The U.S. State Department has announced that all available visas for the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) and Other Workers (EW) categories have been exhausted for fiscal year 2024.
What Are EB-3 and EW Visas?
EB-3 visas are employment-based immigrant visas that allow US employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. They are divided into 3 main subcategories:
- Skilled Workers: Require at least 2 years of experience or training
- Professionals: Need a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Unskilled Workers (Other Workers): Require less than two years of experience or training
These visas are essential for industries facing labor shortages, like healthcare. By enabling foreign workers to fill these roles, EB-3 and EW visas support these industries and contribute to the overall US economy.
Annual Visa Limits and Their Impact: When Will EB-3 and EW Visas Be Available Again?
There is an annual cap on the amount of employment-based immigrant visas that can be granted by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In particular, each fiscal year, INA 203(b)(3) allots 28.6% of the total number of employment-based visas to the EB-3 category. Only 10,000 visas fall under the EW category inside this.
These caps have been met for FY 2024. US embassies and consulates worldwide will stop issuing these visas until October 1, 2024, when the new fiscal year starts. This pause may impact employers and workers who were applying or planning to apply for these visas, as they will need to wait until the next fiscal year to continue their applications.
What’s Next for Employers and Workers?
Below are key points that employers and workers should know:
- High Demand: The early exhaustion of EB-3 and EW visas for FY 2024 indicates strong demand, especially as the US economy relies on foreign workers.
- Annual Cap: Employers using these visas should be aware of the annual limit and its timing.
- Employers should:
– Work closely with legal teams and immigration advisors.
– Time visa applications appropriately.
– Be ready to act quickly at the start of the new fiscal year. - Workers should:
– Stay informed about application status.
– Communicate with employers to manage expectations and plan accordingly.
Fiscal Year 2025 Begins Soon
There are only a few months until the beginning of FY 2025. The EB-3 and EW yearly cap will reset on October 1st, at which point embassies and consulates may resume processing visa applications under these categories. To prevent delays, employers and employees should be ready to submit their applications as soon as the new fiscal year starts. Speak to an immigration consultant to make sure you have everything prepared before the fiscal year begins.
The Importance of EB-3 and EW Visas
The current suspension of EB-3 and EW visa issuance emphasizes the significance of these visas for the US labor force and economy, despite the fact that it may be challenging. Employers and employees can efficiently deal with these limits and continue to contribute to the nation’s economic growth by being aware of the visa procedure and making advance plans.
Are You Interested in Applying for an EB-3 or EW Visa in FY 2025?
If so, book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at (855) 793-1146. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
