The U.S. Department of State has announced that the EB-2 employment-based immigrant visa category is now “unavailable” and will remain so for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Adjustment filings still accepted: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should continue to accept Form I-485 adjustment of status applications in September 2025 if the case is current under the Visa Bulletin. This is consistent with USCIS practice in prior years.
- No approvals until October: Although filings may proceed, EB-2 adjustment applications cannot be approved until a visa number becomes available.
- New visas available October 1: The annual visa allocation resets on October 1, 2025, at the start of the new fiscal year. EB-2 approvals may resume at that time, depending on updated visa number availability.
What this means for you:
Employers and foreign nationals with EB-2 cases should continue to prepare and file eligible adjustment applications now, as timely filing secures important benefits such as work authorization and travel permission. However, applicants should expect delays in final green card issuance until visa numbers are re-released in October.
We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates once the October 2025 Visa Bulletin is released. For more information, be sure to register for our upcoming Chatting with Charlie webinar, Year-End Visa Number Crunch and October Visa Bulletin Update.
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