Are you seeking permanent residency in the United States through employment-based immigration? Look no further than the EB-4 visa program. At L for Law, we understand the complexities of the EB-4 green card application process and are here to guide you every step of the way.
Understanding the EB-4 Visa:
The EB-4 visa category is designed for special immigrants who wish to live and work permanently in the United States. This visa offers a pathway to citizenship through naturalization after five years of holding a green card.
Eligibility Criteria for EB-4 Visa:
To qualify for the EB-4 visa, individuals must meet specific criteria as special immigrants. The following categories of special immigrants are eligible for the EB-4 visa:
- Religious workers
- Special Immigrant Juveniles
- Certain broadcasters
- Retired officers or employees of G-4 international organizations or NATO-6 civilian employees and their families
- Employees of the U.S. government stationed abroad and their families
- Members of the U.S. armed forces
- Panama Canal Company or Canal Zone government employees
- Physicians licensed and practicing medicine in a U.S. state as of January 9, 1978
- Afghan or Iraqi translators or interpreters
- Iraqis employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government
- Afghans employed by the U.S. government or International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
Petitioning Process for EB-4 Immigrants:
The petitioning process for an EB-4 immigrant involves filing a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. In certain circumstances, individuals may self-petition on their behalf.
Where to File Your Petition:
If you live in the United States, you should generally file at the Chicago, Dallas, or Phoenix Lockboxes, depending on where you live and whether you are also filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, at the same time (known as concurrent filing). For a complete list of addresses, visit our Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-360 page.
- VAWA Self-Petitioning Spouses, Children, and Parents should file Form I-360 at the Vermont Service Center.
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ) should file Form I-360 at the Chicago Lockbox.
- Religious workers cannot file Form I-360 concurrently with Form I-485. You may file Form I-485 only after USCIS approves your Form I-360. See 8 CFR 245.2(a)(2)(B); Cf. Ruiz-Diaz v. the United States, 703 F.3d 483 (9th Cir. 2012).
- Iraqi and Afghan nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq or Afghanistan can email their petition and required documents to nsci360sivapp@uscis.dhs.gov. Please include the email address you want us to send your electronic receipt. If you do not have an email address with your form, USCIS will send the receipt notice electronically to the email address you used to submit your petition.
At L for Law, our experienced attorneys specialize in navigating the EB-4 green card application process. Contact us today to begin your journey toward permanent residency in the United States.
