The U.S. State Department, in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has confirmed that all immigrant visas in the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) category and its “Other Workers” (EW) subcategory for fiscal year 2025 have been fully allocated.
This development effectively suspends the issuance of new EB-3 and EW visas until October 1, 2025, when the new fiscal year begins.
In its statement, the State Department explained that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) caps the number of employment-based immigrant visas issued each year. Under INA 203(b)(3), EB-3 visas are limited to 28.6 percent of the worldwide employment-based total, with up to 10,000 reserved for the EW subcategory.
“Since all available EB-3 and EW visas for FY 2025 have been used, embassies and consulates may not issue visas in these categories for the remainder of the fiscal year. The annual limits will reset with the start of FY 2026 on October 1, 2025.”
“At that point, embassies and consulates may resume issuing immigrant visas in this category to qualified applicants,” the department stated.
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency in the United States, unlike temporary work visas such as the H-1B or H-2B.
It is divided into three subcategories: Skilled Workers with at least two years of training or experience, Professionals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and Other Workers for roles requiring less than two years of experience.
Because it is employer-sponsored, applicants must have a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. The EB-3 visa is increasingly relevant for Africans seeking career, educational, and migration opportunities in the U.S.
Regional spread of EB-3 visas
Data from Statista shows that in fiscal year 2021, the United States issued thousands of EB-3 immigrant visas, but Africa accounted for only a small share of the total.
According to figures released by the U.S. Department of State, just 2,496 EB-3 visas went to African applicants, placing the continent near the bottom of the global distribution.
In sharp contrast, Asia dominated the category with 37,548 visas, making up the overwhelming majority of EB-3 issuances worldwide. Europe (5,302), North America (5,477), and South America (4,124) each recorded significantly higher numbers than Africa, while Oceania had the lowest at 293 visas.
The data underscores Africa’s limited representation in the EB-3 program, despite growing interest across the continent in employment-based migration opportunities to the United States.
What the visa freeze means for African migrants
With this year’s allocation already exhausted, Africans seeking to migrate under the EB-3 program must now wait until the next fiscal cycle.
The freeze is especially significant for applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, where demand has surged amid rising youth unemployment and limited job opportunities.
Recruitment agencies across the continent have increasingly promoted the EB-3 as a realistic entry point into the U.S., fueling demand that has now run up against strict annual quotas.
For many African families, the pause is more than an administrative delay as it stalls career opportunities, family reunifications, and the pursuit of long-term residency in the United States.
The visa has also gained traction among African students who see it as a pathway to further their studies and gain work experience in the U.S. While primarily employment-based, the EB-3 allows graduates with specialized skills to secure jobs, supported by universities’ links with American employers seeking international talent.
Beyond students and professionals, the EB-3 has also become attractive for Africans seeking a fresh start in the U.S. Although rooted in labor migration, its impact extends to broader social and economic opportunities once migrants settle.
For Africans navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, the freeze highlights both the opportunities and fragility of pathways like the EB-3, as thousands wait for the next chance to apply.
