The United States government has announced that the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) visa category has reached its annual quota for fiscal year 2025.
As a result, no new EB-4 visas will be issued until the start of the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1st, 2025.
This suspension affects applicants worldwide, who will now need to wait for the new visa allocations.
The suspension, according to TravelBiz, has caused significant delays for applicants waiting for consular processing, as U.S. embassies and consulates have been instructed to stop all EB-4 visa processing.
Pending applications will remain in the queue until the new fiscal year, extending the wait for many applicants.
The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets an annual limit on the number of green cards that can be issued under employment-based visa categories. The EB-4 category is allocated 7.1% of this total annual quota, which has now been exhausted 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 completely used, no new EB-4 visas will be issued until October 1st, 2025, when the next fiscal year begins.
2. Suspension of EB-4 processing at U.S. embassies
U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have been instructed to halt all EB-4 visa processing for the remainder of FY 2025. Applicants with pending cases will experience delays, and their applications will not be processed until the new visa quota becomes available.
3. Increased backlogs and delays
As a result of the suspension, applicants who are already in the queue will face longer wait times. Those waiting for consular processing may experience further delays, leading to a backlog in EB-4 visa applications.
Alternative visa options for affected applicants
For those whose EB-4 visa applications are now on hold, there are alternative pathways to consider. The H-1B visa is a popular non-immigrant visa option that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialty occupations.
Family-sponsored green cards may also provide a route for those with U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members who can sponsor them.
Additionally, the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 visas offer alternatives for those with extraordinary abilities, advanced degrees, or skilled worker qualifications. Another option is the EB-5 Investor Visa, which requires a significant investment in the U.S. economy.
Considerations for future EB-4 applicants
For those planning to apply for an EB-4 visa in the future, are adviced to stay updated on U.S. immigration policies and any changes to procedures. Applicants are encouraged to consult with immigration attorneys to ensure their applications meet the required criteria and to avoid potential issues during the application process.
In the meantime, applicants are also encouraged to explore other visa options and prepare 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 individuals who have qualifications or contributions to make in the U.S. It includes several specific groups, such as religious workers, international broadcasters, and armed forces members.
Though not as widely known as other employment-based visa categories, such as EB-2 or EB-3, the EB-4 visa plays a role in facilitating the entry of individuals who contribute to the nation in distinct ways.
