In the latest immigration news for 2025, the U.S. government has announced that the annual caps for the EB-3 and EW visa categories have been met for the current fiscal year. This means that if you are a skilled worker, professional, or other worker applying for a green card through these categories, you will have to wait until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025, for a visa to become available. This pause will likely lead to further backlogs and longer waiting times for many applicants. The EB-3 and EW categories are popular pathways to permanent residency for many foreign workers. The high demand for these visas has led to the caps being reached before the end of the fiscal year. This is a recurring issue that highlights the challenges within the U.S. immigration system and the need for comprehensive reform. For those affected, this news can be disheartening, but it is important to understand the next steps. What This Means for You: If you are an EB-3 or EW applicant, here is what this policy change means for you:
No New Visas 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 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.