The United States government has announced that the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) visa category has reached its annual quota for the 2025 fiscal year. As a result, no new EB-4 visas will be issued until the start of the next fiscal year on October 1, 2025.
This suspension affects applicants worldwide, who must now wait for the next round of visa allocations.
According to TravelBiz, the suspension has caused significant delays for applicants awaiting 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, further extending wait times.
Reason for the Suspension
The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) imposes an annual cap on the number of green cards issued under employment-based visa categories. The EB-4 category is allocated 7.1% of the total annual quota, which has now been exhausted for FY 2025.
Key Impacts of the EB-4 Suspension
1. No EB-4 Visas Until October 2025
With the annual limit fully utilized, no new EB-4 visas will be issued until the start of the 2026 fiscal year on October 1, 2025.
2. Suspension of Processing at U.S. Embassies
U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have been directed to halt all EB-4 visa processing for the remainder of FY 2025. Applicants with pending cases will experience delays, as their applications will not be processed until the new visa quota becomes available.
3. Increased Backlogs and Delays
The suspension will lead to longer wait times for applicants already in the queue. Those waiting for consular processing may face additional delays, increasing the backlog of EB-4 visa applications.
Alternative Visa Options for Affected Applicants
For those impacted by the suspension, alternative visa pathways may be available:
• H-1B Visa: A popular non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields.
• Family-Sponsored Green Cards: Available for individuals with U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members who can sponsor them.
• EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Visas: Suitable for individuals with extraordinary abilities, advanced degrees, or skilled worker qualifications.
• EB-5 Investor Visa: Requires a significant financial investment in the U.S. economy.
Considerations for Future EB-4 Applicants
Prospective EB-4 applicants are advised to stay informed about U.S. immigration policies and any procedural changes. Consulting with immigration attorneys can help ensure applications meet the required criteria and minimize potential issues during the process.
Applicants are also encouraged to explore alternative visa options while preparing for the resumption of EB-4 visa processing in FY 2026.
Understanding the EB-4 Visa
The EB-4 visa is an employment-based immigration category designated for individuals with specific qualifications or contributions to the U.S. This category includes religious workers, international broadcasters, and members of the armed forces, among others.
Although not as widely recognized as other employment-based visas such as EB-2 or EB-3, the EB-4 program plays a crucial role in facilitating the entry of individuals who contribute to the nation in unique ways.
