EB-4 Green Card Application Overview

The EB-4 green card application is an immigrant visa for special immigrants, including religious workers, broadcasters, and other specific categories. Here is an overview of the EB-4 green card application process:

Eligibility:

• Applicants must fall under specific categories like religious workers, broadcasters, or certain special immigrants.
• Employers must prove financial stability to hire a foreign worker.

Application Process:

• The U.S. employer files Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with USCIS on behalf of the foreign employee.
• If approved, the foreign employee applies for the EB-4 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Processing Time:

• Due to an annual limit on EB-4 visas, processing times can be lengthy.
• Applicants are processed chronologically based on priority dates.

Healthcare Access:

• EB-4 visa holders have access to healthcare in the U.S., but medical costs can be high.
• It is recommended to choose a suitable health insurance plan.

Green Card Process:

• After obtaining the EB-4 visa, applicants can apply for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status by filing Form I-485 with USCIS.
• Approval leads to receiving the Green Card in a few weeks.

Family Sponsorship:

• Many EB-4 special immigrants can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S.
• Spouses and children can apply for derivative family visas once the primary applicant’s visa is approved.

The EB-4 green card application involves specific eligibility criteria, employer sponsorship, a multi-step application process, and subsequent steps to obtain Lawful Permanent Resident status in the U.S..

Eligibility Requirements for EB-4 Green Card Applications

The EB-4 Green Card application is for special immigrants falling under specific categories. Here are the key eligibility requirements based on the provided search results:

• Special Immigrants Categories:
• Religious workers or Ordained Ministers.
• Special Immigrant Juveniles.
• Broadcasters.
• G-4 International Organization or NATO-6 Employees.
• International Employees of the US Government stationed abroad.
• Armed Forces Members.
• Certain Physicians.
• Panama Canal Zone Employees.
• Afghan and Iraqi Translators.
• Afghan and Iraqi Nationals who supported US operations.

Job Offer Requirement:

• Applicants must have a valid and permanent job offer from a U.S. employer that is not seasonal or part-time.
• The job position must align with the applicant’s occupation.

Employer Financial Stability:

• U.S. employers must demonstrate financial stability to hire a foreign worker.

Application Process:

• Involves the U.S. employer petitioning for the foreign employee with Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant.
• Foreign employees then apply for the EB-4 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Annual Limit:

• Out of the 140,000 employment-based visas available annually, around 9,940 visas (7.1%) are allocated to special immigrants as EB-4 visas.

Applicants for the EB-4 green card must meet specific eligibility criteria, have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, and fall under one of the special immigrant categories outlined by USCIS.

Cost of applying for an EB-3 green card

The cost of applying for an EB-3 green card can vary based on different factors and includes various fees and expenses. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in the EB-3 green card application process:

Mandatory USCIS Filing Fees:

• $700 for Employment Petition.
• $2,500 for USCIS premium processing fee (optional).
• $1,225 USCIS fee per person for Adjustment of Status (or $750 for each person under 14 years old).

Attorney Fees:

• Labor Certification: $3,000.
• Permanent Residency Petition: $3,000.
• Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.): $2,500 for the principal beneficiary and $1,500 for each family member.

Consular Processing (if outside the U.S.):

• Varies based on individual circumstances.

The total cost of applying for an EB-3 green card includes USCIS filing fees, attorney fees for different stages of the process, optional premium processing fees, and additional costs depending on individual circumstances.

Difference Between EB-4 and EB-1 Green Card Applications

The EB-4 and EB-1 green card applications differ in eligibility criteria, processing times, and requirements. Here is a comparison:

EB-1 Green Card:

• Categories: EB-1 includes subcategories like Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A), Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B), and Multinational Managers and Executives (EB-1C).
• Requirements: Demands high achievements and extraordinary abilities, with faster processing times and no need for labor certification.
• Job Offer: For EB-1C, a managerial job offer from a U.S. company is required.
• Priority Dates: Typically current, leading to shorter wait times.

EB-4 Green Card:

• Special Immigrants: Intended for special immigrants like religious workers, special juvenile immigrants, and certain broadcasters.
• Eligibility: Broad range of applicants beyond religious workers.
• Processing Times: Varies based on individual circumstances.
• Job Offer: Specific requirements based on the subcategory of special immigrant.

Key Contrasts:

• Priority Dates: EB-1 has the most current priority dates, while EB-3 applicants face longer backlogs.
• Qualifications: EB-1 requires extraordinary abilities, while EB-2 demands advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, and EB-3 has less stringent requirements.
• Job Offer: EB-1C necessitates a managerial job offer, while employer sponsorship is required for most cases in EB-2 and EB-3.

In summary, the EB-1 green card application is known for its stringent requirements, faster processing times, and high achievements, while the EB-4 green card application caters to a broader range of special immigrants with varying eligibility criteria and processing times.

Difference Between EB-4 and EB-2 Green Card Applications

The EB-4 and EB-2 green card applications have distinct characteristics in terms of eligibility criteria, requirements, and processing times. Here is a comparison based on the provided search results:

EB-4 Green Card:

• Special Immigrants: Intended for special immigrants like religious workers, special juvenile immigrants, and certain broadcasters.
• Eligibility: Broad range of applicants beyond religious workers.
• Processing Times**: Varies based on individual circumstances.
• Job Offer: Specific requirements based on the subcategory of special immigrant.

EB-2 Green Card:

• Categories: Includes advanced degree holders, individuals with exceptional ability, and those qualifying for a National Interest Waiver (NIW).
• Requirements: Less stringent than EB-1, requiring advanced degrees or exceptional expertise.
• Job Offer: Typically requires employer sponsorship and labor certification, except for cases under the NIW category.

Key Contrasts:

• Qualifications: EB-4 caters to a broader range of special immigrants, while EB-2 focuses on individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
• Job Offer Requirement: EB-2 usually requires employer sponsorship and labor certification, whereas some categories like NIW offer more flexibility.
• Processing Times: EB-4 processing times vary based on individual circumstances, while EB-2 applicants may face longer wait times due to labor certification requirements.

In summary, the EB-4 green card application is designed for special immigrants with diverse backgrounds, while the EB-2 green card application targets individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, often requiring employer sponsorship and labor certification.

Difference Between EB-4 and EB-3 Green Card Applications

The EB-4 and EB-3 green card applications have distinct characteristics in terms of eligibility criteria, requirements, and processing times. Here is a comparison:

EB-4 Green Card:

• Special Immigrants: Intended for special immigrants like religious workers, broadcasters, or armed forces members.
• Eligibility: Broad range of applicants beyond religious workers.
• Processing Times: Varies based on individual circumstances.
• Job Offer: Specific requirements based on the subcategory of special immigrant.

EB-3 Green Card:

• Categories: Includes skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
• Requirements: Skilled workers need two years of training or work experience, professionals require a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and other workers can qualify with less than two years of experience.
• Processing Times: Often longer due to substantial backlogs.
• Job Offer: Requires employer sponsorship for a permanent, full-time position.

Key Contrasts:

• Eligibility Criteria: EB-4 is for special immigrants like religious workers, while EB-3 covers skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with varying educational and experience requirements.
• Processing Times: EB-3 applicants often face longer processing times due to backlogs compared to the more varied processing times for EB-4 applicants.
• Job Offer Requirement: Both categories typically require employer sponsorship for a permanent position.

In summary, the EB-4 green card application caters to special immigrants like religious workers and broadcasters, while the EB-3 green card application is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with varying levels of experience and education.

Continue reading: What is the EB-1 Green Card Application?