EB-4 Visa Attorney in Chicago — Special Immigrants
The EB-4 preference category covers special immigrants, including religious workers, certain international organization employees, and other specific categories. At Liberum Law, our EB-4 visa attorneys in Chicago help qualifying individuals obtain permanent residence through this unique immigrant category.
The most common EB-4 subcategory is the religious worker classification, available to ministers, professionals in religious vocations, and individuals performing religious functions. Applicants must have been members of the religious denomination and working in a religious capacity for at least two years prior to filing.
Our EB-4 services include eligibility assessment, I-360 petition preparation, evidence compilation demonstrating qualifying status, adjustment of status or consular processing, and coordination with the sponsoring organization.
Contact our EB-4 attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for EB-4?
EB-4 covers "special immigrants" — religious workers, certain former U.S. government employees abroad, Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs), certain physicians, broadcasters, Iraqi/Afghan translators, and other narrowly defined categories. Each subcategory has its own requirements.
What are the religious worker requirements?
EB-4 religious workers must have been a member of the religious denomination for 2 years, working in a religious vocation or occupation for the petitioning U.S. non-profit religious organization. The U.S. organization must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. R-1 status often precedes EB-4 filing.
Is there a quota for EB-4?
Yes. EB-4 has 7.1% of the worldwide employment-based limit (about 9,940 visas annually). Special Immigrant Juveniles have a separate sub-cap. Recent retrogression has caused EB-4 backlogs for many countries — check current Visa Bulletin.
Can EB-4 lead to a green card directly?
Yes. Once the I-360 (EB-4 petition) is approved and a visa number is available, the applicant files Form I-485 (adjustment of status) in the U.S. or consular processing abroad to receive permanent residence.
How long does EB-4 take?
Total timeline varies widely: 2–5+ years for religious workers, longer for SIJ and other categories due to current backlogs. We provide realistic timelines based on the specific subcategory and country of birth.
