EB-4 is the fourth preference category for employment-based immigration, designated for special immigrant groups including religious workers, U.S. government overseas employees, and special translators.
Current Priority Dates
Current bulletin dates
(EB4)Historical Trends
Visa Bulletin trends
09/2026
EB-4
Data provided byCareerEngineUS
Main Subcategories
Religious Workers
Eligible Applicants:
- Ministers and religious clergy of religious organizations
- Professional religious workers
- Other workers in religious organizations
Basic Requirements:
- Must have been working in a religious capacity for at least 2 years prior to application
- Will continue religious work in the U.S.
- Religious organization must be non-profit
U.S. Government Overseas Employees
Eligible Applicants:
- Foreign employees working at U.S. government facilities abroad
- Former Panama Canal Zone employees
- Retired international organization employees
Special Translators
Iraqi and Afghan Translators
- Worked as translators for U.S. military or government agencies
- Work duration and service requirements vary by program
- Requires recommendation letter from U.S. government agency
Other Special Immigrant Categories
- Broadcasters: Professionals working at international broadcasting organizations
- Armed Forces Members: Certain foreign nationals who served in U.S. Armed Forces
- NATO Employees: Certain retired NATO organization employees
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): Minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned
Application Process
Religious Worker Application Steps
-
Eligibility Assessment
- Confirm religious organization's non-profit status
- Verify applicant's religious work history
-
File I-360 Petition
- Religious organization serves as sponsor
- Provide documentation of religious work
-
Await Approval
- Processing time approximately 6-18 months
- May require additional evidence
-
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
- File I-485 if in the United States
- Or apply for immigrant visa at overseas consulate
Important Notes
- Religious worker visas have quota limits: Approximately 5,000 annually
- Continuous religious work required: Applicant must demonstrate intent to continue religious work
- Non-profit requirement: Religious organization must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- Relatively short wait times: EB-4 category typically has short or no priority date backlogs