EB-4 Visa Guide by TRW Law Firm
EB-4 Visa, Explained
Your Legal Gateway to Special Immigrant Status in the United States
The EB-4 visa is a unique employment-based green card route, designed to grant permanent residency to individuals falling under specific special immigrant categories. At TRW Law Firm, we specialize in guiding applicants—whether religious workers, international organization employees, or armed forces members—through this complex but rewarding process.
📌 What is an EB-4 Visa?
The EB-4 visa is part of the fourth preference category under U.S. employment-based immigration. It provides lawful permanent resident (green card) status to special immigrants who meet specific eligibility criteria. Unlike other employment-based categories (such as EB-1 or EB-2), the EB-4 does not generally require labor certification and covers a broader array of applicant profiles.
Common Categories under EB-4:
✉️ Religious Workers (ministers, priests, religious functionaries) ✉️ Broadcasters (employed by international broadcasters like Voice of America) ✉️ Certain Physicians (serving in designated underserved areas) ✉️ International Organization Employees (e.g., UN, World Bank) ✉️ Armed Forces Members (current or former members with qualifying service) ✉️ Afghan or Iraqi nationals who supported U.S. operations
💲 EB-4 Visa Cost Breakdown
For Applicants Within the U.S.:
- Form I-360 Filing Fee: $515
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440
For Applicants Outside the U.S.:
- Form I-360 Filing Fee: $435
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa): $345
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
Note: Medical exam, biometrics, and document translation fees are separate.
⏳ EB-4 Processing Timeline
- Form I-360: Average of 3 months for USCIS review.
- Visa Availability: Depends on category and country. Some categories are subject to quotas.
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): 6.9 months average if filing from within the U.S.
- Consular Processing: Depends on local embassy workload, often 3 to 6 months.
Track your case via the USCIS Case Status Tool. (Remove link for final version if not allowed.)
🔐 EB-4 Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify under EB-4 if you are:
- A Religious Worker entering to work full-time for a nonprofit religious organization.
- A Broadcaster hired by a U.S. media arm of a foreign government.
- A Physician fulfilling service obligations in underserved areas.
- An Employee of an International Organization with a qualifying work history.
- An Armed Forces Member with 12+ years of honorable U.S. military service.
- A Juvenile declared dependent on the court for abuse, neglect, or abandonment (SIJ category).
✉️ How to Apply for the EB-4 Visa
Step-by-Step Process:
- Filing Form I-360:
- Your sponsoring organization/employer submits Form I-360 with supporting documents.
- USCIS Review:
- USCIS evaluates the submission and requests further evidence if needed.
- Approval & Visa Availability:
- Upon I-360 approval, wait for visa number availability (if applicable).
- Green Card Application:
- Inside U.S.: File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
- Outside U.S.: File DS-260 (Consular Processing) and attend a visa interview.
- Interview & Medical Exam:
- Attend a USCIS interview (if within the U.S.) or a consular interview abroad.
- Complete a medical exam by a designated panel physician.
- Green Card Issuance:
- If approved, receive your permanent resident card.
📄 Required Documents
- Form I-360, with evidence per category
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Religious certification (if applicable)
- Employment verification (letters, contracts)
- Military or organizational documentation
- Medical exam results
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support, if needed)
- Two U.S.-style passport photographs
- Police clearance certificates
Pro Tip from TRW: Keep photocopies of everything you submit.
❓ EB-4 Visa FAQs
1. Do I need a sponsor? Yes, most EB-4 categories require a petitioning organization, except for certain SIJ or armed forces scenarios.
2. Can I include dependents? Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included.
3. Can I work freely in the U.S. on EB-4? Generally, yes—but employment may need to align with your EB-4 category (e.g., continue working for the sponsoring organization).
4. Are there quotas? Some categories are subject to visa caps. Religious workers and others may face delays due to quota backlogs.
5. Can I change employers or roles? Changes are possible in some cases but should be handled with legal advice. Employment generally needs to remain consistent with your original petition.
🚀 Why Choose TRW Law Firm?
At TRW Law Firm, we specialize in employment-based and special immigrant visas, with a success rate that speaks for itself. Whether you’re a religious worker, a foreign physician, or an international civil servant, we can help you structure your petition and supporting documents to meet USCIS expectations.
Let TRW Law Firm guide you through the EB-4 process—from petition to green card.
Contact Us:
- ☎️ +8801708000660, +8801847220062, +8801708080817
- ✉️ info@trfirm.com | info@trwbd.com | info@tahmidur.com
- 🏠 Dhaka: House 410, Road 29, Mohakhali DOHS
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Explore Other Employment-Based Visa Guides by TRW:
- EB-1 Visa (Extraordinary Abilities)
- EB-2 Visa (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability)
- EB-3 Visa (Skilled Workers)
- EB-5 Visa (Immigrant Investors)
- E-2 Visa (Temporary Nonimmigrant Investors)