U.S. EB-2 Visa Quota Maxed Out for FY 2025, New Approvals Paused Until October

The U.S. State Department has announced that the EB-2 immigrant visa category is fully utilized for fiscal year 2025. While applications can still be submitted, approvals will be on hold until October 1, when the new fiscal year’s limits take effect. This situation brings uncertainty for many applicants and employers.

What “Unavailable” Means for Applicants

As of September 2, 2025, the EB-2 visa category is marked as unavailable. This status means that U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue visas in this category. Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot approve any adjustment of status applications associated with the EB-2 category. In essence, no EB-2 green cards can be processed until new visa numbers are allocated.

Upcoming Reset on October 1, 2025

The positive aspect is that the visa limits reset annually. On October 1, 2025, the start of the new fiscal year, the EB-2 visa numbers will refresh. At that time, USCIS will be able to resume processing adjustment of status cases, and consulates can begin issuing immigrant visas once again.

Why This Quota Was Reached

In its September Visa Bulletin, the State Department noted a surge in demand across several employment-based categories. Specifically for EB-2, the demand led to the cap being reached before the fiscal year concluded. This situation serves as a reminder of how quickly these quotas can fill up when demand increases.

Recommended Actions for Applicants and Employers

1. Adjustment of Status Filings

USCIS will continue to accept EB-2 adjustment of status applications, provided they are current in the September Visa Bulletin. These applications will be held and processed once visa numbers are available again in October.

2. Visa Interviews

If you have an EB-2 visa interview scheduled, it’s crucial to attend. Be aware that officers may reschedule interviews due to the visa cap. They might conduct interviews but delay final approvals until after October 1.

3. Employer Considerations

Employers should recognize that this pause may impact their timelines for hiring foreign workers in EB-2 categories. This is particularly important if employment start dates hinge on green card approvals.

Key Takeaways for Applicants and Employers

No EB-2 visas will be approved until October 1, 2025. USCIS will still accept properly filed adjustment of status cases that are current in the September Visa Bulletin. Interviews may proceed, but cases will remain pending until new visa numbers are issued.

For both foreign nationals and employers navigating U.S. immigration, the key message is to remain patient. Plan for the pause through September, and be ready for cases to progress once the new fiscal year begins. This momentary setback is part of the broader immigration process, and positive changes are on the horizon.