The US Department of State has officially announced that the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) Green Card category has reached its annual limit for fiscal year 2025. As a result, no additional EB-2 visas will be issued until October 1, 2025, the beginning of the new fiscal year.
This decision directly impacts thousands of skilled workers and professionals, particularly from India, who already face some of the longest wait times in the employment-based immigration system.
Why EB-2 is Unavailable Until October 2025
US immigration law sets a quota for employment-based visas. The EB-2 category, which accounts for 28.6% of the global employment-based visa limit, has exhausted its annual allocation.
Until the new fiscal year begins, consulates and embassies will not issue EB-2 visas, regardless of an applicant’s priority date. This pause will remain in place until October 1, 2025, when the cap resets.
What is the EB-2 Category?
The EB-2 Green Card is reserved for:
- Professionals with advanced degrees (master’s or higher), or a bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of progressive experience.
- Individuals with exceptional ability in fields such as science, business, or the arts, whose expertise benefits the US economy and national interest.
This category remains highly competitive due to the limited quota and strong global demand.
Impact on Indian Applicants
India faces some of the most severe green card backlogs, especially in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
According to the September 2025 Visa Bulletin, the final action date for EB-2 applicants from India remains January 1, 2013. This means that only those with priority dates earlier than 2013 can move forward, while all others must continue waiting.
While EB-5 investor visa applicants from India recently saw progress with cut-off dates moving forward, no such relief has come for EB-2 or EB-3 applicants.
Key Takeaway
The suspension of EB-2 visas until October 2025 highlights the ongoing challenges of the US immigration system, especially for Indian professionals. Applicants must prepare for longer wait times and plan strategically, keeping a close watch on visa bulletin updates.