A critical visa program for religious workers in the United States is set to expire in just over two weeks, potentially leaving many religious organizations struggling to fill essential roles. The Special Immigrant Religious Worker visa (EB-4), which provides permanent resident status to non-minister religious workers, will no longer be available after March 13, 2025.

Why This Matters

The EB-4 visa has been a vital pathway for religious organizations to bring in workers who provide essential services such as counseling, translation, refugee assistance, and community outreach. While ministers will still be eligible under the EB-4 category, non-minister roles—including nuns, monks, and other religious workers—will be severely impacted.

The closure of this program could leave many faith-based organizations without the workforce necessary to continue their missions. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has previously noted that EB-4 visa holders provide crucial services, including caring for the sick, supporting immigrant communities, and offering shelter to those in need.

Background on the EB-4 Visa

The EB-4 visa is an employment-based green card program with a cap of 5,000 visas per year for non-minister religious workers. However, data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that only a few hundred visas were issued in 2023, despite the ongoing demand.

The visa program requires applicants to:

• Have worked for the religious organization sponsoring them for at least two years.

• Be employed by a bona fide non-profit religious organization.

• Meet strict eligibility criteria set by USCIS.

In December 2024, President Joe Biden extended the program through March 14, 2025, meaning that applicants must enter the U.S. or adjust their status by March 13. No further extensions appear likely under the current administration.

Impact on Religious Organizations

Faith-based groups are expressing deep concern over the expiration of this program. One director of immigration services emphasized the potential consequences:

"Allowing the Special Immigrant Religious Worker Visa to expire would be devastating for religious organizations of all faiths across the U.S. These organizations rely not only on clergy but also on men and women performing essential religious work—ministering to communities, supporting the elderly, caring for children, and aiding those facing hardships."

The USCCB has also warned that without the EB-4 visa, many religious organizations may struggle to sponsor workers under existing employment-based immigration categories, which do not align with the unique needs of faith-based entities.

What's Next?

Despite multiple extensions in the past, the USCIS Visa Bulletin for February 2025 has confirmed that no Special Religious Worker visas will be issued after March 13. This means that:

• Visas issued before this date will only be valid until March 13, 2025.

• Applicants must enter the U.S. by midnight on March 13 to be eligible.

• There is no indication that the current administration will renew the program.

Conclusion

The expiration of the EB-4 religious worker visa marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and could have widespread effects on religious organizations that depend on non-minister workers. With just a short window remaining, those eligible for the program must act quickly to secure their status. Meanwhile, religious institutions and immigration advocates continue to push for legislative solutions to address the urgent need for religious workers in the U.S.

For those impacted by the EB-4 expiration, it is essential to seek legal guidance immediately to explore any alternative immigration options. Saluja Law remains committed to assisting religious organizations and individuals navigating this complex transition.