Green Card Options for Special Immigrant Religious Workers

1. Can I apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


Yes, you can apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. To be eligible, you must have been a member of a bona fide non-profit religious denomination for at least two years prior to your application and be coming to the US solely to work as a minister of the religion or in a religious profession or vocation.

2. Do I need to be a member of a religious denomination to qualify for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


No, you do not need to be a member of a religious denomination to qualify for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. You must, however, have been a member of that religious denomination for at least two years prior to the filing of the application.

3. What documents do I need to provide in order to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


In order to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker, you must provide the following documents:
* Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant
* Evidence of current religious worker status
* Evidence that you have been a member of the religious denomination for at least two years
* Proof of the religious organization’s tax exemption status
* Two passport-style photos
* Copy of your birth certificate and/or passport, if available
* Copy of your marriage certificate, if applicable
* Copies of any immigration and court records, if applicable
* Proof of age (for applicants who are over 14 but under 21)
* Evidence of financial support
* Documentation showing that you will not become a public charge in the U.S.
* Valid passport if you plan to travel outside the U.S. while your application is pending

4. How long can I stay in the United States as a special immigrant religious worker?


The duration of stay for special immigrant religious workers is typically five years, but can be extended to a maximum of 25 years with additional petitions and extensions.

5. What is the application process for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


The application process for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker consists of several steps. These include:

1. Obtaining an approved petition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which must be filed by the petitioner (employer).

2. Applying for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State.

3. If the visa is approved, then applying for admission to the U.S., and if this is also approved, then adjusting status to become a permanent resident.

4. Once becoming a permanent resident, maintaining continuous physical presence in the U.S. for at least five years before applying for U.S. citizenship (naturalization).

6. Do I need to submit an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-360) to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


Yes, you must submit an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-360) to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. The petition must be filed by the religious organization that plans to employ you in the U.S. in a religious capacity.

7. Do I need to have an employer’s sponsorship to apply for Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


Yes, you must have an employer sponsorship to apply for Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. Your employer must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant with the USCIS on your behalf.

8. What is the difference between an EB-4 visa and a Green Card as a Special Immigrant Religious Worker?


An EB-4 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows certain religious workers to temporarily live and work in the United States for a set period of time, typically up to four years. A Green Card as a Special Immigrant Religious Worker gives the holder permanent residence in the United States and can be renewed indefinitely.

9. How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


The cost to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker is $345.

10. Is there an annual quota for Green Cards issued to special immigrant religious workers?


Yes, there is an annual quota for Green Cards issued to special immigrant religious workers. The quota is 5,000 per year for special immigrant religious workers.

11. What is the process for extending my stay in the United States as a special immigrant religious worker?


The process for extending your stay in the United States as a special immigrant religious worker is as follows:

1. Submit a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, along with the required supporting documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Wait for approval of the petition and notification from USCIS.

3. Once approved, submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to USCIS, along with any additional supporting documents requested by USCIS.

4. Wait for approval of the extension.

5. Once approved, receive a new I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with an updated expiration date.

12. Are there any restrictions on the activities I can engage in while I am in the United States as a special immigrant religious worker?


Yes. Special immigrant religious workers are restricted to engaging only in the activities for which they were admitted. This includes any religious activities related to a valid religious denomination and any activities related to the denomination’s organization and the denomination’s nonprofit, religious activities. Examples include working as a minister, proselytizing, conducting religious services, providing religious counseling, and performing administrative duties related to religious organizations.

13. Can I apply for permanent residency status through my Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


No, you cannot apply for permanent residency status through a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. You must file an I-360 petition with the USCIS and be approved for an immigrant visa to qualify for permanent residency.

14. Is there an age requirement to be eligible to apply for Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


Yes. The individual must be at least 21 years of age to be eligible for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker.

15. What is the duration of the Green Card granted to special immigrant religious workers?


The duration of the Green Card granted to special immigrant religious workers is 10 years.

16. Am I allowed to work outside of my designated field while holding a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


No. You must work solely in the field in which you were granted the religious worker Green Card.

17. What is the processing time for applications for Green Cards as special immigrant religious workers?


The processing time for applications for Green Cards as special immigrant religious workers is typically 4 to 6 months. However, applications may take much longer to process depending on the individual case.

18. Do I need to attend an interview with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when applying for Green Card as special immigrant religious workers?


Yes, you must attend an in-person interview with a USCIS officer when applying for a Green Card as special immigrant religious workers.

19. Is it possible to become naturalized with my Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


Yes, it is possible to become naturalized with a green card as a special immigrant religious worker. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website states that the requirements for naturalization are the same for all immigrants, including special immigrant religious workers.

20. How do I renew my Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker?


You must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with the appropriate fee and supporting documents to renew your Green Card. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. For more information on the application process, please refer to the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-through-special-immigrant-religious-worker.