1. What is the U.S. immigrant visa for international organization employees (EB-4)?

The EB-4 visa is a U.S. immigrant visa for international organization employees, religious workers, and certain “special immigrants” such as foreign medical graduates and certain retired international organization employees. It allows foreign nationals to become lawful permanent residents of the United States, with all of the rights and privileges that come with it. To be eligible for an EB-4 visa, the applicant must either be employed by an international organization in the United States or plan to be employed by an international organization in the U.S. upon arriving in the country.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining an EB-4 visa?

The eligibility criteria for obtaining an EB-4 visa, also known as the Special Immigrant Visa, are that applicants must either:
1) Be a special immigrant religious worker;
2) Have served in the U.S. Armed Forces;
3) Work for a U.S. government agency;
4) Have an approved employment-based immigrant petition; or
5) Be a widow or widower of a U.S. citizen. Additionally, applicants must meet all of the other requirements and have an approved petition from the USCIS.

3. How long is an EB-4 visa valid for?

An EB-4 visa is typically valid for up to ten years.

4. What documents are required to apply for an EB-4 visa?

To apply for an EB-4 visa, applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Form I-360 – Petition for Special Immigrant
2. Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
3. Evidence of the applicant’s eligible special immigrant classification
4. US passport-sized photos of the applicant
5. Medical examination report and vaccination records
6. Evidence of financial support
7. Documents showing the applicant’s current and past employment history
8. An affidavit of support from a qualifying sponsor or a signed waiver of support, if applicable
9. Any additional documents that may be required by the USCIS

5. Can I apply for an EB-4 visa while I am still in my home country?

Yes, you may apply for an EB-4 visa while in your home country. However, you must first obtain an Immigrant Visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy in the country where you currently reside. Once you have been issued an Immigrant Visa, you may then proceed to apply for the EB-4 visa at the U.S. immigration office near your present residence.

6. How much does an EB-4 visa cost?

The filing fee for an EB-4 visa is $345, and the application processing fee is $205. This amount does not include fees for required medical exams and other associated costs.

7. What is the processing time for an EB-4 visa application?

The processing time for an EB-4 visa application can vary widely depending on the individual case. Generally, the processing time can range from several months to several years. For more information about processing times for specific cases, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for your visa.

8. Can I bring my family members with me when I travel under an EB-4 visa?

No, family members are not permitted to accompany you when you travel to the United States under an EB-4 visa.

9. How do I renew my EB-4 visa status?

You will need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to renew your EB-4 visa status. You may also need to provide evidence of your qualifying employment and evidence of your eligibility for the visa.

10. Can I work outside of the international organization while on an EB-4 visa?

No, it is not permissible to work outside of the organization while on an EB-4 visa. However, you may be able to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to pursue employment outside of the organization.

11. Do I have to register with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if I’m on an EB-4 visa?

No. The EB-4 visa is a nonimmigrant visa and does not require registration with ICE. However, you should consult with a qualified U.S. immigration attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.

12. Can I change my employment while on an EB-4 visa?

Yes, you may change your employment while on an EB-4 visa, however, you will need to file an amended petition with USCIS to reflect the change. Additionally, you will need to maintain the same level of eligibility for the EB-4 visa.

13. Do I need to obtain a social security number as a holder of an EB-4 visa?

Yes, you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) if you plan to work in the United States. You should contact the Social Security Administration directly to apply for an SSN.

14. Can I apply for U.S citizenship if I hold an EB-4 visa?

No, you must have a different type of visa in order to apply for U.S citizenship such as an EB-1, EB-2 or EB-3 visa.

15. Can I travel outside of the U.S while holding an EB-4 visa?

Yes, you can travel outside of the U.S. while holding an EB-4 visa. However, if you do, you must request a re-entry permit from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you leave. This permit allows you to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad.

16. Are there any restrictions on the type of employment that I can take up while on an EB-4 visa?

Yes, there are specific restrictions on the type of employment you can take up while on an EB-4 visa. Generally, you are only allowed to work for the sponsoring employer and in the job for which you were sponsored. You may also work in a related field or for a related employer, provided that the work is similar to that described in your visa application and that it is in the same or a similar occupation. You may not engage in any employment that is not authorized by the U.S. government.

17. Can I study while holding an EB-4 visa?

Yes, you can study while holding an EB-4 visa. However, you must maintain your status by adhering to all the requirements of the visa. You may also want to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that your studies do not violate the conditions of the visa.

18. How long does it take to obtain a green card after receiving an EB-4 visa?

It typically takes three to six months to obtain a green card after receiving an EB-4 visa. It is important to note that this time frame can vary depending on the individual case and other factors.

19. Are there any fees associated with applying for or renewing my EB-4 visa status?

Yes, there are fees associated with applying for or renewing an EB-4 visa. The application fees for the EB-4 visa range from $460 to $700 depending on the type of EB-4 visa you are applying for. Additionally, there is an additional fee of $85 for biometric services. Furthermore, applicants who are renewing their EB-4 visa must pay an additional $250 as a Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee.

20. Are there any other visas I can apply for if my application for an EB-4 visa is denied?

Yes, depending on your qualifications, you may be able to apply for other employment-based visas, such as an EB-1 visa, EB-2 visa, or EB-3 visa. However, each of these visas has its own set of qualifications and requirements, so you should review the instructions for each visa carefully before submitting an application.