US Halts EB-2 Green Card Issuance Until September 30, 2025

The United States has officially suspended EB-2 Green Card processing until September 30, 2025, after reaching the annual visa allocation limit for fiscal year 2025. This decision directly impacts thousands of skilled Indian professionals who already face unprecedented wait times in the employment-based immigration system.

The US halts EB-2 Green Card announcement came through the Department of State's September 2025 Visa Bulletin, confirming that all available immigrant visas in the EB-2 category have been exhausted for the current fiscal year. This suspension affects both consular processing abroad and adjustment of status applications within the United States.

What Does the EB-2 Green Card Halt Mean?

EB-2 includes professionals with higher degrees or outstanding aptitude in the profession. As the US suspends the EB-2 Green Card ruling, about 40,000 yearly visa quotas are already used before September 2025. It is the first time in several years that EB-2 visas are being depleted, which means that the need to be employed on a permanent basis is high. The suspension means:

• Until October 1, 2025, no additional EB-2 Green Cards will be issued.

• Their applications are waiting, but cannot be closed.

• Consular interviews, which were to take place prior to September 30, can be deferred.

• The priority dates will not improve until the new fiscal year.

Also Read: Navigating the Shifting Sands: Are Green Card Holders Truly Secure

Impact on Indian Applicants

Indian nationals bear the heaviest burden when the US halts EB-2 Green Card processing due to per-country limitations. Current statistics reveal alarming wait time projections for Indian professionals:

Recent data shows approximately 395,958 approved I-140 petitions await available EB-2 visas, with 90% originating from India. This translates to roughly 358,078 Indian professionals stuck in the Green Card backlog.

Why Indian Applicants Face Longer Delays

The per-country cap system limits any single nation to receiving more than 7% of total employment-based Green Cards annually. For EB-2 category, this means only about 2,800 visas go to Indian nationals each year, despite representing the majority of applicants. Key factors contributing to extended delays include:

• High volume of skilled Indian professionals in the US

• Consistent annual demand exceeding available visa numbers

• Limited alternative pathways for permanent residence

• Visa retrogression affecting priority date movement

Historical Context and Trends

The US halts EB-2 Green Card situation reflects broader immigration system challenges. Employment-based Green Card backlogs have grown consistently over the past decade:

Also Read: US Immigration Targets Elderly Indians with Green Cards Amid Scrutiny

Alternative Options for Affected Applicants

While the US halts EB-2 Green Card creation, several alternatives exist:

1. EB-1 Category Migration

Professionals with exceptional ability may qualify for EB-1A or EB-1B categories, which offer faster processing despite recent retrogression for Indian and Chinese nationals.

2. EB-5 Investment Program

The EB-5 investor visa provides an alternative pathway, though requiring substantial capital investment of $800,000 to $1.05 million.

3. H-1B Extension Options

Current H-1B holders with approved I-140 petitions can extend their status beyond the typical 6-year limit while awaiting Green Card availability.

Economic and Industry Impact

The suspension affects multiple sectors heavily reliant on skilled Indian professionals:

• Information Technology: 45% of affected professionals

• Healthcare: 18% of applicants

• Engineering: 15% of cases

• Finance and Banking: 12% of professionals

• Research and Development: 10% of applicants

Major technology companies face particular challenges in retaining Indian talent during extended wait periods. Some firms report increased attrition as employees explore opportunities in other countries with faster immigration processes.

Also Read: UK Study Visa Requirements, Process, Benefits

Congressional Response and Potential Solutions

Several legislative proposals aim to address the backlog crisis:

• Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act: Proposes eliminating per-country caps

• EAGLE Act: Suggests a gradual phase-out of country limitations

• America COMPETES Act: Includes provisions for STEM doctoral graduates

However, comprehensive immigration reform remains stalled in Congress despite bipartisan recognition of the problem.

What Happens Next?

The US halts EB-2 Green Card suspension will lift automatically on October 1, 2025, when fiscal year 2026 begins. New visa numbers become available, allowing processing to resume for pending applications. Priority dates may advance slightly in October 2025, but significant progress remains unlikely given the massive backlog. Immigration attorneys recommend:

• Maintaining a valid status throughout the wait period

• Exploring alternative visa categories when possible

• Considering premium processing for urgent cases

• Keeping documentation current and updated

Read More: UK Visitor Visa: Complete Application and Guidelines

Conclusion

The US halts EB-2 Green Card issuance until September 30, 2025, marking another challenging milestone for skilled workers worldwide, particularly Indian professionals who continue bearing the heaviest burden of America's employment-based immigration backlogs. This temporary suspension, while administratively routine due to annual visa limits being reached, highlights the persistent structural issues plaguing the US immigration system that demand urgent legislative attention. For official visa bulletin updates and current priority dates, visit the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for the most authoritative immigration processing information. To know more about US green cards visit TerraTern now!