The US EB-4 visa program, designed for special immigrant categories, has hit its limit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, leaving thousands of applicants—including many from India—stuck in long waiting lines. With no more visas available until October 1, 2025, those affected must seek alternative solutions or prepare for prolonged delays.
This development raises concerns about processing backlogs, extended waiting times, and increasing uncertainties for those hoping to secure a US green card through the EB-4 route.
Key Details About the US EB-4 Visa Cap
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Category | EB-4 (Special Immigrant Visa) |
| Cap Reached | FY 2025 (October 2024 – September 2025) |
| Next Processing Resumes | October 1, 2025 |
| Who is Affected? | Indian applicants, religious workers, special immigrant juveniles, translators, and more |
| Alternative Visa Options | EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5, family-sponsored visas |
| Policy Impact | Increased backlog, longer wait times, stricter USCIS scrutiny |
| Official Resource | USCIS & Department of State Visa Bulletin |
Understanding the EB-4 Visa
The EB-4 visa is a US employment-based green card category for special immigrants, including:
- Religious workers (e.g., priests, missionaries, and nuns)
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs) seeking protection
- Afghan and Iraqi translators who assisted US forces
- Certain broadcasters working for international media outlets
- Armed forces members who served with the US military
Every fiscal year (October–September), the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets a visa cap for the EB-4 category. Due to high demand from Indian applicants, the quota has been exhausted much earlier than expected, leading to delays and processing freezes until FY 2026.
Why Has the EB-4 Limit Been Reached So Soon?
Several factors contributed to the rapid depletion of EB-4 visas for 2025:
1. Surge in Applications from Indian Nationals
- Religious workers and special immigrant juveniles (SIJs) from India account for a significant portion of EB-4 petitions.
- More Indian applicants have been applying due to policy changes affecting other visa categories.
2. Existing Visa Backlog
- The EB-4 category has a strict annual cap, and unused visas from previous years do not roll over, creating longer wait times.
- Indians already face delays in EB-based visa processing, making it harder to secure green cards.
3. Increased Scrutiny & Policy Shifts
- Recent US immigration policy changes have led to stricter scrutiny of EB-4 applications, causing delays in approvals.
- Religious worker visa policies have become more complex, further limiting approvals.
Impact on Indian EB-4 Applicants
For Indians waiting for an EB-4 green card, this means:
- No new EB-4 green cards will be issued until October 2025.
- Pending applications are now placed on hold, adding to the processing backlog.
- Longer wait times for permanent residency, affecting future job prospects, travel, and family reunification.
Alternative Visa Options for Affected Indians
While the EB-4 visa cap is reached, Indian applicants can explore other visa categories to continue their US immigration journey:
1. EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Employment-Based Green Cards
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): Suitable for highly skilled professionals, researchers, and multinational executives.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degrees & Exceptional Ability): Ideal for professionals with advanced degrees or extraordinary skills.
- EB-3 (Skilled & Other Workers): Available for specialized and non-specialized jobs.
2. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- Requires an investment of at least $800,000 in a US business.
- Must create 10+ full-time jobs for US workers.
- Offers faster processing for investors choosing rural or high-unemployment areas.
3. Family-Sponsored Green Cards
- Those with US citizen or green card holder family members may qualify for a family-based visa.
- Spouse, children, or siblings of US citizens may be eligible for sponsorship.
4. L1 & H1B Visa Alternatives
- L1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer): For employees moving to a US branch of their company.
- H1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): Allows highly skilled professionals to work in the US.
What Should Affected EB-4 Applicants Do Now?
If your EB-4 application is affected by the cap:
- Check your priority date on the US Department of State Visa Bulletin.
- Consult an immigration lawyer to explore other visa pathways.
- Monitor updates from USCIS on potential policy adjustments.
- Consider alternative employment-based green card categories to speed up your US immigration process.
FAQs
1. What happens now that the EB-4 visa cap is reached?
USCIS will pause processing for new EB-4 green cards until October 2025. Applications will remain pending until the next fiscal year.
2. Can I still apply for an EB-4 visa?
Yes, but no new green cards will be issued before October 2025, so expect long wait times.
3. What are my options if I’m affected?
Consider alternative visa pathways like EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or EB-5, or seek family sponsorship if applicable.
4. Will my EB-4 application be canceled?
No, pending cases are not canceled, but they are placed on hold until more visas become available.
5. Can I work in the US while waiting for my EB-4 visa?
If you have a valid work visa (H1B, L1, etc.), you can stay and work while waiting.
6. When will the EB-4 backlog clear?
Processing will resume October 1, 2025, but backlogs could cause further delays.
7. Where can I check my visa status?
Visit the USCIS Case Status Tool or Department of State Visa Bulletin for updates.
8. What if my priority date becomes current?
If your priority date is current, USCIS may process your case sooner when new visas become available.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
