Special Immigrant Religious Worker Visa Overview

The special immigrant religious worker visa (EB-4 category) allows ministers and non-minister religious workers to obtain a green card based on their religious vocation or occupation. The sponsoring religious organization files Form I-360, and once approved, the worker can file Form I-485 to adjust status.

Religious workers who are in the United States and eligible to adjust status must complete the standard immigration medical examination as part of the I-485 process.

Medical Exam Requirement

All I-485 applicants, including special immigrant religious workers, must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. The medical exam requirement applies regardless of the applicant's religious vocation or occupation.

The exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Your religious organization's physician or a general practitioner cannot complete the I-693 unless they are a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.

What the Exam Covers

The immigration medical exam covers a complete physical examination, tuberculosis testing, required laboratory tests, and a vaccination review. The civil surgeon will administer any missing required vaccines.

There are no special medical requirements for religious workers. The exam is the same as for any other I-485 applicant.

Timing With I-360 and I-485 Processing

Schedule your medical exam after your I-485 is filed and accepted by USCIS. The I-693 is valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date. Do not schedule too far in advance, as the exam may expire before USCIS adjudicates your case.

Religious worker I-485 processing times vary. Check current USCIS processing times and plan your exam timing accordingly.

Family Members of Religious Workers

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a special immigrant religious worker are eligible for derivative green cards. Each family member who files Form I-485 must complete their own immigration medical exam.

Family members cannot share a Form I-693. Schedule family appointments together to streamline the process.

Common Questions

Religious workers sometimes ask whether their religious vocation exempts them from the medical exam. It does not. The medical exam is a universal requirement for all I-485 applicants. Religious workers also sometimes ask whether they can use a physician associated with their religious organization — the answer is no, unless that physician is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.