The Fourth Preference category is for Special Immigrants, which primarily includes ministers and religious workers. To be eligible, the applicant must have been a member of a religious denomination that has had a bona fide non‑profit religious organization in the U.S. for at least the two years immediately preceding the application. The applicant must be entering the United States to work (1) as a minister of religion, (2) for the organization in a religious capacity, or (3) for the organization or a related tax‑exempt entity in another professional capacity. The applicant must have been carrying on such work as a minister, professional or other worker for at least two years preceding the application. The applicant must have at least a Baccalaureate degree to qualify as a religious professional. A combination of experience and education may not be substituted for a Baccalaureate degree.
U.S. Immigration Laws