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 qualify, you must have been a member of a religious denomination that has had a non-profit, religious organization in the United States for at least two years immediately before filing the Green Card application.

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. However, you must be a member of a non-profit religious organization in the United States that has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax-exempt religious organization.

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 will need to provide the following documents:

1) Evidence of lawful admission or parole from a U.S. immigration officer or a copy of any valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa issued by a U.S. consulate abroad.

2) A labor certification approved by the Department of Labor (DOL) for the position.

3) Evidence of two years of experience in religious work within the past five years, such as letters from former employers, copies of tax returns, and other documents that establish your service as a religious worker.

4) Proof of membership in a recognized religious denomination for two years immediately preceding the application filing date.

5) Evidence that you are entering the United States to work full-time in a qualifying religious occupation (this includes an approved petition from the petitioner).

6) A passport-style photograph taken within 30 days of filing the application.

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


Special immigrant religious workers can stay in the United States for up to five years and may be eligible to extend their stay in multi-year increments. However, it is important to note that extensions are dependent on the continued need for the worker’s services, so there is no guarantee that extensions will be granted.

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


To apply to become a special immigrant religious worker, you must submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form should be accompanied by supporting documents including an affidavit of support, proof of current religious worker status (such as an employment contract or letter from employer), and evidence of two years of religious work experience. After USCIS receives the form and supporting documents, they will make a decision on the application. If approved, you will receive a Green Card in the mail.

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 Form I-360 to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker.

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’s sponsorship to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. The U.S. employer must submit Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, and provide evidence that the foreign national has been working in a religious capacity in the U.S. for at least two years.

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 type of employment-based immigrant visa which grants foreign nationals permission to enter the United States to work as a Religious Worker. An EB-4 visa does not grant permanent resident status, but may lead to permanent residency in the future.

A Green Card as a Special Immigrant Religious Worker grants foreign nationals permanent resident status upon entry into the United States. The Green Card allows them to stay and work permanently in the United States and can also be used to guide family members to join them.

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


As of October 2, 2020, it costs $1,225 to apply for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker.

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 set at 5,000 per fiscal year.

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


In order to extend your stay in the United States as a special immigrant religious worker, you will need to submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be submitted before your current period of authorized stay expires and must include evidence of your continuous employment and/or residence in the United States as a religious worker. The USCIS may require additional evidence to support your application, such as letters from your employer confirming your continued employment as a religious worker. If your application is approved, you will be given an extension of stay in the United States as a special immigrant religious worker.

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?


Generally, special immigrant religious workers are allowed to work only in the activities related to their religious calling. Special immigrant religious workers may also engage in certain activities that are related to their religious vocation, such as teaching and preaching. Special immigrant religious workers are not allowed to engage in any activities for profit or for any unlawful purpose.

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


No. Special immigrant religious worker category is limited to applicants who are seeking to enter the U.S. for the purpose of engaging in a full-time, compensated religious ministry in the United States. It is not available to holders of U.S. lawful permanent residence (Green Card).

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


Yes, you must be at least 21 years of age to apply 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 Green Card granted to special immigrant religious workers is valid for two years and is not renewable. After two years, the person must apply for another immigrant visa in their home country or eligible country of residence.

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


Yes, you may work outside of your designated field as a special immigrant religious worker while holding a Green Card. However, you must inform USCIS if you change to a different occupation. Depending on the type of new job you take, you may be required to obtain a new work permit.

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 depends on the particular office processing the case. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, though processing times can vary.

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 typically need to attend an interview with USCIS if you are applying for a Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker. The purpose of the interview is to verify your eligibility for the Green Card and your identity.

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. After having had a Green Card for at least five years, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. There are additional requirements, such as having good moral character, that must be met. Additionally, you must have resided in the United States continuously for at least half of the five years and have physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months out of those five years.

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


You may renew your Green Card as a special immigrant religious worker by submitting Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with Form I-360, you will need to submit proof of your religious work and current status as a special immigrant religious worker.