Scheduled expiration of the employment fourth preference religious workers (SR) category
H.R. 9747, signed on September 26, 2024, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until December 20, 2024. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight December 19, 2024. Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until December 19, 2024, 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 December 19, 2024.
The SR category is listed as “Unavailable” for all countries for January. 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.