Legal Definitions - special immigrant

A special immigrant is a non-citizen who belongs to certain groups and can apply for permanent worker visas under USCIS special immigrant programs. Once approved, they can live and work in the U.S. permanently with Green Cards.

• Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): Juveniles under 21 years old who are in the U.S. and need protection from juvenile courts because they have been neglected, abused, or abandoned by a parent can apply for SIJ classification. Once approved, they receive Green Cards to stay in the U.S. permanently. For example, a child who has been abandoned by their parents and is living with a foster family can apply for SIJ classification.
• Employment-Based Fourth Preference Special Immigrants: Certain groups of people are eligible for the fourth preference permanent workers visa (EB-4), including religious workers, certain employees of the U.S. government who are abroad and their family members, and certain physicians licensed and practicing medicine in a U.S. state as of Jan. 9, 1978. For example, a doctor who has been practicing medicine in the U.S. since 1978 can apply for EB-4 classification.

These examples illustrate how special immigrants are non-citizens who belong to specific groups and can apply for permanent worker visas under USCIS special immigrant programs. Once approved, they can live and work in the U.S. permanently with Green Cards.