SR (Certain Religious Workers) is a subcategory of EB-4 Special Immigrants for religious workers, including ministers, religious professionals, and those working for religious organizations.
Current Priority Dates
Current bulletin dates
(SR)Priority Date Trends
Visa Bulletin trends
09/2026
SR
Data provided byCareerEngineUS
Requirements
Basic Qualifications:
- Engaged in religious work for at least 2 years prior to application
- Full-time employment with a religious organization
- Permanent full-time job offer from a U.S. religious organization
- Religious organization must be a qualifying tax-exempt organization
Eligible Workers:
- Ministers: Individuals authorized by a religious organization to perform religious functions
- Religious Professionals: Professionals working in religious vocations (e.g., religious educators, religious healthcare workers)
- Religious Workers: Individuals working in traditional religious functions
Application Process
- Prepare Documentation: Gather evidence of religious work history and organization qualifications
- File I-360: Submit Special Immigrant petition to USCIS
- Await Processing: USCIS processes the application
- Wait for Priority Date: If applicable, wait for priority date to become current
- Green Card Application: File I-485 (in U.S.) or consular processing (abroad)
Important Notes
- This category requires periodic congressional reauthorization
- Religious worker category expires January 30, 2026 (subject to congressional renewal)
- Must demonstrate continuous religious work history
- Religious organization must meet IRS tax-exempt requirements