What to Know Wednesday: Annual Limit Reached in the EB-1 Category

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the annual cap for Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1) immigrant visas has been reached for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
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This means that no additional EB-1 visas will be issued until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

Why This Matters

The EB-1 category recognizes individuals whose skills and achievements bring extraordinary value to the United States.  It covers:

✔️ Individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
✔️ Outstanding professors and researchers
✔️ Certain multinational executives and managers

Due to high demand and the limits set by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all EB-1 visas for FY 2025 have been issued.

What This Means Now

• No more EB-1 visas will be issued for the remainder of FY 2025.
• U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue EB-1 visas again until the annual reset on October 1, 2025.
• Applicants with pending cases will need to wait until visas become available in FY 2026.

What Applicants Should Do

📌 Check your case status regularly with USCIS or the National Visa Center.

📌 Plan for potential delays if you are in the EB-1 process, especially for overseas visa interviews.

📌 Explore alternative immigration options if timing is critical.

📌 Consult with an immigration attorney to prepare your case and be ready when new visas are released.

Final Note

The cap will reset on October 1, 2025, providing new visa numbers for EB-1 applicants. Now is the time to review your strategy and ensure your application is ready when visa issuance resumes.

​📩 If you have questions about your EB-1 case or need legal guidance, contact us at [email protected].

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].