An EB-4 visa is for immigrants who have specific special occupations. Out of all of the immigrant visas provided each year, 7.1% are EB-4 visas. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, “you may be eligible for an employment-based, fourth preference visa if you are a special immigrant.” The US regularly issues this visa to a range of individuals who are eligible, including:
- Armed Forces Members
- Broadcasters
- Employees of the Panama Canal Zone
- International Organization Employees
- Iraqi People Who Have Assisted the United States
- Iraqi/Afghan Translators
- Certain Physicians
- Religious Workers and Ministers
- Retired Employees of NATO-6
- Spouses and Children of Deceased NATO-6 Employees
The Application Process
To apply for the EB-4 visa, the applicant’s employer will file Form I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. In some instances, an applicant can apply on their own. All self-petitions must be accompanied by supporting evidence/documentation. However, the type of evidence varies based on each self-petition situation.
Family and the EB-4 Visa
Derivative status is afforded the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of some immigrants eligible for the EB-4 visa.
Broadcasters and the EB-4 Visa
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the United States Agency for Global Media or a grantee of that organization can petition for an immigrant (and that immigrants spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) to work as a broadcaster for the organization/grantee. In this instance, the submitted Form I-360 (submitted by the USAGM or grantee) must include a signed and dated supplemental attestation of the immigrant’s job title and duties to be performed, as well as evidence of the immigrant’s broadcasting expertise, experience, and past employment.
