Scheduled expiration of the employment fourth preference (SR) religious workers category
Pursuant to H.R. 5860, signed on September 30, 2023, the non-minister special immigrant program expires on November 17, 2023. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight November 16, 2023. Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until November 16, 2023, and all individuals seeking admission in the non-minister special immigrant category must be admitted (repeat admitted) into the United States no later than midnight November 16, 2023.
The SR category is listed as “Unavailable” for all countries for December. In the event there is legislative action extending the category, it is likely it will become available effective immediately. If extended, the category will be subject to the same final action dates as the other Employment Fourth Preference categories per applicable foreign state of chargeability.