An E4 visa, formally known as the Employment Fourth Preference visa, is a specific category of U.S. immigrant visa designed for "Certain Special Immigrants" seeking lawful permanent residency in the United States. This visa path ultimately leads to the issuance of a Green Card, allowing the holder to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Understanding the E4 Visa Category
The E4 visa is part of the employment-based immigrant visa system, even though its beneficiaries often qualify due to unique circumstances rather than traditional employment sponsorships. It is distinct from other employment-based categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5) due to the specific nature of its qualifying "special immigrant" classifications.
Key Characteristics of the E4 Visa:
- Immigrant Visa: Grants eligibility for permanent residence (Green Card).
- Special Immigrants: Exclusively for specific groups defined by U.S. immigration law.
- Petition Requirement: Generally requires an approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, Form I-360.
Who Qualifies for an E4 Visa?
The E4 visa category encompasses several distinct types of "special immigrants," each with specific criteria. An applicant for a Fourth Preference visa must typically be the beneficiary of an approved Form I-360 petition.
Here are the primary categories that may qualify for an E4 visa:
- Amerasians: Individuals born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea (Cambodia), or Thailand between certain dates, and whose father was a U.S. citizen.
- Widows or Widowers of U.S. Citizens: Spouses of deceased U.S. citizens who meet specific requirements, including having been married for at least two years and not having remarried.
- Certain Employees or Former Employees of the U.S. Government Abroad: This is a notable exception to the Form I-360 requirement. This category applies to U.S. government employees or former employees who have served honorably for a specified period in certain foreign locations and meet other criteria.
- Other "Special Immigrant" Classifications: This broader term can include a variety of other niche categories established by Congress, such as certain religious workers, certain physicians, juveniles declared dependent on a U.S. juvenile court, and some Afghan and Iraqi translators/nationals who have assisted the U.S. government.
The Role of Form I-360
For most E4 visa applicants, the process begins with the filing and approval of Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. This petition is crucial as it establishes the applicant's eligibility under one of the specific "special immigrant" classifications. Once the I-360 petition is approved, and a visa number becomes available (if applicable), the applicant can proceed with the immigrant visa application process, either through consular processing abroad or adjustment of status within the United States.
For more detailed information on employment-based immigrant visas, including the E4 category, you can refer to resources from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, such as their Employment-Based Immigrant Visas page.
| E4 Visa Key Aspects | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Employment-Based Immigrant Visa (Green Card) |
| Primary Beneficiaries | "Certain Special Immigrants" |
| Core Requirement | Approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant |
| Notable Exception | Certain U.S. Government employees or former employees abroad are exempt from I-360 |
| Outcome | Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) |
