Is the EB-4 green card conditional like the EB-5?

No. As a general rule, the green card obtained through EB-4 is not conditional like the one issued under EB-5, and this is an important distinction between the two pathways.

Under EB-5, the investor typically receives a conditional green card first. This means that, at a later stage, they must go through an additional step to remove that condition, demonstrating that the investment was maintained and that the expected jobs were created. Only after that removal is approved does the residency become full and permanent.

The EB-4 category, designed for special immigrant workers such as religious workers and certain employees of international organizations, generally does not go through this conditional phase. Once the petition is approved and the green card is granted, the immigrant typically obtains permanent residency directly, without needing to file for removal of conditions at the end of a period.

• EB-5: initially conditional green card, with a subsequent step to remove the condition.
• EB-4: as a rule, direct permanent residency, with no conditional phase.

Since immigration rules evolve and each case has its own specifics, confirm the current requirements and timelines with USCIS and evaluate your situation with a trusted specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.