The U.S. Department of State, in coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced that the annual limits for immigrant visas in the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) and the “Other Workers” (EW) categories have been reached for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), no more than a set number of immigrant visas may be issued each fiscal year. Specifically, INA 203(b)(3) allocates 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based limit to EB-3 visas, with up to 10,000 visas reserved for the EW subcategory.
What This Means for Applicants
Since all available EB-3 and EW visas for FY 2025 have been issued, U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue further visas in these categories until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025. At that time, visa numbers will reset, and qualified applicants may once again be processed.
This development affects foreign nationals seeking permanent residence through:
- Skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience,
- Professionals holding at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, and
- Other workers engaged in unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience.
Looking Ahead to FY 2026
The new fiscal year offers renewed opportunities. Applicants with approved petitions in the EB-3 and EW categories should prepare documentation early, monitor the Visa Bulletin closely, and ensure they remain in compliance with USCIS and Department of Labor (DOL) requirements.
How Ahluwalia Law Offices Can Help
Navigating these pauses in visa availability can be challenging, especially for employers and foreign nationals with time-sensitive needs. Our attorneys guide clients through each step of the employment-based immigration process, from labor certification to final adjustment of status, ensuring that applications are positioned strategically when visa numbers reopen.
