CERTAIN SPECIAL IMMIGRANTS

The fourth preference deals with some special occupations, the most noteworthy being ministers of religion.

RELIGIOUS WORKERS

To qualify as an EB-4 special immigrant religious worker, you must be a member of a religious denomination that has a non-profit religious organization in the United States. You must have been a member of this religious denomination for at least two years before applying for admission to the United States. You must be entering the United States to work:

1) As a minister or priest of the religious denomination;

2) In a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation for the religious organization (a professional capacity means that a U.S. baccalaureate degree or foreign equivalent is required to do this job); or

3) In a religious vocation or occupation for the religious organization or its nonprofit affiliate. (A religious vocation means a calling or devotion to religious life. Taking vows can prove that you have a calling to religious life.

A religious occupation is an activity devoted to traditional religious functions. Examples of religious occupations include (but are not limited to) cantors, missionaries, and religious instructors.)

You must have been performing this religious work for the past two years.

You must be internationally recognized in a special area and must have 3 years of experience in teaching or research in the academic area.

The position sought must be a tenure (or tenure track) teaching position or comparable position.  A comparable position with a private employer to conduct research is also permitted in certain circumstances.

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