EB-1 Visa Unavailable in US Until September 30, 2024

The EB-1 immigrant visa category in the U.S. has reached its annual limit for fiscal year 2024, making it unavailable until September 30, 2024. The EB-1 visa is designated for priority workers, including individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.

Due to the category reaching its cap, applicants currently in the process or awaiting approval may experience delays. This situation highlights the popularity and high demand for the EB-1 category, which has led to the exhaustion of the visa numbers before the fiscal year ends. The visa numbers will reset on October 1, 2024, allowing applications to proceed.

The unavailability affects not only new applicants but also those whose applications are pending or being processed, potentially causing delays in obtaining permanent residency. Individuals affected by this change may need to consult with immigration professionals to understand their options.

In the broader context, this development underscores the competitive nature of U.S. immigration categories like EB-1, where the demand often exceeds the supply of available visas. As the fiscal year resets, there may be renewed opportunities for those seeking to apply under the EB-1 category, but they should be prepared for similar challenges in the future.