EB-1, EB-3 Visa Caps Reached for FY2025: What It Means for You
The State Department announced on September 9, 2025, that the annual limit for EB-3 and EW visas has been reached. The news comes just one day after it announced that the EB-1 visa cap had been reached, so no new visa numbers will be issued for those visa categories until, likely, the next fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2025.
What the government announced
In its September 8 and September 9 updates, the State Department announced that no new visas will be issued for the EB-1 and EB-3 visas nor for the EW subcategory of the EB-3 visa. The total number of Green Cards that can be issued each year is outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- EB-1 visas, including workers of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers, reached their annual limit of 28.6% of worldwide employment-based visas.
- EB-3 visas, covering skilled workers, professionals, and other workers, reached its annual cap of 28.6% of worldwide employment-based visas.
- EW visas, a subcategory of the EB-3 that applies to “other workers,” or unskilled workers who don’t do seasonal or temporary work, reached its annual cap of no more than 10,000 visas in a fiscal year.
The announcement of the EB-1 visa cap being reached comes less than one week after the State Department said the EB-2 annual limits had been reached.
What should you do if you’re applying for a Green Card?
Although the State Department has stopped issuing EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 visas for fiscal year 2025, you can still apply under these categories. However, you’ll have to wait until these visa numbers are issued again to receive a Green Card. The new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.
If you’re applying for an employment-based Green Card, here is what you need to know, based on where you are in the immigration process.
| If you already have an approved I-140 | Your I-140 approval remains valid. Nothing changes about your petition. What’s paused is the final step of receiving your Green Card: even if your priority date is current, USCIS or the consulate cannot issue the Green Card until after October 1. |
| If you’re about to file an I-140 | You can (and should) still file. USCIS accepts I-140s year-round. Filing now secures your priority date for future eligibility. The annual cap only affects the last step (Green Card issuance), not the petition stage. |
| If you’re ready to file I-485 Adjustment of Status | You may still be able to file if your priority date is current. USCIS can accept and process your I-485, and you may receive work/travel permits while your case is pending. What’s paused is the final Green Card approval, which cannot happen until after October 1. |
| If you’re at the consulate stage | Your interview may still move forward, but the consulate cannot issue your immigrant visa until after October 1. Once the new fiscal year begins, issuance will resume automatically without requiring a new application. |
The bottom line
An annual visa limit places a pause on the process. It doesn’t change your place in line or the status of your petition.
At Manifest, we know how stressful these pauses can feel. If you’re waiting in the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 line or preparing to file, we’re here to help you explore your options.
👉 Want guidance on your visa application? Request a consultation with Manifest Law. Our experienced employment Green Card lawyers can guide you through the process, so you have a clear idea of your next steps.
