Religious Worker Visas in 2025: Key Updates for Faith-Based Organizations and U.S. Religious Workers

Religious workers serving in ministerial and non-ministerial capacities are affected by key shifts in immigration policies in 2025. These changes have implications for religious organizations seeking to sponsor foreign nationals for service in the United States.​

EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker Program Extended Through September 30, 2025- Sunset Date

On March 15, 2025, the president signed into law H.R. 1968, extending the EB-4 non-minister special immigrant religious worker program but only until September 30, 2025. This extension allows eligible non-minister religious workers to immigrate or adjust to permanent resident status by that date, also known as the sunset date. Non-minister special immigrant religious workers include those within a religious vocation or occupation engaged in either a professional or non-professional capacity.

The September 30, 2025 Sunset Date for non-minister religious workers means that:

• Anyone in this category must complete their green card process by that date.

• After September 30, 2025, unless the law is extended again, non-ministers will no longer be able to get green cards through this path.

• This also affects their spouses and children who are applying with them.

It's important to note that special immigrants entering the U.S. solely to carry on the vocation of a minister, and their accompanying spouses and children, are not affected by the sunset date. ​USCIS

EB-4 Ministerial Visa Category Temporarily Suspended Due to Annual Cap

As of March 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that the annual limit for the EB-4 visa category, which includes ministerial religious workers, has been reached for fiscal year 2025. Consequently, no new EB-4 visas will be issued until the start of the next fiscal year on October 1, 2025, when the annual limits reset. ​

This suspension affects applicants worldwide, including those awaiting consular processing. Pending applications will remain in the queue until the new fiscal year, extending the wait for many applicants. ​

Implications for Religious Organizations

The approaching sunset date for non-ministerial religious workers and the temporary suspension of ministerial EB-4 visas mean that religious organizations intending to sponsor foreign nationals must act promptly, or prepare to lose workers as they return to their home countries. There may be alternative visa options available depending on the situation, but these require careful planning. Delays or mistakes in filing could mean losing valuable employees and facing long-term immigration consequences.

Now is the time to consult an experienced immigration attorney and make sure all steps are completed accurately and on time.

Recommendations for Religious Organizations

• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State regarding visa categories and availability.​

• Consult Legal Experts: Engage with immigration attorneys to explore alternative visa options and ensure compliance with current immigration laws.​

• Act Promptly: Initiate the immigration or adjustment process for religious workers well before the respective deadlines to avoid potential complications.​

Religious organizations play a crucial role in communities across the United States. Staying proactive and informed is essential to navigate the evolving immigration landscape effectively.​

For a confidential Immigration Consultation Contact us by phone at 321-325-1125 or online www.sapeterkinlaw.com.