U.S. Reaches EB-4 Visa Quota For Fiscal Year 2025, No New Issuances Until October 1st

• The US government has declared that the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) visa category has met its yearly quota for fiscal year 2025.

• As a result, no new EB-4 visas will be awarded until the beginning of the following fiscal year on October 1st, 2025.

• This ban impacts applicants globally, who will now have to wait for new visa allocations.

The US government has declared that the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) visa category has met its yearly quota for fiscal year 2025.

As a result, no new EB-4 visas will be awarded until the beginning of the following fiscal year on October 1st, 2025.

This ban impacts applicants globally, who will now have to wait for new visa allocations.

According to TravelBiz, the ban has resulted in severe delays for applicants awaiting consular clearance, since U.S. embassies and consulates have been told to halt EB-4 visa processing.

Pending applications will remain in the queue until the new fiscal year begins, extending the wait for many applicants.

The United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes an annual cap on the number of green cards that can be awarded under employment-based visa categories.  The EB-4 category receives 7.1% of the overall yearly limit, which has now been reached for FY 2025.

Key impacts of the EB-4 visa suspension 

1. No EB-4 visas until October 2025

With the annual quota for FY 2025 fully utilized, no additional EB-4 visas will be awarded until October 1st, 2025, when the new fiscal year begins.

2. The suspension of EB-4 processing at US embassies

All EB-4 visa processing at US embassies and consulates across the world has been halted for the duration of fiscal year 2025.  Applicants with outstanding cases will face delays, and their applications will not be processed until the new visa quota is available.

3. Increased backlogs and delays

As a result of the suspension, applicants who are already in the queue will have longer wait times.  Those awaiting consular processing may face further delays, resulting in a backlog of EB-4 visa applications

Alternative visa alternatives for concerned applicants

Those whose EB-4 visa applications are now on hold have other options to consider.  The H-1B visa is a popular non-immigrant visa that allows US firms to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations.

Family-sponsored green cards may also be an option for those having US citizen or permanent resident family members who can sponsor them.

Furthermore, the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 visas provide opportunities for those with exceptional skills, advanced degrees, or skilled labor qualifications.  Another alternative is the EB-5 Investor Visa, which requires a substantial investment in the US economy.

Considerations for Future EB-4 Applicants

Those expecting to apply for an EB-4 visa in the future should stay up to date on US immigration regulations and any changes to procedures.  Applicants are recommended to consult with immigration attorneys to ensure that their applications match the necessary criteria and avoid any potential complications during the application process.

In the meanwhile, applicants are encouraged to look into other visa possibilities and plan for the resumption of EB-4 visa processing in FY 2026.

What to know:

The EB-4 visa is an employment-based immigration category for people with skills or contributions to make in the United States.  It covers a number of distinct organizations, including religious workers, international broadcasters, and military personnel.

Though less well-known than other employment-based visa categories such as EB-2 or EB-3, the EB-4 visa facilitates the immigration of individuals who contribute to the nation in unique ways.