As of Oct. 1 2025, the EB-4 Non-Minister Special Immigrant Religious Worker Program has officially expired. Under the most recent extension, signed into law on March 15, 2025 (H.R. 1968), the program was authorized through Sept. 30, 2025. This provision allowed eligible non-minister religious workers — such as those serving in religious vocations or occupations — to apply for permanent residence up until that date. The same deadline applied to their accompanying spouses and children.

However, Congress failed to reauthorize the program before its sunset date, and with the current federal government shutdown, no legislative action is expected imminently. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), any Form I-360 Special Immigrant petitions for Non-Minister Religious Workers received on or after Oct. 1, 2025, will be rejected. Petitions submitted before the deadline, but still pending, will be placed on hold pending possible reauthorization.

The sunset does not affect ministers and their dependents, who remain eligible under the permanent EB-4 minister category. Yet for non-minister religious workers — such as nuns, brothers, lay missionaries, and support staff — the expiration effectively halts new green-card applications. We will continue to track developments closely and provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, please contact your RIS attorney for specific guidance on individual cases and any potential options during this period of suspension.