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What is the EB-4 Visa? A Guide to Special Immigrant Status
Definition & Meaning
The EB-4 visa is a special immigrant visa category designed for individuals who qualify under specific classifications, including religious workers, certain long-term employees of the U.S. government, and individuals from Iraq or Afghanistan who have served as translators for the U.S. Armed Forces. This visa allows eligible individuals to obtain a green card, granting them permanent residency in the United States. Unlike other employment-based visas, the EB-4 does not require labor certification, but it does necessitate a permanent, full-time job offer.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The EB-4 visa is primarily used in immigration law. It serves as a pathway for certain special immigrants to gain permanent residency in the U.S. Legal practitioners often assist clients in navigating the application process, which may involve completing specific forms and providing supporting documentation. Users can utilize US Legal Forms templates to help manage their applications efficiently.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A religious worker who has been employed full-time by a religious organization in the U.S. for at least two years may apply for an EB-4 visa to obtain a green card.
Example 2: A translator from Afghanistan who worked with the U.S. military for over one year can qualify for the EB-4 visa, allowing them to settle in the U.S. (hypothetical example).
Comparison with related terms
Term
Description
Key Differences
EB-2 Visa
A visa for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
Requires labor certification; focuses on employment-based immigration.
EB-3 Visa
A visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
Also requires labor certification; broader eligibility criteria.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)
A visa for certain Iraqi and Afghan nationals who worked with the U.S. government.
Specifically for individuals who assisted the U.S. military; different application process.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe you qualify for an EB-4 visa, consider the following steps:
Gather necessary documentation, including proof of your employment and eligibility.
Complete the required forms accurately.
Consider using US Legal Forms' templates to simplify the process.
If your situation is complex, consulting with an immigration attorney may be beneficial.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Eligibility: Religious workers, certain government employees, translators, and more
Labor Certification: Not required
Job Offer: Permanent, full-time job offer needed
Application Process: Involves specific forms and documentation
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
Individuals who are special immigrant religious workers, certain long-term employees of the U.S. government, and specific individuals from Iraq or Afghanistan may qualify.
No, labor certification is not required for the EB-4 visa application.
No, a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer is necessary to apply for the EB-4 visa.
Begin by gathering your documentation and completing the necessary forms. Consider using legal templates for assistance.
If you find the process complex, it may be helpful to consult with an immigration attorney for guidance.