What is an EB4 Visa?

An EB-4 visa is a type of employment-based, fourth preference visa for certain special immigrants. This category is designed for individuals who have certain special skills or qualifications that are needed in the United States. Some examples of the types of individuals who may be eligible for an EB-4 visa include religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, and retired employees of international organizations. Additionally, individuals who have provided extraordinary service to the U.S. government may also be eligible for this type of visa. Overall, the EB-4 visa category is a way for certain special immigrants to come to the United States to work and contribute to the economy.

Who Qualifies for EB4 Visa?

EB-4 Visa is a special category of employment-based visas that are designated for certain groups of special immigrants. The categories of individuals who qualify for EB-4 Visa include:

1. Religious workers: ministers, priests, nuns, and other religious professionals who have been employed by a religious organization for at least two years.
2. Certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts: These are employees of the U.S. government, who have been employed abroad for at least 15 years and have been offered a job in the United States.
3. Retired employees of international organizations: These are individuals who have been employed by an international organization for at least 15 years and have been offered a job in the United States.
4. Certain individuals who have provided extraordinary service to the U.S. government: This includes individuals who have provided service to the U.S. government in a capacity that is considered to be of significant benefit to the United States.
5. Certain widows and children of U.S. citizens: This includes widows or widowers of U.S. citizens and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
6. Certain victims of persecution or abuse: This includes victims of persecution, abuse, or human trafficking who have been helpful to a U.S. government investigation or prosecution.

How to Apply for EB4 Visa?

The process for applying for an EB-4 visa can be complex, and it’s highly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney before starting the application process. However, here is a general overview of the steps involved in applying for an EB-4 visa:

1. Determine Eligibility: The first step is to determine whether you are eligible for an EB-4 visa. You should review the qualifications listed above and consult with an attorney if you have any questions.
2. Obtain a Job Offer: If you are an employee of a U.S. foreign service post or an international organization, you will need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer. If you are a religious worker, you will need a job offer from a religious organization.
3. File Form I-360: The next step is to file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. This form is used to petition for a special immigrant status and must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. File Form I-485: Once the I-360 petition is approved, you will then file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the application for permanent residence.
5. Attend an Interview: After the I-485 application is filed, you will be required to attend an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
6. Wait for a Decision: After the interview, the USCIS will make a decision on your application. If your application is approved, you will be issued an EB-4 visa, which will allow you to come to the United States as a special immigrant.

What is the EB4 Visa Interview Process?

The EB-4 Visa interview process is similar to the interview process for other employment-based visas. The purpose of the interview is for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer to verify the information provided in the application and to ensure that the applicant meets the requirements for an EB-4 visa. The interview process typically includes the following steps:

1. Arrival: You will need to arrive at the scheduled time and date for the interview. You will be required to show the original documents that were submitted with the application, such as your passport and Form I-485.
2. Interview: The USCIS officer will conduct the interview. They will ask you questions about your background, employment, and qualifications. They will also verify the information provided in the application and any supporting documents.
3. Fingerprinting: The officer will take your fingerprints for security and background check purposes.
4. Decision: After the interview, the officer will make a decision on your application. If your application is approved, you will be issued an EB-4 visa, which will allow you to come to the United States as a special immigrant. If your application is denied, the officer will explain the reasons for the denial, and the options available to you.

What are the Required Documents for EB4 Visa?

Applying for an EB-4 visa requires a significant amount of documentation to support your application. The specific documents required will depend on your specific circumstances and the category under which you are applying for EB-4 visa. However, here are some of the most common documents that are required for EB-4 visa application:

1. Form I-360: This form is used to petition for a special immigrant status and must be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Form I-485: This is the application for permanent residence.
3. Passport: A valid passport is required for all applicants.
4. Birth certificate: Original birth certificate is required for all applicants.
5. Marriage certificate: If you are married, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate.
6. Police certificate: You will need to provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for more than 6 months since the age of 16.
7. Medical examination: You will need to have a medical examination performed by a doctor designated by the U.S. Department of State.
8. Financial support: You will need to provide evidence of financial support to show that you will not become a public charge in the United States.
9. Job offer: If you are an employee of a U.S. foreign service post or an international organization, you will need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer. If you are a religious worker, you will need a job offer from a religious organization.
10. Supporting documents: Supporting documents, such as work history, qualifications, and any additional documents that may be required based on the category you are applying under.

What is the EB4 Visa Fee?

The EB-4 visa application process involves several fees that must be paid to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State. The fees for an EB-4 visa application can vary depending on the specific category under which you are applying and your personal circumstances. However, some of the most common fees associated with an EB-4 visa application include:

1. Form I-360 fee: This fee is for filing Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. The current fee is $575.
2. Form I-485 fee: This fee is for filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The current fee is $1,130.
3. Biometric services fee: This fee is for fingerprinting and background check services. The current fee is $85.
4. Medical examination fee: This fee is for the medical examination that is required as part of the EB-4 visa application process. The cost of the examination will vary depending on the location and the medical professional.
5. Visa issuance fee: This fee is for issuing the visa once the application is approved. The current fee is $445.

What is the EB4 Visa Processing Time?

Generally, the processing time for an EB-4 visa application can take several months to a year or more. The application process includes several steps, such as filing Form I-360 and Form I-485, attending an interview, and waiting for a decision. Each step of the process can take several weeks or even months. Additionally, the processing time may also vary depending on the number of applications received by the service center and the resources they have available to process the applications.

EB4 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

EB-4 Visa is a special category of employment-based visas that are designated for certain groups of special immigrants. The EB-4 Visa process can be complex and many applicants have questions about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions about EB-4 Visa:

1. What is an EB-4 Visa?
   A: An EB-4 Visa is a type of employment-based, fourth preference visa for certain special immigrants. This category is designed for individuals who have certain special skills or qualifications that are needed in the United States.
2. Who qualifies for an EB-4 Visa?
   A: EB-4 Visa is for certain groups of special immigrants, such as religious workers, certain employees of U.S. foreign service posts, retired employees of international organizations, certain individuals who have provided extraordinary service to the U.S. government, certain widows and children of U.S. citizens, and certain victims of persecution or abuse.
3. How to apply for an EB-4 Visa?
   A: The process for applying for an EB-4 visa can be complex, and it’s highly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney before starting the application process. However, the general steps involve: determining eligibility, obtaining a job offer, filing Form I-360 and Form I-485, attending an interview, and waiting for a decision.
4. What is the EB-4 Visa interview process?
   A: The EB-4 Visa interview process is similar to the interview process for other employment-based visas, the purpose of the interview is for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer to verify the information provided in the application and to ensure that the applicant meets the requirements for an EB-4 visa. The interview process typically includes an arrival, an interview, fingerprinting, and a decision.
5. What are the required documents for an EB-4 Visa?
   A: The required documents for an EB-4 Visa will depend on your specific circumstances and the category under which you are applying for EB-4 visa. However, common documents include, Form I-360 and Form I-485, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, police certificate, medical examination, financial support, job offer, and supporting documents.
6. What is the EB-4 Visa fee?
   A: The EB-4 Visa application process involves several fees that must be paid to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State. The fees can vary depending on the specific category under which you are applying and your personal circumstances, however some of the most common fees are Form I-360 fee, Form I-485 fee, Biometric services fee, Medical examination fee, and Visa issuance fee.