EB-4: Employment-Based Immigration - Permanent Workers - Special Immigrants
Special immigrants are individuals who may be eligible for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) based on specific visa categories that are listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Eligibility depends on the requirements for each visa category.
To petition for an employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) immigrant, your employer must file a Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. However, there are certain situations where you, the employee, may petition on your own behalf (known as self-petitioning).
Eligibility
You may be eligible to be classified as a special immigrant if you are a:
- Religious worker;
- Panama Canal Company Employee, Canal Zone Government Employee, or U.S. Government in the Canal Zone Employee;
- Physician;
- G-4 International Organization Employee or Family Member or NATO-6 employee or family member;
- Broadcaster;
- Afghanistan or Iraq national who worked with the U.S. armed forces or under Chief of Mission authority as a translator;
- Iraq national who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq; or
- Afghanistan national who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government or the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Other classifications not listed above may be eligible to use Form I-360. Please check the form for updates.
For more information please visit the Employment-Based Immigration: Fourth Preference – EB-4 page.
How to File
- Read the instructions for Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant;
- Complete and sign Form I-360;
- Pay the filing fee, if applicable; and
- Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
Want status updates about your case? Learn how to create a USCIS online account to stay informed.
After You File
Once we receive your Form I-360, we will process your petition and then you will receive a:
- Receipt notice confirming we received your petition;
- Biometric services notice, if applicable;
- Notice to appear for an interview, if required; and
- Notice of our decision.
Forms and Fees
- Form I-360
- Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.