Is there an exact annual limit for EB-4 visas?

The EB-4 visa is intended for specific categories of immigrants – such as religious workers and other special groups – and, like many employment-based visas in the United States, it is subject to annual limits set by immigration law.

According to the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), employment-based immigrant visas are divided into categories which, combined, cannot exceed a total of 140,000 visas per year. Generally, each category (including EB-4) has a cap equivalent to 10% of this total, that is, about 14,000 visas annually. However, this division is theoretical since the maximum number is not always reached in each category. In certain situations, if part of a category’s annual limit is unused, the remaining visas may be redistributed within the system or simply remain unused in that year.

It is important to highlight that the rules may vary according to the applicants’ profile and internal EB-4 subcategories, as well as the manner of processing and possible reutilization of unused slots. Therefore, it is essential to monitor updates published by the Department of State and USCIS, as the criteria and implementation of these limits may change.

Given the strict nature and complexity of immigration regulations, it is always recommended that anyone interested in this benefit seek information through official sources and avoid falling for promises of easy results. Strict compliance with immigration laws is essential for a successful process and, likewise, seeking guidance from professionals or specialized organizations may help clarify doubts – but always with caution to avoid marketing approaches that guarantee results without legal backing.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.