Scheduled expiration of the employment fourth preference (SR) religious workers category
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, enacted on December 29, 2022, extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category until September 30, 2023. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight September 29, 2023. Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until September 29, 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 September 29, 2023.
The SR category is listed as “Unavailable” for all countries for October. 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.