G-iv Special Immigrants

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, provided immigration benefits for international organization employees and their families. The G-iv Special Immigrant section of this law provides that certain G-iv visa holders, who have resided in the U. S. for specified periods in that status, may apply for permanent residence status. The BCIS (a.k.a INS) requires that an applicant for G-iv special immigrant status file a petition (Form I-360) to establish eligibility. Generally the I-360 petition can be filed as part of the adjustment of status application made to the BCIS (a.k.a INS). The eligible classes of special immigrants under this provision of the law are the following:

• The unmarried son or daughter of an officer or employee, or of a former officer or employee, of an international organization who, while holding a G-iv visa or an N visa, has resided and been physically present in the U. S. for periods totaling at least one-half of seven years preceding the date of the application, and for a period or periods aggregating at least seven years between the ages of 5 and 21 years. The application must be made no later than his or her 25th birthday.

• The surviving spouse of a deceased officer or employee of an international organization who, while holding a G-iv visa or an N visa, has resided and been physically present in the U. S. for periods totaling at least one-half of seven years before the date of the application, and for a period or periods aggregating at least fifteen years before the date of the death of the officer or employee of an international organization. The application must be made no later than six months after the date of the death of the officer or employee.

• A retired officer or employee of an international organization who, while holding a G-iv visa, has resided and been physically present in the U.S. for periods totaling at least one-half of the seven years before the date of the application and for a period or periods aggregating at least fifteen years before the date of the officer or employee's retirement is eligible for permanent residence. The spouse of the retiree is also able to become a permanent resident and is not required to hold a G-iv visa for these periods. The application must be made no later than six months after the retired officer or employee's date of retirement.

"N" Visa Nonimmigrant Visa Status for Parents or Children of G-iv Special Immigrants A nonimmigrant visa is available under the "N" visa category to the parent of a child who has obtained permanent residence under the G-iv special immigrant provisions, but only until the child reaches his or her 21st birthday. The "N" visa is also available to the child under the age of 21 of a parent who has obtained permanent residence under the G-iv special immigrant provisions or who has been granted an "N" nonimmigrant visa. The "N" visa includes permission to work although an employment authorization document must be obtained. The "N" visa is not available to the parents of U. S. citizen children born in the U. S. and under the age of 21.

The following is a preliminary list of the documents that are required by BCIS (a.k.a INS) to support the application for adjustment of status.

All Applicants:

• Birth Certificate

• Passport and I-94

• 3 color photographs (as per instructions)

• 2 color photographs with application for work authorization

• 2 color photographs with application for travel authorization

• International Organization's certification of eligibility: G-iv visa status, residence and physical presence (visa department).

• List of entries to and exits from U.S. with dates and destinations

Principal:

• Verification of employment (personnel) and pension information (benefits)

Spouse:

• Marriage Certificate

• Marriage Certificate of parents

• Seven years of school records or other documentation to prove physical presence in the U.S.

Related Links

• Immigrant Visas - Introduction

• Priority Workers

• Advanced Degree Professionals Workers of Exceptional Ability

• Professionals and Skilled Workers

• Immigrant Investors

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