PRE-RETIREMENT TOOLKIT

Immigration

If you plan to retire in countries other than in the duty stations listed below, you should consult your local HR Office and seek professional legal advice about this matter. You can also try contacting the local branch of the Association of Former International Civil Servants (AFICS). (www.fafics.org)

Introduction	Separation Procedures	Repatriation Shipment	Pension Fund
Insurance	Taxation	Immigration	Local Support (AFICS)

Please note that individual entitlements are dependent on one’s contractual status, duty station, duration of service and category. Staff should contact their human resources focal points about specific situations and entitlements.

► Temporary Suspension for the filing of applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485) Under the Special Immigrant category for retiring G-4 visa holders

The United States Immigration and Nationality Act allows certain long-term serving international organization staff members who held a G-4 visa status, and who meet certain criteria, to apply for Legal Permanent Residency, also known as a “Green Card,” under the "Special Immigrant” category (EB-4), upon separation on retirement.

This message is to inform staff members who hold a G-4 visa that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has temporarily suspended accepting applications to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485 form) under their “Special Immigrant” category (EB-4).

The Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) has brought this issue to the attention of the United States Mission to the United Nations. DMSPC has been informed that applications for Legal Permanent Residency under the “Special Immigrant” category (EB-4) have reached unprecedented levels, far exceeding the cap that the United States Congress has placed on the number of applications under the “Special Immigrant” category (EB-4).

This important development may affect the ability for staff members who hold a G-4 visa to continue to reside in the United States following their separation from service on retirement. It may also affect recent retirees; children of current or retired staff members as well as surviving spouse, who have been planning to apply for Legal Permanent Residency under the “Special Immigrant” category (EB-4).

Affected individuals are encouraged to seek legal advice from an immigration firm.

DMSPC will continue to liaise with the United States mission on the matter.

Please refer to the FAQs on iSeek for additional details.