US green card: EB-4 visa applications suspended – next steps

The U.S. government has announced that all available immigrant visas under the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 have been exhausted. Consequently, no further EB-4 green cards will be issued until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

Understanding the EB-4 Visa:

The EB-4 visa is designed for "special immigrants," including:

• Religious Workers: Individuals coming to the U.S. to work in religious capacities, such as ministers, priests, or religious professionals.
• Special Immigrant Juveniles: Minors who have been declared dependent on a juvenile court due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
• Certain Broadcasters: Individuals working in a professional capacity for international broadcasting entities.
• Employees of International Organizations: Such as the United Nations or World Bank, and their family members.
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces: Current or former members who meet specific criteria.

Implications for Applicants:

• No Further EB-4 Visas Until FY 2026: Applicants seeking EB-4 green cards will need to wait until October 1, 2025, when the new annual cap resets.
• Suspension of Processing: U.S. embassies and consulates have been directed to halt all EB-4 visa processing for the remainder of FY 2025.
• Increased Wait Times: The exhaustion of EB-4 visas may lead to increased backlogs and processing delays, impacting applicants already in the queue.

Alternative Visa Options:

Affected applicants might consider other U.S. visa pathways, such as:

• EB-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational executives and managers.
• EB-2 Visa: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in specific fields.
• EB-3 Visa: For skilled workers and professionals.

Applicants should consult with immigration experts to explore these alternatives and understand their eligibility.

Conclusion:

The suspension of EB-4 visa applications until October 1, 2025, necessitates that prospective applicants explore alternative immigration pathways or prepare to apply once the new fiscal year's quota becomes available. Staying informed about policy changes and consulting with immigration professionals is advisable for navigating these developments effectively.