Key Takeaways
• EB-4 Certain Religious Workers visas unavailable in August 2025 for all countries.
• U.S. Government SIVs affected by NDAA 2024, effective December 22, 2023.
• EB-2 and EB-3 categories face retrogression; Diversity Visa ends September 30, 2025.
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin from the United States Department of State brings several important updates for individuals and families seeking U.S. permanent residency through employment-based and special immigrant categories. This update covers the availability of EB-4 Certain Religious Workers, U.S. Government SIVs, and other key categories, outlining what has changed, who is affected, effective dates, required actions, and the implications for those with pending applications.
Summary of What Changed
For August 2025, the Visa Bulletin introduces several significant changes:
- EB-4 Certain Religious Workers: This category is now marked as “U” (Unavailable) for all countries in the Final Action Dates chart, meaning no new visas can be issued in August 2025.
- U.S. Government SIVs: The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 may impact some applicants in this category, especially current and former U.S. Government employees abroad and their families.
- Retrogression in EB-2 and EB-3: Due to high demand, the EB-2 category for most countries has retrogressed, and EB-3 and Other Workers categories are nearing their annual limits.
- Diversity Visa (DV) Program: The DV-2025 program continues, but the number of available visas is reduced due to legislative changes.
- EB-5 Unreserved: There are advances for China and India, but the category could become unavailable if annual limits are reached.
these changes affect thousands of applicants worldwide, especially those waiting for green cards through employment-based and special immigrant categories.
Who Is Affected
The updates in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin impact several groups:
- EB-4 Certain Religious Workers: Religious workers and their families from all countries who are seeking green cards under this category.
- U.S. Government SIVs: Current and former employees of the U.S. Government abroad, as well as certain surviving spouses and children, except for specific Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants.
- Applicants in EB-2, EB-3, and Other Workers Categories: Individuals from all countries, especially those from China 🇨🇳, India 🇮🇳, Mexico 🇲🇽, and the Philippines 🇵🇭, who are waiting for employment-based green cards.
- Diversity Visa Applicants: Individuals selected in the DV-2025 lottery from eligible countries.
- EB-5 Investors: Applicants from China 🇨🇳 and India 🇮🇳, as well as those in other countries, who are seeking green cards through investment.
Effective Dates
- EB-4 Certain Religious Workers: Unavailable for all countries as of August 2025.
- U.S. Government SIVs: Changes are effective immediately, following the NDAA signed on December 22, 2023.
- EB-2 Retrogression: The new final action dates apply for August 2025 and may become unavailable if annual limits are reached.
- EB-3 and Other Workers: Categories may retrogress or become unavailable in September 2025 or sooner.
- Diversity Visa (DV-2025): Entitlement ends on September 30, 2025.
- EB-5 Unreserved: Advanced for China 🇨🇳 and India 🇮🇳 in August 2025, but subject to change if limits are reached.
Required Actions
Applicants in affected categories should take the following steps:
- EB-4 Certain Religious Workers:
- No new visas will be issued in August 2025. Applicants with pending cases should monitor the next Visa Bulletin for changes.
- Those who have already filed should maintain their documentation and be ready to act if the category becomes available again.
- U.S. Government SIVs:
- If you are a current or former U.S. Government employee abroad, or a surviving spouse or child, contact the consular section where you filed your Form DS-1884 for case-specific guidance.
- This change does not affect Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants under SQ and SI categories.
- EB-2, EB-3, and Other Workers:
- Check your priority date against the latest Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts.
- If your priority date is current, assemble and submit required documents to the National Visa Center or file for adjustment of status with USCIS as soon as possible.
- Monitor for further retrogression or unavailability in September.
- Diversity Visa (DV-2025) Applicants:
- Ensure all documents are submitted and interviews are scheduled before September 30, 2025.
- Remember, DV visas cannot be issued after this date, and numbers may run out before the end of the fiscal year.
- EB-5 Investors:
- Applicants from China 🇨🇳 and India 🇮🇳 should take advantage of advanced final action dates and submit required documents promptly.
- Monitor for possible unavailability if annual limits are reached.
Implications for Pending Applications
EB-4 Certain Religious Workers
For August 2025, the EB-4 Certain Religious Workers category is marked as “U” (Unavailable) for all countries. This means:
- No new green cards can be issued to religious workers or their families in August 2025.
- If you have a pending application, your case will not move forward until the category becomes available again.
- If you are preparing to file, you must wait for the category to reopen in a future Visa Bulletin.
- This pause can cause delays for religious organizations and communities relying on these workers.
U.S. Government SIVs
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 brings changes for some SIV applicants:
- Who is affected: Current and former U.S. Government employees abroad, and certain surviving spouses and children.
- What to do: Contact the consular section where you filed Form DS-1884 for specific instructions.
- Not affected: Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants under SQ and SI categories.
- Possible impacts: Additional documentation or new eligibility requirements may apply, depending on your situation.
EB-2, EB-3, and Other Workers
- EB-2: The final action date for most countries has retrogressed, meaning fewer green cards are available and wait times may increase.
- EB-3 and Other Workers: These categories are close to reaching their annual limits. If demand continues, they may become unavailable in September or sooner.
- Pending applications: If your priority date is not current, your case will not move forward until the date advances again. If your date is current, act quickly to submit all required documents.
Diversity Visa (DV-2025) Applicants
- Deadline: All DV-2025 visas must be issued by September 30, 2025.
- No exceptions: If you do not complete the process by this date, you lose eligibility, even if your number was selected.
- Reduced numbers: The annual limit is about 52,000 due to legislative changes, so not all selectees will receive a visa.
EB-5 Unreserved (China 🇨🇳 and India 🇮🇳)
- Advancement: Final action dates have moved forward, allowing more applicants to proceed.
- Warning: If annual limits are reached, the category may become unavailable at any time.
- Pending cases: Applicants should act quickly to take advantage of the current window.
Detailed Breakdown of Key Categories
EB-4 Certain Religious Workers
- Status for August 2025: Unavailable for all countries.
- Reason: The annual limit for this category has been reached, so no new visas can be issued.
- Impact: Religious organizations may face staffing shortages, and families may experience delays in reunification.
- Next steps: Monitor the Visa Bulletin for future updates.
U.S. Government SIVs
- Who qualifies: Certain current and former U.S. Government employees abroad, and their surviving spouses and children.
- Recent change: The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 may change eligibility or documentation requirements.
- Action required: Contact the consular section where you filed Form DS-1884 for guidance.
- Not affected: Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants under SQ and SI categories.
EB-2, EB-3, and Other Workers
- EB-2: Final action date for most countries has moved back, reducing the number of available green cards.
- EB-3 and Other Workers: High demand means these categories may soon become unavailable.
- Advice: If your priority date is current, submit all documents as soon as possible.
Diversity Visa (DV-2025) Program
- Annual limit: About 52,000 visas due to legislative changes.
- Deadline: All visas must be issued by September 30, 2025.
- Advice: Complete your application and attend your interview as soon as possible.
EB-5 Unreserved
- China 🇨🇳 and India 🇮🇳: Final action dates have advanced, but the category may close if limits are reached.
- Advice: Submit all required documents promptly.
Official Government Resources
For the latest information on visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. This site provides up-to-date Visa Bulletins, instructions for applicants, and answers to common questions.
Practical Guidance and Next Steps
If you are affected by these changes, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Check Your Priority Date: Compare your priority date to the current Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin.
- Monitor Future Bulletins: Visa availability can change monthly. Stay informed by reviewing each new bulletin.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents in advance so you can act quickly if your category becomes available.
- Contact the National Visa Center or Consular Section: If you receive a notice, follow instructions carefully and respond promptly.
- For SIV Applicants: Reach out to the consular section where you filed Form DS-1884 for personalized guidance.
- For Diversity Visa Applicants: Schedule your interview and submit all documents before September 30, 2025.
- For EB-5 Investors: Submit your application as soon as your priority date becomes current.
Implications for Different Groups
- Immigrants: Delays in green card processing can affect family reunification, job opportunities, and long-term plans.
- Employers: Companies relying on foreign workers may face staffing challenges due to visa unavailability or retrogression.
- Religious Organizations: The pause in EB-4 Certain Religious Workers visas may impact community services and outreach.
- Families: Spouses and children may experience longer separations due to processing delays.
Conclusion
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin brings important changes for EB-4 Certain Religious Workers, U.S. Government SIVs, and several employment-based categories. Many applicants will face delays or new requirements, while others may find new opportunities as categories advance. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and acting quickly when your category becomes available is the best way to avoid further delays. Always rely on official government sources for the most accurate and current information, and consult with qualified immigration professionals if you have questions about your specific case.
By understanding these updates and taking prompt action, applicants can better manage their immigration journey and increase their chances of success.
Learn Today
EB-4 Certain Religious Workers → Immigrant visa category for religious workers and their families seeking permanent residency in the U.S.
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) → Visas for certain foreign nationals with U.S. government ties, including employees and family members.
Retrogression → A delay or backward movement in visa availability when demand exceeds annual limits.
Priority Date → The date when an immigrant petition was filed, determining visa processing order.
Diversity Visa (DV) Program → A U.S. lottery program granting immigrant visas to individuals from underrepresented countries.
This Article in a Nutshell
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin halts EB-4 religious worker visas and changes SIV rules. EB-2 and EB-3 categories retrogress; DV visas end September 30. Applicants must monitor dates closely to act quickly and avoid delays impacting family reunification and employment prospects in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com
