Green Card Update: US Freezes EB-5 Visa Issuance for Rest of FY2025

The United States has frozen green card issuance under the EB-5 unreserved visa category for the rest of fiscal year 2025. The US Department of State confirmed the decision on September 16. The move comes as the EB-5 category has reached its annual limit.

The EB-5 Program, launched in 1990, allows foreign investors and their families to apply for permanent residency in the US. It was designed to strengthen the US economy by creating jobs and attracting capital investment. According to Reuters, the latest freeze will remain until the next fiscal year begins.

Why the Freeze Was Announced

The Immigration and Nationality Act sets the annual limit for EB-5 visas at 7.1% of the global employment-based total. Of this, 68% goes to unreserved categories like C5, T5, I5, and R5. Officials said this limit has now been reached for FY2025.

Unused reserved visas from earlier years were also made available under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. But those numbers have now run out. As a result, new green cards under the EB-5 unreserved program cannot be issued until the quota resets.

The freeze does not affect other employment-based visa categories. It applies only to EB-5 unreserved categories. Investors and families who were waiting for approvals will now face delays until October 2025.

Impact on Investors and Families

The EB-5 visa is popular among global investors seeking residency in the US. Applicants must invest at least $1 million in eligible US businesses. In certain cases, $800,000 is enough if the investment is in a targeted employment area.

The freeze means pending applications in the unreserved stream will not move forward this fiscal year. Families waiting for permanent residency may need to adjust their timelines. Immigration attorneys expect a backlog once the quota resets in FY2026.

The new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025. At that point, the limits will refresh, and processing of EB-5 visas will resume. Until then, the program remains closed for new issuances.

The EB-5 freeze highlights how demand for US green cards remains strong. It also shows how annual visa limits directly affect families and investors worldwide.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did the US freeze EB-5 green cards in FY2025?

The annual quota for EB-5 unreserved visas has been met. Officials stopped issuing new ones until the next fiscal year begins.

Q2: When will EB-5 visas resume?

The program will restart on October 1, 2025, with the start of fiscal year 2026. The annual limit will reset at that time.

Q3: How much must an investor put in for an EB-5 visa?

The minimum is $1 million in most cases. For projects in targeted employment areas, the amount is $800,000.

Q4: Who can apply under the EB-5 program?

Investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 years can apply if they meet the capital investment rules.

Q5: Does this freeze affect other US visa categories?

No. The freeze is only for EB-5 unreserved visas. Other employment-based categories remain open.

Sources: Reuters; BBC News; US Department of State statements; US Citizenship and Immigration Services updates; Associated Press.