US EB-4 Work Visa Cap Reached for February 2025: What Applicants Need to Know

The U.S. State Department, alongside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced a significant update. As of February 28, 2025, the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) visa category has reached its annual cap for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This marks an early exhaustion of the quota compared to previous years.

Purpose of the EB-4 Visa Category

The EB-4 visa serves as a special employment-based immigration category. It is designed for certain special immigrants, including:

• Religious workers
• Broadcasters
• Employees of international organizations
• Iraqi and Afghan translators
• Other qualifying foreign nationals

Under Section 203(b)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), this category allocates 7.1% of the total worldwide employment-based visa quota each fiscal year.

Implications of the EB-4 Visa Cap Being Reached

With the annual limit now exhausted, U.S. embassies and consulates can no longer issue new EB-4 visas for the remainder of FY 2025. Applicants who were in the process of obtaining an EB-4 visa but had not yet received one must now wait until the next fiscal cycle for further processing.

Next Phase: When Will EB-4 Visa Applications Reopen?

Based on trends from previous years, the new allocation of EB-4 visas will become available on October 1, 2025. Historically, this visa category has experienced high demand, leading to early exhaustion of the annual cap.

Although applicants can continue submitting petitions and preparing the required documents, new visa issuances will only resume when the FY 2026 quota resets. Therefore, those affected should stay vigilant and monitor updates from the U.S. State Department and USCIS.

Advice for Applicants

For individuals hoping to secure an EB-4 visa, it is crucial to remain proactive. Continue gathering necessary documentation and preparing your application. While waiting for the new fiscal year, consider reaching out to immigration experts for guidance. Staying informed about priority dates and processing timelines can greatly enhance your chances of success.

Conclusion

The early cap reached for the EB-4 visa category highlights the ongoing demand for this immigration pathway. Applicants must understand the implications and prepare for the next opportunity to apply. By staying informed and organized, you can navigate this process more effectively and secure your future in the United States.