US Green Card Crisis Hits Hard: EB-4 Visa Limit Reached, What’s Next for Indians?
The U.S. EB-4 visa category has reached its annual limit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, leaving thousands of hopeful immigrants, including many from India, in a state of uncertainty. With the cap exhausted, no more EB-4 green cards will be issued until October 1, 2025.
Hyderabad: The U.S. EB-4 visa category has reached its annual limit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, leaving thousands of hopeful immigrants, including many from India, in a state of uncertainty. With the cap exhausted, no more EB-4 green cards will be issued until October 1, 2025.
Table of Contents
This news has created a significant backlog, particularly affecting religious workers, juveniles seeking refuge, broadcasters, and other special immigrants.
What does the EB-4 Visa?
The EB-4 visa is an employment-based green card designed for special immigrants, including:
- Religious workers (e.g., ministers, missionaries)
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs) seeking refuge
- Broadcasters working for international organizations
- Armed forces members
- Translators who aided the U.S. military in Afghanistan and Iraq
Every fiscal year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets an annual limit on how many EB-4 visas can be issued. However, due to rising demand, particularly from Indian applicants, the quota for FY 2025 has been exhausted much earlier than expected.
Why Has the EB-4 Visa Limit Been Reached?
- Surge in Applications
There has been an increase in the demand for special immigrant green cards, especially among religious workers and juveniles from countries like India, Mexico, and El Salvador. - Country-Specific Backlogs
Indian applicants have been hit hardest, as the EB visa system already has a backlog. The per-country cap on employment-based green cards has led to significant delays, with some Indian applicants facing wait times of several decades. - Policy Shifts and Humanitarian Efforts
Policy changes and humanitarian aid programs have led to a rise in applications from refugee juveniles seeking protection. This influx has further pushed up the demand for EB-4 visas. - Limited Annual Cap
The EB-4 visa category is capped at approximately 7% of the total employment-based green cards issued annually. With the rise in demand, the available slots have been filled much earlier than anticipated.
Impact on Indian Applicants
For Indian applicants waiting for an EB-4 visa, here’s what you need to know:
- No new EB-4 visas will be issued until October 1, 2025.
- All pending applications will be placed on hold until the next fiscal year.
- The waiting times for processing may increase further due to the existing backlog.
Indian applicants are advised to monitor the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement and explore alternative visa options.
Also Read: The Trade Battle Intensifies: China Hits Back with New Tariffs on Key US Exports
Alternative Visa Options for Affected Indians
- EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Employment-Based Visas
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): Ideal for outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degrees & Exceptional Ability): Suitable for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional talents.
- EB-3 (Skilled & Other Workers): Available for skilled workers, professionals, and certain unskilled jobs.
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
This visa requires an investment of at least $800,000 in a U.S. commercial enterprise and must create at least 10 full-time jobs. This program has a quicker processing time compared to EB-4, particularly for applicants investing in rural areas. - Family-Sponsored Green Cards
If you have immediate family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders, they can sponsor your immigration through family-based preference categories. - L1 and H1B Visa Alternatives
- L1 Visa: Ideal for employees transferring within a multinational company.
- H1B Visa: Allows skilled professionals to work in specialized fields in the U.S.
Follow for more details: munsifdaily.com
Steps to Take Next
- Check Your Case Status: Visit USCIS Case Status to track the progress of your application.
- Explore Alternative Visa Options: Consult an immigration lawyer to find the best alternative visa pathways.
- Prepare for Delays: Ensure your documents and eligibility remain up to dat as you wait for the next fiscal year’s quota.
- Stay Updated: Follow the Visa Bulletin for new updates regarding visa allocation.
- Consult Legal Assistance: Immigration lawyers can help navigate visa options and make the transition smoother.
FAQs About US Green Card Crisis
- What happens if my EB-4 visa is already in process?
Your application will be on hold until October 1, 2025, and no further processing will occur until the new fiscal year. - Why do Indian applicants face longer wait times?
Indian applicants are particularly affected due to the per-country cap on employment-based green cards, which has created a backlog. - Can I switch to another visa category?
Yes, you may apply for an EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or EB-5 visa if you qualify. An immigration lawyer can guide you through the process. - Will EB-4 processing resume automatically in FY 2026?
Yes, but expect delays and backlogs to continue. Stay updated with USCIS policy changes for the latest developments. - What if I am on an expiring visa?
You may need to transition to a temporary visa (H1B, L1, B1/B2) or apply for a visa extension while awaiting the next fiscal year’s allocation.
