As the U.S. government approaches the end of its fiscal year on September 30, 2025, visa number availability in several categories is becoming increasingly limited. For many applicants, especially those waiting for green cards, the coming weeks could bring delays — even if you already have an interview scheduled.
Understanding how visa numbers are allocated — and what to do if your category runs out — can help you navigate this period with less stress and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Why Visa Numbers Run Out
U.S. immigration law sets annual numerical limits for both family-based and employment-based green card categories. The Department of State (DOS) manages these numbers through the Visa Bulletin, which is updated monthly.
A category becomes “current” when the number of available visas exceeds the demand for that category. If demand outpaces supply, the DOS sets a cut-off date — applicants with priority dates after that cut-off must wait until their date becomes current again.
Near the end of the fiscal year, the DOS may exhaust the annual allocation for certain categories, causing them to become unavailable until the next fiscal year begins on October 1.
Categories at Higher Risk in 2025
Historically, the following categories are most vulnerable to late-year shortages:
- Family-Based:
- F2A (Spouses and children of green card holders)
- F4 (Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens)
- Employment-Based:
- EB-2 (Advanced degree professionals)
- EB-3 (Skilled workers and professionals)
- EB-4 (Certain special immigrants) – currently unavailable
What If You Have an Interview Scheduled?
If your category becomes unavailable in the month of your interview:
- Do not cancel the interview unless instructed by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- The interview can still proceed, and your case will remain “documentarily complete” and ready for visa issuance once numbers are available again.
- In some cases, consular officers may hold your passport after the interview, anticipating that visas will become available soon.
- If you need your passport for urgent travel, you can request its return and resubmit it later.
Key Tips for Applicants
- Keep Checking the Visa Bulletin
Track your priority date monthly to understand your category’s status. - Attend Your Scheduled Interview
Even if your visa category is not current that month, showing up keeps your case in line for priority issuance when numbers are restored. - Plan for Possible Delays
End-of-year slowdowns are common. Be prepared for a gap between your interview and visa issuance. - Stay in Contact With the Embassy or Consulate
Follow instructions if your passport is retained or if further documentation is needed.
Looking Ahead to October 2025
When the new fiscal year begins, visa numbers are reset, and categories that were unavailable in September often move forward again. For many applicants, this means cases held at the end of the fiscal year can be finalized quickly in the first weeks of October.
Final Thoughts
If you are approaching your interview at the end of the fiscal year, remember:
- Attend your interview
- Don’t panic if your category retrogresses
- Be ready for issuance once numbers become available
At NPZ Law Group, we monitor Visa Bulletin changes closely and help clients prepare for interviews, respond to consular requests, and plan for potential delays caused by visa number shortages.
FAQs
Q: Will my interview be canceled if my category retrogresses?
A: Not usually. The interview often still happens, and your case will be held until numbers are available again.
Q: Why would the embassy keep my passport if a visa isn’t available?
A: Sometimes officers anticipate visa availability soon and keep the passport to issue quickly when possible.
Q: What happens if my case is delayed into the new fiscal year?
A: Once numbers reset in October, many delayed cases are finalized promptly.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.