Skip to main content
This is the USCIS preview website. Visit uscis.gov for the official USCIS site.
USCIS Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government    Here's how you know
Español
Multilingual Resources
Official Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Website

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
 
Sign In  
Access USCIS online services.
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
Sign In
Create Account
Horizontal Menu
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
  • Contact us
  • Multilingual Resources
  • Ask Emma
Main navigation
Skip to main content
  • Forms
    • All Forms
    • Explore My Options
    • Filing Guidance
      • Form Filing Tips
      • Forms By Mail
      • Expedite Request
      • Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment
      • How to Change Your Address
      • Card Delivery Tracking
      • Paperwork Reduction Act
    • Filing Fees
      • Fee Schedule
      • Fee Calculator
      • USCIS Immigrant Fee
        • USCIS Immigrant Fee Payment Guide
        • How to Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee
        • Identity Verification and the USCIS Immigrant Fee
        • Tips on Finding Your A-Number and DOS Case ID
      • Forms Processed at USCIS Lockbox Facilities
      • Poverty Guidelines
      • Fee Waiver Guidance
      • Additional Information on Filing a Reduced Fee Request
      • Pay With a Credit Card
    • Forms Updates
      • 2D Barcode Requirements
      • Lockbox Filing Location Updates
      • Workload Transfer Updates
    • Department of State (DS) Forms and Other Non-USCIS Forms
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Forms
  3. Explore My Options
  4. EB-4: Employment-Based Immigration - Permanent Workers - Special Immigrants

EB-4: Employment-Based Immigration - Permanent Workers - Special Immigrants

Three physicians in lab suits looking at a sample in a test tube

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.
Last Reviewed/Updated:
05/11/2021
Was this page helpful?
0 / 2000
To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Review our Privacy Policy.
Return to top
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email
Contact USCIS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal

USCIS.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Important links
  • About USCIS
  • Accessibility
  • Budget and Performance
  • DHS Components
  • Freedom of Information Act
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Privacy and Legal Disclaimers
  • Site Map
  • Office of the Inspector General
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov