In a recent development that directly impacts many immigrants pursuing employment-based green cards, the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has confirmed that all available immigrant visas in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category have been issued for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This means that no further EB-4 immigrant visas will be granted by U.S. embassies and consulates until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.
What Is the EB-4 Visa, and Who Is Affected by This Freeze?
The EB-4 visa is designated for “special immigrants” under U.S. immigration law. This category encompasses a diverse group of individuals, including religious workers, certain broadcasters, employees of international organizations, armed forces members, and others with specialized or government-related roles. Because of its unique eligibility criteria, many individuals applying under this category often do not fall into traditional employment visa groups.
This freeze affects both applicants currently overseas who were waiting for visa interviews, as well as individuals in the U.S. seeking to adjust their status under the EB-4 classification. If your petition has already been approved but your visa interview is still pending, you will now need to wait until FY 2026 begins in October for visa issuance to resume.
Why Has the EB-4 Category Closed for FY 2025?
The annual cap on employment-based immigrant visas is established by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, Section 203(b)(4) of the INA allots approximately 7.1% of the worldwide employment-based visa limit to the EB-4 category. Once this quota is met, no further visas in that classification may be issued until the start of the next fiscal year.
This year’s demand exceeded supply, resulting in a complete allocation of the FY 2025 EB-4 quota well before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2025.
What Should EB-4 Applicants Do Now?
While this update may cause understandable concern, especially for those mid-process, it’s important to remember that the situation is temporary. The new quota for EB-4 visas will reset on October 1, 2025. In the meantime, applicants should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to:
- Confirm the status of their current petition.
- Explore whether alternative visa categories may be available.
- Prepare supporting documentation now to avoid further delays once the category reopens.
At Lightman Law Firm, we are experienced in employment-based immigration and are ready to assist you in planning your next steps. Contact us today for an initial consultation.