March Visa Bulletin Announces Retrogression of EB-4 Category, Religious Workers Expiration

The Department of State’s Visa Office has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2025. Among other things, the bulletin announces retrogression of the final action date in the EB-4/SR categories, and warns that it may be necessary to make them “Unavailable” in “the coming months, possibly as soon as April. If the categories become “Unavailable,” EB-4/SR visa numbers will be available on October 1, 2025, with the start of fiscal year 2026, the bulletin states.

The bulletin also notes the March 14, 2025, expiration date for the employment fourth preference “Certain Religious Workers” (SR) category. “No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight March 13, 2025. Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until March 13, 2025, and all individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted (repeat, admitted) into the United States no later than midnight March 13, 2025,” the bulletin states.

The bulletin also lists, among other things, the diversity visa category rank cut-offs that will apply in March and April.

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Senior Associate Lawyer, Catherine Betancourt at catherine@flynnhodkinson.com.