Religious organizations across the United States are experiencing increased difficulty obtaining green cards for ministers and other religious workers. Many churches, temples, mosques, and faith-based nonprofits are facing leadership gaps as older clergy retire faster than new leaders can be trained or sponsored. As demand grows, the employment-based immigration process for religious workers has become more complex and more competitive.
This NPZ update explains why religious worker green cards have become harder to secure and what faith-based organizations should know moving forward.
1. The Religious Worker Green Card Category Is Very Limited
Religious workers fall under the EB-4 immigrant category, which also includes:
- Special Immigrant Juveniles
- Certain long-time U.S. government employees
- Certain broadcasters
- Religious ministers and non-minister religious workers
Because EB-4 includes multiple groups, the number of immigrant visas available for religious workers is small even in the best of times.
2. Demand Has Outpaced Supply
Many religious communities are seeing:
- Retirements increasing
- Leadership shortages
- Fewer young individuals entering religious vocations
- Growing needs in rural congregations
- Limited availability of qualified workers
When demand increases but visa numbers stay capped, green cards become harder to obtain.
3. Non-Minister Religious Worker Green Cards Keep Expiring and Being Renewed Temporarily
Congress has repeatedly allowed the non-minister religious worker portion of the EB-4 program to expire, then reinstated it for short periods.
This stop-and-start pattern affects:
- Religious teachers
- Missionaries
- Cantors
- Liturgical workers
- Faith-based community workers
These short-term extensions create uncertainty for both employers and workers.
4. Visa Retrogression Has Become a Major Problem
Over the past several years, the Visa Bulletin has shown significant retrogression in the EB-4 category.
This means:
- Applicants must wait longer for green card availability
- Priority dates move backward, not forward
- Organizations cannot predict timelines
- Backlogs grow faster than approvals
In some months, the EB-4 category has become “unavailable,” leaving applicants in limbo.
5. Increased Scrutiny of Religious Organizations
USCIS has taken a closer look at:
- The structure and denomination of the sponsoring organization
- Evidence of religious training or ordination
- The employee’s religious duties
- The organization’s ability to pay
- Whether the position qualifies as a bona fide religious vocation
This increased review can slow down adjudications.
6. Delays in I-360 Processing and Adjustment of Status
Because EB-4 petitions (Form I-360) must be approved before adjustment of status, any slowdown at USCIS creates a domino effect for applicants already in the U.S. in R-1 status or other lawful status.
Some delays are due to:
- Visa number shortages
- High filing volume
- Security-based background checks
- Additional requests for evidence (RFEs)
7. Religious Organizations Are Feeling the Impact
Across the U.S., communities report:
- Fewer available clergy
- Difficulty maintaining congregations
- Limited ability to expand programs
- Increased reliance on short-term R-1 workers
- Inability to replace retiring leaders in time
This has been especially challenging for smaller congregations and rural faith communities that depend heavily on immigrant religious workers.
How Religious Organizations Can Prepare
To improve success rates, organizations should:
- Start the process early
- Maintain strong documentation of religious purpose
- Provide clear evidence of religious duties
- Keep financial records organized
- Track Visa Bulletin movements
- Consult immigration counsel before filing
Strategic planning is essential in today’s environment.
Conclusion
Religious worker green cards have become harder to obtain due to visa shortages, high demand, retrogression, and increased scrutiny. While the EB-4 category is still open, the delays and limited visa numbers require religious organizations to prepare well in advance and understand the realities of the current system.
NPZ Law Group assists faith-based institutions and religious workers with I-360 filings, R-1 extensions, immigrant visa planning, and long-term immigration strategy.
FAQs — Religious Worker Green Cards
1. Why are religious worker green cards limited?
They fall under the EB-4 category, which has a small number of available visas shared with many other groups.
2. Are ministers and non-ministers treated the same?
No. Minister positions are permanent, while non-minister roles depend on temporary extensions authorized by Congress.
3. Why is the process taking longer now?
High demand, Visa Bulletin retrogression, and increased USCIS scrutiny have slowed processing.
4. Can an R-1 worker apply for a green card?
Yes. Many religious workers transition from R-1 to EB-4, but timing and planning are crucial.
5. What can organizations do to help their case?
Prepare strong documentation, file early, and work with immigration counsel to navigate visa availability issues.
Contact Information If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.