Title: EB-2 Green Cards Unavailable for Remainder of FY 2025: Critical Update
Date: June 18, 2024
Body:
The U.S. Department of State has announced that Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) Green Cards are now unavailable for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This significant update, detailed in the latest Visa Bulletin, means a temporary halt in the processing and issuance of these highly sought-after permanent residency visas for thousands of applicants globally, particularly those from high-demand countries like India and China. Individuals seeking U.S. permanent residency through the EB-2 category must prepare for a pause until new visa numbers become available in the next fiscal year.
**Why EB-2 Green Cards Are Unavailable**
The primary reason for this unavailability is the rapid depletion of the annual EB-2 visa quota, exacerbated by the statutory per-country limits. Each fiscal year, a limited number of employment-based immigrant visas are allocated. The EB-2 category, designated for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, receives a portion of this total, typically around 40,000 visas. A critical provision of U.S. immigration law dictates that no single country can utilize more than 7% of these available visas annually.
Countries like India and China consistently generate demand far exceeding their 7% share. The overwhelming volume of EB-2 applications from these nations, combined with robust demand worldwide, has led to the early exhaustion of the entire FY 2025 EB-2 visa supply. Consequently, the Visa Bulletin now shows "unavailable" for most EB-2 priority dates, bringing the processing of new applications to a standstill.
**Direct Impact on Applicants**
For applicants who have already filed their I-485 applications for Adjustment of Status or are awaiting immigrant visa interviews abroad, this news signifies an immediate pause. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not approve Adjustment of Status applications for those with unavailable priority dates, nor will U.S. Embassies and Consulates issue new EB-2 visas.
This affects all EB-2 hopefuls, but its impact is most acutely felt by Indian and Chinese nationals who have faced severe backlogs and retrogression for years. Their already long waiting periods for permanent residency will now extend further into FY 2026.
**Looking Forward to Fiscal Year 2026**
The current unavailability is a temporary measure tied to the fiscal year, which concludes on September 30, 2025. Hope for renewed progress lies with the commencement of Fiscal Year 2026 on October 1, 2025. At this time, a fresh allocation of EB-2 visa numbers will become available, and the U.S. Department of State is expected to advance priority dates once more.
However, due to the substantial existing backlog and sustained high demand, applicants should manage expectations. While processing will resume, significant or rapid advancements in priority dates may not occur immediately, especially for India and China, indicating a continued need for patience.
**Navigating the Path Ahead**
For those affected by the EB-2 Green Card unavailability, strategic steps are essential:
* **Monitor the Visa Bulletin:** Regularly check the official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for updates, particularly the October 2025 release, which will mark the start of FY 2026 visa availability.
* **Consult an Immigration Attorney:** Seek professional guidance to understand your specific situation, explore any potential alternatives, and prepare for when your priority date eventually becomes current.
* **Prepare Documents:** Utilize this waiting period to ensure all necessary supporting documents for your application are meticulously prepared and up-to-date.
The temporary halt in EB-2 Green Card availability for the remainder of FY 2025 highlights the intricate nature of U.S. employment-based immigration. Proactive planning and informed vigilance remain key for applicants on their journey to permanent residency.
