Is there an annual cap for EB-4 religious workers?

The EB-4 category has approximately 10,000 visa numbers per year. The non-minister religious worker subcategory has an additional annual sublimit of approximately 5,000. Ministers are not subject to this sublimit but are counted under the overall EB-4 cap. Currently, EB-4 priority dates are Current for most countries, though China- and India-born applicants may experience brief backlogs.

Do EB-4 religious workers need PERM labor certification?

No. The EB-4 religious worker category does not require PERM labor certification, which is a significant advantage over EB-2/EB-3. The employer files Form I-360 directly without needing to prove to the Department of Labor that no qualified U.S. workers are available. However, USCIS scrutinizes religious worker petitions very closely, particularly regarding the authenticity of the religious organization and the continuity of the applicant's religious work.

What other EB-4 categories exist?

Beyond religious workers, EB-4 categories include: (1) Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) — minors determined by a U.S. court to have been abused, neglected, or abandoned; (2) certain long-term employees of U.S. diplomatic missions abroad; (3) retired employees (and family members) of international organizations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank); (4) noncitizens serving in the U.S. Armed Forces; (5) former Panama Canal Zone employees; (6) Iraqi/Afghan translators (SIV program). Each subcategory has distinct eligibility criteria and procedures.

Is Premium Processing available for EB-4 religious workers?

Premium Processing is not available for the EB-4 I-360 petition. Applicants must wait through regular processing times. However, after I-360 approval, if filing I-485 adjustment of status, it may be possible in certain circumstances to request expedited processing from USCIS (e.g., for urgent travel needs), though this is discretionary.

The Peng Law

EB-4特殊移民

EB-4 Special Immigrant

EB-4是美国职业移民第四优先类别，为多种"特殊移民"提供绿卡途径。

1–3 months材料准备

6–12 monthsI-360审批

6–18 monthsI-485/领事处理

1–3 years总体时间

Overview

概述

EB-4是美国职业移民第四优先类别，为多种"特殊移民"提供绿卡途径。最常见的EB-4子类别是宗教工作者（Religious Workers，I-360申请），包括牧师、神职人员和从事宗教职能的工作者。其他EB-4类别还包括：特殊少年移民身份（SIJS）、美国驻外使领馆雇员、国际组织退休雇员、美国军队服役人员、伊拉克/阿富汗翻译等。EB-4类别每年有约10,000个签证名额，其中宗教工作者占有较大比例。

Eligibility

申请条件（宗教工作者）

在提交申请前的至少2年内，一直是某宗教组织的成员并持续从事宗教工作

拟在美国担任的职位为牧师、神职人员或从事宗教职能/宗教职业的工作

由在美国合法运营的免税宗教组织提供工作邀请

宗教组织必须是IRS认可的501(c)(3)免税机构或符合免税资格

（非牧师类别）申请人须拥有与宗教职业相关的学士学位或同等学历，或在申请前2年内持续全职从事宗教职能工作

Application Process

申请流程