In recent immigration news for 2025, the U.S. Department of State has confirmed that the annual quota for the EB-2 visa category has been met. This means that no more green cards will be issued under this category until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025. This development is a critical visa update for thousands of skilled professionals, particularly from countries like India and China, who are already facing significant backlogs. The EB-2 category is designed for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities, and this pause will extend their wait times for permanent residency. While this news may be disheartening, it is important to understand the practical implications. USCIS will continue to accept and process I-485 adjustment of status applications for those with current priority dates. However, no final approvals can be issued until new visa numbers become available. This pause highlights the ongoing challenges and high demand within the U.S. employment-based immigration system. What This Means for You: If you are an EB-2 applicant, here is what this policy change means for you:
No Final Approvals Until October: Your green card application cannot be approved until after October 1, 2025, when the new fiscal year's visa numbers are released. Continue to File if Eligible: If your priority date is current, you should still file your I-485 application. This will allow you to obtain work authorization and travel permits while you wait for your green card. Who Should Be Most Concerned: Applicants from countries with high demand, such as India and China, will be most affected by these delays. The wait times for these individuals are already long, and this will only add to the uncertainty. Timeline for Action: There is no immediate action to take if you have already filed. If you are eligible to file, do so promptly to secure your place in the queue and obtain interim benefits.