In a recent announcement, the United States has officially halted the issuance of EB-4 immigrant visas for the fiscal year (FY) 2025. This move affects many applicants, including Indian applicants seeking employment-based green cards. The EB-4 category primarily serves religious workers, certain special immigrants, and international broadcasters, and the suspension of this visa type will have significant consequences for those hoping to secure permanent residency in the US.
In this article, we’ll explore what the EB-4 visa halt means for Indian applicants, how it impacts green card wait times, and discuss possible alternatives for those affected.
What is the EB-4 Visa?
Before diving into the impact of the halt, let’s first understand what the EB-4 visa is and who it is meant for.
The EB-4 visa is part of the Employment-Based Green Card categories and is primarily allocated for individuals in specialized roles, such as:
- Religious Workers: Individuals coming to the US to work in religious occupations.
- Special Immigrants: This includes certain individuals such as Afghan or Iraqi nationals who worked for the US government, broadcasters, and employees of international organizations.
- International Broadcasters: Workers in specific broadcasting roles that are essential for international media outlets.
For the fiscal year 2025, the US government has announced that all available EB-4 visas have been exhausted. This means that no further visas will be issued under this category until the start of FY 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025.
What Does the EB-4 Visa Halt Mean for Indian Applicants?
The suspension of EB-4 visas will impact many individuals from India, who often apply for these visas in religious or broadcasting occupations. Here’s what the halt means for Indian applicants:
No More EB-4 Green Cards Until FY 2026
For Indian applicants who were hoping to receive an EB-4 visa during FY 2025, the wait will now extend until October 1, 2025. The government has stated that no more EB-4 visas will be issued until the new fiscal year, meaning that applicants who are waiting for approval will not be able to proceed with their green card process until then.
Embassies and Consulates Cannot Process EB-4 Applications
As part of this announcement, the US embassies and consulates have been instructed to stop processing EB-4 visa applications for the remainder of FY 2025. This means that even if applicants were in the final stages of their application process, they will experience delays or suspensions until the new fiscal year begins.
Impact on Wait Times for Indian Applicants
The exhaustion of EB-4 visas could lead to increased backlogs for Indian applicants already in the queue. Since 7.1% of the total employment-based green card quota is allocated to EB-4 visas, the suspension of this category for a year will likely put added pressure on other visa categories, potentially increasing the green card wait times.
Impact on Green Card Wait Times for Indian Applicants
The pause in EB-4 visa issuance could affect the overall green card process for many Indian applicants. As the number of available EB-4 visas is exhausted for FY 2025, applicants from other countries may begin seeking alternatives, leading to higher demand for other employment-based green cards such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 visas.
This influx in demand, combined with the continued backlog of EB-4 applicants, could significantly extend the wait times for individuals seeking permanent residency in the US. For Indian applicants already in the queue, this delay could impact their immigration plans and cause additional uncertainty.
| Visa Category | Visa Limit (Annual) | Impact on Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| EB-4 | 7.1% of total EB visas | Halted for FY 2025, resumes in FY 2026 |
| EB-1 | 28.6% of total EB visas | Possible increased demand due to EB-4 halt |
| EB-2 | 28.6% of total EB visas | Likely to experience more competition |
| EB-3 | 28.6% of total EB visas | Higher demand could lead to delays |
Alternatives for Indian Applicants Affected by the EB-4 Visa Halt
While the EB-4 visa halt is a setback for many, Indian applicants still have several other potential pathways to obtain a US green card. These options may provide alternative routes to permanent residency:
1. EB-1 Visa
The EB-1 visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field, including researchers, business executives, and others who can demonstrate exceptional skill. While this visa category is competitive, it is an excellent option for those with the right credentials.
2. EB-2 and EB-3 Visas
If you are a skilled worker or have an advanced degree, you may be eligible for the EB-2 or EB-3 visas. These categories are for professionals with a job offer in the US. However, due to the increasing demand, the wait times for these categories can also be long.
3. H-1B Visa
For Indian applicants with a job offer from a US employer, the H-1B visa may be a viable option. This temporary work visa is often the first step toward obtaining a green card through employment-based routes. However, the H-1B lottery system can make obtaining this visa highly competitive.
4. Family-Sponsored Green Cards
Another alternative is applying for a family-sponsored green card if you have close family members who are US citizens or permanent residents. The process for family-based green cards is generally more straightforward but can still take time depending on the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor.
When Will EB-4 Visas Resume?
EB-4 visas will resume on October 1, 2025, at the start of the fiscal year 2026. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to reapply and process their visas through the US embassies and consulates. Until then, Indian applicants, along with others waiting for EB-4 green cards, will need to explore alternative pathways or wait for the new fiscal year to begin.
What It Means for Indian Applicants
The US halting EB-4 immigrant visas for FY 2025 has left many Indian applicants in a difficult position, but there are still multiple options available. Whether you are exploring EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, or other visa pathways, understanding the green card process and staying updated on visa availability will be key to navigating these challenges.
If you’re an Indian applicant affected by the EB-4 halt, consider consulting an immigration expert to explore your options and plan the best route forward for your US green card journey.
FAQs
Q1: How long will the EB-4 visa process be on hold?
The EB-4 visa process will resume on October 1, 2025, when the new fiscal year begins.
Q2: Can I apply for other visas while waiting for EB-4 to resume?
Yes, you can explore EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, H-1B, or family-sponsored green cards while waiting.
Q3: Will the EB-4 visa halt affect my application if I’ve already been approved?
The EB-4 visa halt only affects those who have not yet received their visa. If your application is in the final stages, you may experience delays, but your green card process will not be canceled.
