EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card
For special immigrants such as religious workers, certain government employees, and special immigrant juveniles.
The EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card is a US work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$1,015 I-360 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (varies by subcategory)) and processing time (~1-3 years (subject to priority date availability and backlogs)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card is for
For special immigrants such as religious workers, certain government employees, and special immigrant juveniles.
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card - eligibility criteria
- Fall within a special immigrant category (e.g. religious worker, SIJ)
- File or be the beneficiary of Form I-360
- Meet the specific requirements of your subcategory
- A visa number is available in your category
- Be admissible to the US
EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card (United States) is ~US$1,015 I-360 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (varies by subcategory), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 years (subject to priority date availability and backlogs). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Consular processing abroad or adjustment of status in the US |
| Length of stay | Permanent (green card) |
| Work rights | Full work authorization as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~US$1,015 I-360 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (varies by subcategory) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 years (subject to priority date availability and backlogs) |
| Route to PR | Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident. |
Pathway & next steps
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Many applicants also compare R-1 · R-1 Religious Worker Visa, EB-3 · EB-3 Skilled Worker Green Card. Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card pitfalls we fix
EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card - frequently asked questions
How much does the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card cost?
The EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card government fee is ~US$1,015 I-360 petition fee plus US$1,440 I-485 (varies by subcategory). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 years (subject to priority date availability and backlogs). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card lead to permanent residence?
Is itself a green card; leads to citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.
Can I work on the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card?
Work rights: Full work authorization as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the EB-4 Special Immigrant Green Card?
For special immigrants such as religious workers, certain government employees, and special immigrant juveniles.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority