Watch this video to learn more about your G-4 status
A Guide for International Organization Employees and Families/Children Re:Age Out | G-4 Status
Our immigration lawyers have over 28 years experience working with G-4 employees and their families. If you’re here, you probably work for the World Bank, IMF, or another international organization – or you love someone who does. You’ve likely heard the words “G-4 status” thrown around, but what keeps you up at night isn’t the technical jargon. It’s the questions no one at work can answer:
- What happens when my child turns 21?
- If I lose my job, do we lose everything?
- Why does my status get renewed but not my spouse’s?
- Do I need Form I-566, I-508, or both – and what’s the difference?
You’re not alone. For over 25 years in Northern Virginia, we’ve seen the same fears surface again and again in the G-4 community. Let’s walk through the most common pain points so you can breathe a little easier.
#1: “My child is about to age out – what happens then?”
The Fear: Your teenager grew up here. This is home. But suddenly you realize that when they hit a certain age, their G-4 dependent status will disappear. The idea of them being forced to leave the only country they know is terrifying.
What You Need to Know: Timing is everything. If your child is 17, you may already have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency – but only if you act before they turn 18. Miss that window, and options narrow quickly.
Plan B: For college-bound kids, switching to F-1 student status can provide breathing room while you explore long-term solutions.
Takeaway: Don’t rely on the expiration date on their I-94. The law cares about their actual age. Renewal of papers doesn’t reset the “aging-out” clock.
#2: “I lost my job – do I have to leave immediately?”
The Fear: Losing a job is hard enough. Add immigration worries, and it feels like your whole life has been pulled out from under you. You wonder: Do I have to pack my bags tomorrow?
The Reality: Not necessarily. By filing Form I-508, many G-4 employees can stay in the U.S. and even chart a path toward permanent residency.
Why That Separation Letter Matters: That piece of paper from HR isn’t just bureaucracy. It’s your proof of service, dates, and eligibility. Without it, immigration options shrink dramatically.
Pro Tip: Termination is not the end of the road. But the sooner you seek legal advice, the more doors stay open.
#3: “These forms make no sense – do I need I-566 or I-508?”
The Frustration: You’re used to dealing with international finance, policy, or development – not alphabet soup forms that even many immigration attorneys rarely touch.
Here’s the Simplified Version:
- Form I-508 = Waiving diplomatic immunity (often after your job ends or when adjusting to permanent residency)
- Form I-566 = Work authorization or status changes for dependents
Bottom line: Which form you need depends on your exact situation. Guessing wrong can cost you time – and status.
#4: “My status got renewed, but my family’s didn’t.”
The Fear: You breathe a sigh of relief when your G-4 gets extended… until you realize your spouse or child wasn’t included. Suddenly your family is in legal limbo.
Why It Happens: Sometimes it’s paperwork delays, sometimes administrative errors. Other times, it’s because your child has already aged out, even if they still look “covered” on paper.
What To Do: Treat each family member’s case as unique. Don’t assume your approval automatically covers them. This is where families often get blindsided.
The Bigger Picture: Is Permanent Residency Possible?
Yes – but the rules are narrow. Retired G-4 officers, their spouses, and certain children may qualify under INA §101(a)(27)(I). The catch? Strict filing deadlines, residence requirements, and visa backlogs that can push kids out of eligibility before a green card is available.
Reality Check: Waiting until retirement or until a child turns 21 is usually too late. Early planning is not optional – it’s essential.
Why Families Choose Us
At B & E Capital Law, we know these aren’t just “immigration issues.” They’re family issues. They affect whether your child gets to attend college here, whether you and your spouse stay together, and whether you can plan your future with certainty.
We’ve walked this path with hundreds of G-4 families. We’ve seen panic turn to relief, confusion turn to clarity, and “impossible” cases turn into success stories.
Immigration law is unforgiving to those who wait too long. Here’s how you can protect yourself today:
- Collect and save every document – I-94s, HR letters, visa notices.
- Mark your calendar – especially children’s birthdays and renewal dates.
- Ask questions early – don’t assume HR or colleagues know the rules.
- Get legal guidance – G-4 immigration is a niche field. Work with someone who’s done this before.
Final Thought G-4 status can feel like standing on shifting sand. But with the right planning and support, you don’t have to live in constant fear of the “what ifs.”
👉 Schedule a Consultation or call us at (703) 829-5881 to discuss your eligibility and begin your path to permanent U.S. residency.
We have successfully processed these U.S. immigration matters for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation, you may email us at info@becapitallaw.com or call / text (703)966-0907. B&E Capital – Vassell Law Group, PC | http://www.vasselllaw.com | http://www.becapitallaw.com | Members of the American Immigration Lawyers (AILA).