The United States EB-4 visa category has reached its annual limit for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, leaving thousands of hopeful immigrants—including many from India—struggling with uncertainty. With the cap exhausted, no more EB-4 green cards will be issued until October 1, 2025, impacting religious workers, juveniles seeking refuge, broadcasters, and other special immigrants. If you or someone you know is affected, here’s everything you need to understand about this crisis and alternative solutions.
US Green Card Crisis
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| EB-4 Visa Cap | Annual limit reached for FY 2025 |
| Affected Nationals | Primarily Indians and other high-demand applicants |
| Wait Time | Processing resumes October 1, 2025 |
| Alternative Options | EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5, and Family-Sponsored Visas |
| Policy Impact | Increased backlog, extended waiting times |
| USCIS Processing | Halted until new fiscal year |
| Official Resource | U.S. Department of State |
The EB-4 visa backlog is a major challenge, particularly for Indian applicants, as the FY 2025 limit has been reached. With no more EB-4 visas available until October 1, 2025, affected individuals must explore alternative visa options such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5, or family-based sponsorship.
Staying informed and seeking professional immigration advice can help applicants navigate this setback effectively.
What is the EB-4 Visa?
The EB-4 employment-based immigrant visa is 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
- Afghan and Iraqi translators aiding the U.S. military
Every fiscal year (October–September), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets a limit on how many EB-4 visas can be issued. With demand rising, especially among Indian applicants, the quota has been exhausted much earlier than expected.
Why Has the EB-4 Limit Been Reached?
1. Surge in Applications
The demand for special immigrant green cards has increased significantly, particularly among religious workers and juveniles from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and El Salvador.
2. Country-Specific Backlogs
The per-country cap on employment-based green cards has disproportionately affected Indian applicants. Due to an already oversubscribed EB visa system, many Indian applicants face decades-long wait times.
3. Policy Changes and Refugee Influx
Policy shifts and humanitarian efforts have led to a rise in applications from refugee juveniles seeking protection, pushing EB-4 demand higher.
4. Limited Annual Visa Cap
The EB-4 category is capped at around 7% of total employment-based green cards issued annually. Due to increasing applications, demand often exceeds supply.
Impact on Indian Applicants
If you’re an Indian applicant waiting for an EB-4 green card, here’s what you need to know:
- No new EB-4 visas will be issued until October 1, 2025.
- Your application will be placed on hold until the next fiscal year.
- Processing times may extend further due to backlog.
- Applicants may explore alternative visa options to continue their U.S. immigration journey.
- Existing applicants should consider monitoring the Visa Bulletin for priority date movement.
Alternative Options for Affected Indians
1. 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) – Suited for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional talent.
- EB-3 (Skilled & Other Workers) – Available for professionals, skilled workers, and certain unskilled jobs.
2. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
- Requires an investment of $800,000+ in a U.S. commercial enterprise.
- Must create at least 10 full-time jobs.
- Faster processing than EB-4 for Indian applicants investing in rural areas.
3. Family-Sponsored Green Cards
If you have immediate family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders, they may be able to sponsor your immigration through family-based preference categories.
4. 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.
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Steps to Take Next
- Check Your Case Status – Visit USCIS Case Status to track your application.
- Explore Alternative Visa Options – Consult an immigration lawyer to find the best pathway.
- Prepare for Delays – Ensure your documents and eligibility remain up to date while waiting for next year’s quota.
- Stay Updated – Follow updates from the Visa Bulletin for new announcements.
- Consider Legal Assistance – Consulting an immigration lawyer can help navigate visa changes.
FAQs About US Green Card Crisis
1. What happens if my EB-4 visa is already in process?
Your application will be held until October 1, 2025. No additional processing will occur until the new fiscal year.
2. Are Indian applicants affected more than others?
Yes. Due to country-specific visa limits, Indian applicants face longer wait times compared to other nationalities.
3. Can I switch to another visa category?
Yes! You may apply for EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or EB-5 visas if you qualify. An immigration lawyer can guide you through the transition.
4. Will EB-4 processing resume automatically in FY 2026?
Yes, but delays and backlogs may continue. Staying updated with USCIS policy changes is crucial.
5. What if I am currently on an expiring visa?
You may need to switch to a temporary visa (H1B, L1, B1/B2) or apply for a visa extension while waiting for EB-4 reallocation.
