CRISIS Act of 2025

This bill lets certain Russian nationals with PhDs in science, technology, engineering, or math apply for “special immigrant” status to live and work in the United States in their field. Spouses and children can come too. Applicants must be eligible for an immigrant visa, admissible for permanent residence, and pass security checks. Vetting must match the screening used for refugees and include an interview. The government aims to decide complete applications within 90 days, and no job offer is required. Covered fields include areas like artificial intelligence, quantum tech, semiconductors, space technologies, and biotechnology .

Up to 3,000 people per year can qualify for each of fiscal years 2026–2029. These admissions would not count against the usual annual and per-country visa limits. The program ends after four full fiscal years from enactment, but people approved before it ends can still complete their immigrant visa or status process afterward. During the application, the government keeps certain records, such as biographic and biometric information and any new criminal convictions .

• Who is affected: Russian nationals with a doctoral degree in a STEM field, plus their spouses and children.
• What changes: A new path to special immigrant status with refugee-level vetting, 90‑day target processing for complete cases, and no job offer required; does not use up other visa category caps .
• When: Up to 3,000 people each year from FY 2026 through FY 2029; program authority ends after four full fiscal years from enactment, with continued processing for already approved cases .