas for Special Immigrant Categories

E-B4 visa applicants cover a wide range of individuals who fit into very specific “Special Immigrant” categories. These include ministers and religious workers, certain government or former government employees, and employees of certain international organizations and their families. You can apply for an E-B4 green card without an employer.

Who Is Eligible for an E-B4 Visa (Green Card)?

There is an annual cap for E-B4 legal permanent residents, i.e. green card holders. E-B4 visas are for a special immigrant category that includes:

• religious workers
  • 5000 annual cap for religious workers does not apply to ministers
  • must have worked full time for at minimum 2 years for a recognized religious organization, and continue to work full time for a recognized religious organization in the United States
• broadcasters
  • broadcasters who want to work in the United States for the International Broadcaster Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, and their spouses and minor children
• Iraqi / Afghan translators
  • 50 annual cap for Iraqi / Afghan translators visas each fiscal year
  • Iraqi or Afghani national who worked directly with the U.S. Armed forces or Chief of Mission Authority for a period of 12 months during the conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan
  • The Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program is available to individuals who worked with the U.S. Armed Forces or under Chief of Mission authority in different roles
• Iraqis who have assisted the United States
  • Certain Afghan and Iraqi who provided service to the United States for 1 year or more during the Afghan and Iraqi conflicts may be eligible for an E-B4 visa
• international organization employees
  • certain long-term employees of international organizations who work in the U.S. and their spouses and minor children
• physicians
  • foreign-educated physicians who entered the U.S. prior to 1978 and have continuously practiced or studied medicine in the U.S. since 1978
• armed forces members
  • certain individuals who were honorably discharged from active duty in the armed forces after 1978 after 12 years of service
• Panama Canal zone employees
  • retired individual who worked 15 years for the U.S. government in the Panama Canal Zone prior to 1979
• retired NATO-6 employees
  • certain retired long-term NATO employees
• spouses and children of deceased NATO-6 employees
  • certain children and spouses of long-term NATO employees

Do You Qualify For an E-B4 Visa?

The E-B4 visa special immigrant category to qualify for a green card can be complex, and the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney can help you understand the requirements and how to apply for a visa.

An experienced immigration attorney at Godoy Law Office in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, can provide you with the proper forms and help you submit your application. Contact our office or call us at 630-912-0322.