If you are an employee of an international organization and looking to obtain a Green Card in the United States, the G4 visa may be the perfect option for you. The G4 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows employees of international organizations to live and work in the United States. This unique visa allows for dual intent, meaning you can apply for permanent residency while on a G4 visa.
One of the main benefits of the G4 visa is that it provides a pathway to a Green Card. As an employee of an international organization, you may be eligible for a Green Card through the employment-based immigration process. This can be lengthy and complex, but the G4 visa can provide a stepping stone towards permanent residency.
To be eligible for a G4 visa, you must be an employee of an international organization that the United States recognizes. Additionally, you must be coming to the United States to work for that organization in a position that qualifies for a G4 visa. If you meet these requirements, the G4 visa may be an excellent option for you to live and work in the United States while pursuing permanent residency.
Table of Contents
Supporting Evidence for Form I-485
When and How to Apply for a G4 Visa
How to Apply for a Green Card with a G4 Visa
What is a G4 Visa?
If you are an employee of an international organization, you may be eligible for a G4 visa. This nonimmigrant visa allows you to work in the United States for the duration of your employment with an international organization.
The G4 visa is reserved for employees of international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and others. As a G4 visa holder, you are considered a non-immigrant and are not eligible for permanent residency or citizenship in the United States.
The G4 visa is designed for individuals considered part of international organizations’ staff or diplomatic corps. This includes individuals employed as administrative or technical staff, experts on mission, and other similar positions.
To be eligible for a G4 visa, you must be sponsored by the international organization you work for. The organization must submit an application to the U.S. Department of State on your behalf. Once your application is approved, you will be issued a G4 visa.
One of the benefits of the G4 visa is that it allows your immediate family members to join you in the United States. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for G4 dependent visas. This will enable them to live and work in the United States for their employment with the international organization.
The G4 visa is an excellent option for individuals employed by international organizations who want to work in the United States. If you are eligible for this visa, it can provide an amazing opportunity to work and live in the United States while still being employed by your international organization.
Eligibility for G4 Visa
If you are an employee of an international organization, you may be eligible to apply for a G4 visa. This visa is designed for individuals who work for specific international organizations designated by the United States government.
To be eligible for a G4 visa, you must be an employee of an international organization that the US government recognizes. This includes organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
In addition to the employee, family members may also be eligible for a G4 visa. This includes your spouse, unmarried sons and daughters under 21, and other dependents. Immediate family members of retired officers may also be eligible for a G4 visa.
To apply for a G4 visa, you must first obtain a diplomatic note from your sponsoring international organization. This note will confirm your employment and request that you be issued a G4 visa.
It is important to note that G4 visas are different from green cards. While G4 visa holders are allowed to live and work in the United States, they are not considered permanent residents and do not have the same rights and privileges as green card holders.
Supporting Evidence for Form I-485
When applying for a G4 visa, you must provide supporting evidence for Form I-485. This includes documentation requirements and photograph specifications.
Documentation Requirements
To submit a complete Form I-485, you must provide all required documentation. This includes a valid passport, a copy of your Form I-94, and a copy of your G4 visa. You must also provide evidence of your eligibility for adjustment of status, such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a Form I-360.
Other required documents may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and police certificates. Ensure that certified translations of documents that are not in English are provided.
Photograph Specifications
When submitting your Form I-485, you must provide two passport-style photographs of identical colors. The photographs must meet the following specifications:
- Taken within the last six months
- Printed on thin paper with a glossy finish
- 2×2 inches in size
- Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
- You must be facing the camera directly with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- The photograph must be in focus and well-lit, with no shadows or red-eye
Ensure to follow these photograph requirements carefully to avoid delays or issues with your application.
Providing the required documents and meeting the photograph specifications are important steps in submitting a complete Form I-485 for a G4 visa. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
Work and Travel Authorization
As a G4 visa holder, you are eligible for work authorization in the United States. This means you can work for your sponsoring international organization and receive a salary. However, if you wish to work for another employer, you must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD will permit you to work for any employer in the United States.
You are also eligible for work authorization if you are a domestic employee of an international organization. However, you must obtain a separate work authorization document from the Department of Homeland Security.
As a G4 visa holder, you can also travel abroad and return to the United States. However, you must have a valid G4 visa and passport to re-enter the United States. If your passport expires while abroad, you must obtain a new one before returning to the United States. You should also make sure that your G4 visa is valid for re-entry.
It is important to note that if you leave the United States for an extended period, your G4 visa may be revoked. You should check with your sponsoring international organization to ensure that you comply with their travel policies.
In summary, as a G4 visa holder, you have work authorization and can travel abroad and return to the United States. Make sure to keep your documents up to date and comply with your sponsoring international organization’s policies regarding work and travel.
When and How to Apply for a G4 Visa
If you are an international organization employee planning to work in the United States, you may be eligible for a G4 visa. This visa allows you to live and work in the U.S. while employed by an international organization. This section will discuss the application process and appointment scheduling for a G4 visa.
Application Process
To apply for a G4 visa, you will need to follow these steps:
- Complete Form DS-160: This is the online nonimmigrant visa application form you must fill out. You can access the form on the Department of State website.
- Pay the Visa Fees: You must pay a nonrefundable visa application fee and a visa issuance fee. You can find the current fees on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: After you have completed the DS-160 form and paid the fees, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Attend the Visa Interview: You must attend the visa interview in person. During the interview, a consular officer will ask you about your background and reasons for wanting to work in the U.S.
- Receive Your Visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your G4 visa and a Form I-94, your Arrival/Departure Record.
Appointment Scheduling
To schedule your visa interview, you must visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website in your home country. You must create an account and follow the instructions to schedule your appointment. It is essential to schedule your appointment as early as possible, as the processing time for G4 visas can be lengthy.
When you schedule your appointment, you must provide your passport number, the date you paid your visa fees, and the ten-digit barcode number from your DS-160 form. You must also provide your contact information, email address, and phone number.
In conclusion, applying for a G4 visa requires completing Form DS-160, paying the visa fees, scheduling a visa interview, attending the interview, and receiving your passport and Form I-94. You can schedule your appointment through your home country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
How to Apply for a Green Card with a G4 Visa
If you are currently in the United States on a G4 visa and would like to apply for a green card, there are specific legal procedures you need to follow. This section will guide you through applying for a green card with a G4 visa.
Adjustment of Status
If you are already in the United States on a G4 visa, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through a “adjustment of status.” This process allows you to apply for a green card without leaving the United States. To be eligible for adjustment of status, you must meet specific requirements, including:
- You must be admissible to the United States as an immigrant
- You must have an immigrant visa immediately available
- You must be physically present in the United States
- You must not have violated your immigration status
To apply for status adjustment, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as your G4 visa, passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
Required Legal Procedures
You must follow certain legal procedures to apply for a green card with a G4 visa. These procedures include:
- Filing Form I-485 with USCIS
- Attending a biometrics appointment
- Attending an interview with a USCIS officer
- Providing evidence of your eligibility for a green card
If you are applying for a green card as the parent of a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply through a process called “Immediate Relative.” This process allows you to apply for a green card without waiting for an immigrant visa to become available. To be eligible for Immediate Relative, you must meet specific requirements, including:
- You must be the parent of a U.S. citizen
- You must be admissible to the United States as an immigrant
- You must be physically present in the United States
- You must not have violated your immigration status
To apply for Immediate Relative, you must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. You must also provide supporting documents, such as your child’s birth certificate and proof of your relationship with your child.
Once you have completed the required legal procedures and provided all necessary documentation, USCIS will review your application and decide on your eligibility for a green card. If approved, you will receive a permanent resident card (also known as a green card) and become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. If you are a surviving spouse of a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through a process called “Widow(er).” This process allows you to apply for a green card if your spouse passed away before your green card application was approved. To be eligible for Widow(er), you must meet specific requirements, including:
- You must have been married to a U.S. citizen at the time of their death
- You must have been living in the United States at the time of their death
- You must not have remarried
To apply for Widow(er), you must file Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, with USCIS. You must also provide supporting documents, such as your spouse’s death certificate and proof of your relationship with your spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical timeline for transitioning from a G4 visa to a green card?
The timeline for transitioning from a G4 visa to a green card can vary depending on several factors, such as the current backlog of applications, your qualifications, and the processing times at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, it can take several months to several years to complete the transition process.
What are the primary benefits of holding a G4 visa?
Holding a G4 visa provides several benefits, such as working for an international organization in the U.S., exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes, and quick travel in and out of the U.S. Additionally, G4 visa holders may also be eligible to apply for a green card and become permanent residents of the U.S.
How long can one typically remain in the U.S. on a G4 visa?
G4 visa holders can remain in the U.S. for as long as they are employed by an international organization and their visa remains valid. The G4 visa is a non-immigrant visa intended for temporary stays in the U.S. However, G4 visa holders may be able to extend their visa if they continue to work for an international organization.
Are employees of international organizations eligible to apply for a green card while on a G4 visa?
Yes, employees of international organizations who hold a G4 visa may be eligible to apply for a green card and become permanent residents of the U.S. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is essential to consult with an immigration lawyer to determine your eligibility and navigate the process.
What is the usual processing time for a G4 visa application?
The processing time for a G4 visa application can vary depending on several factors, such as the current backlog of applications, your qualifications, and the processing times at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying. Generally, it can take several weeks to several months to complete the application process.
Which international organizations qualify their employees for a G4 visa?
Several international organizations qualify their employees for a G4 visa, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Health Organization. However, eligibility for a G4 visa depends on several factors, such as the type of organization, your position, and your qualifications. It is essential to consult with your employer or an immigration lawyer to determine your eligibility for a G4 visa.