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EB-2 Immigrant Visa Numbers Unavailable Until October 1, 2025

4 Sep

On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that the immigrant visa quota under the employment-based second preference category (EB-2) for members of professions holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability has been reached for the current fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2025. EB-2 immigrant visa numbers should again become available under the annual quota system for fiscal year 2026, which begins October 1, 2025. Over the next few weeks, and until the new fiscal year, it is possible that other employment-based preference categories may also become unavailable.  

Because the fiscal year 2025 immigrant visa quota has been exhausted for the EB-2 category, for the next few weeks the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not be able to issue final approvals of Applications to Adjust Status (“green card” applications), and the U.S. Department of State will not be able to issue new immigrant visas at consular posts abroad.  

Pursuant to existing USCIS guidance and past practice, the USCIS should continue to accept employment-based applications during this period; however, applications cannot be approved during this time. Approvals for Applications to Adjust Status and issuance of immigrant visas at U.S. consular posts abroad should resume on October 1, 2025, under the fiscal year 2026 immigrant visa quota. 

Foster LLP will continue to track immigrant visa availability and provide updates about any developments via Immigration Updates©, articles, and blogs on our website at www.fosterglobal.com.