Human Resources

Attention:

• As of December 2022, retiring staff and spouses seeking permanent residency through the special immigrant process are required to depart the United States during the processing of their applications.  HR is not provided with a process for providing waivers or exceptions.  Dependent children applying may remain in the U.S. while the sponsoring staff member is on an HQ-based assignment
• Green Card processing time by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for retirees, spouses, and dependent children is expected to be about 4.5 years.  This projection will be updated as additional information is available from USCIS.
• If you are considering obtaining a U.S. permanent residency or green card, be aware that you may be subject to adverse U.S. tax consequences if you relinquish the green card later. Before applying for a permanent residency or green card, seek professional tax advice regarding expatriation taxes under U.S. law.
• The World Bank Group does not assist staff with their Special Immigration application beyond providing the Special Immigrant Letter needed as verification of eligibility upon retirement for staff or upon meeting requirements for dependent children.

Eligibility

Retirees of the Bank Group are eligible to apply for a U.S. permanent residency under the Special Immigration Provision if they meet all these conditions:

• Total physical presence/residence in the U.S. on a G4 visa is 15 years or more. AND
• Continuous physical presence/residence in the U.S. on a G4 visa is at least three and a half years of the seven years prior to application.

Note: Time as a consultant does not count towards the 15/3.5 year minimum.  Time out of the U.S. on official travel or vacation does not affect physical presence, but residence outside the U.S. may affect physical presence such as extended field assignments, short-term assignments, telecommuting, leave without pay, and external service.

• Separation from the Bank Group is due to retirement, and staff are eligible to receive pension, either immediate or deferred, upon termination
• A petition is filed with the USCIS within six months of date of termination of open, term, or regular appointment. For more details on the Special Immigrant Provision, see FAQs

Note: If the petition is not filed within six months of the retirement or termination, USCIS will not process the request.

Children (on dependent G4 visas) of current or former staff of the Bank Group are eligible to apply for U.S. permanent residency under the Special Immigration Provision if they meet these conditions:

• Are unmarried
• Have resided and been physically present in the U.S. in G4 status for periods that total seven years between the ages of 5 and 21 (before 22nd birthday)
• Have resided and been physically present in the U.S. in G4 status for periods that total at least three and a half of the seven years prior to application
• Have filed the 'Special Immigrant' petition with USCIS before their 25th birthday

When To Apply

• Staff and spouse may submit a request to HR if the retirement termination action has been submitted via MyHR Self-Service OR within six months of retirement
• Dependent G4 child(ren) may submit at any time the child(ren) meet the requirements above

• Staff to verify eligibility of their child and submit the request for the Special Immigration Provision letter in MyHR Self-Service.
• Prospective retirees to verify eligibility and submit the request for the Special Immigration Provision letter in MyHR Self-Service.

Retirees (with no access to MyHR Self-Service):

• Submit form F00040 Special Immigration Request following the submission instructions on the form.

Step 02 - Action by HR

HR to prepare the letter in approximately five business days.  Once the letter is ready, send email confirmation to the staff member/retiree.

For prospective retirees:

• The letter will be processed only after the last day of service at the Bank
• Ensure you have provided your personal email address for the email confirmation with completed letter or collection options to be sent
• You must file the petition for the Green Card for you or your spouse within six months of termination from the Bank

Step 03 - Action by Staff

Staff to engage the services of an immigration attorney to assist with the Special Immigration application.

You must report to HR Operations the change in status when you or any of your dependents are granted the Green Card.

Immigration Attorneys

The following attorneys have been assisting staff and dependents.  However, selection of an attorney is at the discretion of the family and legal services are not endorsed or reimbursed by the Bank Group.

• Mr. Dan Williamson: 202-349-2178
• Ms. Amy R. Novick: 202-293-3123
• Ms. Julie Oliver-Zhang: 202-643-1110
• Ms. Linda Hoffman: 202-331-9450
• Ms. Maria Glinsmann: 301-987-0030 (Ext. 3)
• Ms. Palma Yanni: 202-338-1995
• Mr. Richard Bromberg: 202-835-0660
• Mr. Sena Basnayake: 202-872-1600