April 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Updates, Trends, Predictions

By Richard T. Herman, Esq.

By Richard Herman, March 13, 2025

Intro

The U.S. Department of State has released the visa bulletin for April 2025, introducing notable changes across various visa categories.

This month’s bulletin brings modest advancements across multiple employment-based and family-sponsored categories.

These updates are crucial for individuals navigating the green card process, as they directly impact visa availability and waiting periods.

In this article, we break down the latest developments and provide a detailed analysis of the new cut-off dates, retrogressions, and expected movements.

Family-Sponsored Preference Visas

The family-sponsored visa categories have seen varied movements: The family-sponsored preference categories, as outlined in the April 2025 Visa Bulletin, highlight the requirements for applicants to use the Dates for Filing chart for these categories.

· F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): The Final Action Date has advanced to March 15, 2016, for most chargeability areas, moving forward from November 22, 2015, as noted in the March Bulletin. However, Mexico remains stagnant at January 1, 2005, while the Philippines advances to July 15, 2012.

· F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): The Final Action Date remains unchanged at January 1, 2022, across most areas. Mexico’s date remains at May 15, 2021.

· F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): The Final Action Date has moved forward to April 1, 2011, for most areas, progressing from July 1, 2010. The Philippines sees a minor movement to March 22, 2003, while Mexico remains at January 15, 2001.

· F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens): The Final Action Date is now August 1, 2007, for most areas. India progresses slightly to June 15, 2006, while Mexico remains at March 15, 2001.

Employment-Based Preference Visas

The employment-based immigrant visas have experienced both advancements and retrogressions. Employment based preference cases are particularly relevant as they detail recent changes in visa processing for various employment-based categories, as outlined in the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin.

· EB-1 (Priority Workers): India’s date has moved slightly forward to February 15, 2022, from the previous February 1, 2022. China’s date remains unchanged at November 8, 2022. All other chargeability areas remain current.

· EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders or Exceptional Ability): India has retrogressed further to January 1, 2013, from the previous December 1, 2012. China has progressed to October 1, 2020, from May 8, 2020. All other areas remain current.

· EB-3** (Skilled Workers and Professionals):** India has moved forward slightly to April 1, 2013, from February 1, 2013. China advances to November 1, 2020. All other chargeability areas remain stable at January 1, 2023.

· EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants, Including Religious Workers): This category is now “unavailable” for the rest of Fiscal Year 2025, meaning no new EB-4 visas will be issued until October 1, 2025, when the new fiscal year begins.

· EB-5 (Investor Visas, Unreserved Category): China and India face significant retrogression. The Final Action Date for China has moved back to January 22, 2014, from the previous July 15, 2016. For India, the date has shifted to November 1, 2019, from January 1, 2022.

Key Trends and Projections

· EB-4 Category Closure Until October 2025: Due to high demand, the annual limit for EB-4 has already been reached. No new visas will be issued under this category until Fiscal Year 2026 begins on October 1, 2025. Applicants affected should seek legal counsel to explore alternative visa pathways. The employment based preference limits play a crucial role in determining the availability of visas, impacting categories like EB-4.

· India’s EB-2 and EB-3 Movement is Limited: EB-2 India has barely advanced and remains significantly backlogged. Retrogression continues to reflect high demand, making priority date movement uncertain. EB-3 India has moved slightly but is still heavily backlogged. Expect slow movement in future months as demand remains high.

· China’s Employment-Based Categories Show Modest Gains: EB-2 and EB-3 China continue to make slow but steady progress. This trend is expected to continue, albeit at a gradual pace.

· EB-5 Retrogression for China and India: The Final Action Dates for both India and China in the EB-5 category have retrogressed significantly. If demand remains high, further restrictions may be imposed for other chargeability areas as well.

Implications for Applicants

Indian Applicants in EB-2 and EB-3 Should Prepare for Continued Delays: Retrogression continues with slow movement. Those eligible for EB-1 should explore priority worker options. Family-sponsored alternatives may also be considered for faster pathways.
EB-4 Applicants Will Face a Halt in Processing Until October 2025: Applicants should be aware that no new approvals will be issued for this category until the new fiscal year begins. This includes certain religious workers, who are also affected by the annual limits and high demand for EB-4 visas.
Chinese Applicants See Gradual Progress: China’s EB-2 and EB-3 categories continue to move forward slowly. Applicants should expect further progress but at a slow pace.
EB-5 Applicants from India and China Face New Hurdles: Retrogression could delay visa issuance for several years. Prospective investors should consult an immigration attorney for strategic planning.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update issued by the U.S. Department of State that determines when applicants can proceed with their green card applications. It is particularly relevant for preference immigrants, including those in family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories, as it provides detailed information about the allocation of immigrant visas based on priority dates, demand, and specific limits for each category.

Key Terms

Priority Date: The date when your green card petition was filed; it determines your place in line.
Dates for Filing: If your priority date is before the cut-off date listed, you may proceed with your application.
Final Action Dates: The estimated date when your green card application will be processed and decided upon.

How to Proceed

There are two primary ways to move forward once your priority date is current:

Adjustment of Status: For applicants already in the U.S.
Immigrant Visa Application: For applicants outside the U.S.

Family-Based Green Card Backlogs

F-1: Unmarried Sons and Daughters (Age 21 and Older) of U.S. Citizens

Country	New Cut-Off Date	Old Cut-Off Date	Movement
All Other Areas	1-Sept-17	1-Sept-17	No Change
China	1-Sept-17	1-Sept-17	No Change
India	1-Sept-17	1-Sept-17	No Change
Mexico	1-April-06	1-Oct-05	+6 months
Philippines	22-April-15	22-April-15	No Change

F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of Green Card Holders

Country	New Cut-Off Date	Old Cut-Off Date	Movement
All Other Areas	15-Oct-24	15-July-24	+3 months
China	15-Oct-24	15-July-24	+3 months
India	15-Oct-24	15-July-24	+3 months
Mexico	15-Oct-24	15-July-24	+3 months
Philippines	15-Oct-24	15-July-24	+3 months

Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs

EB-1: Extraordinary Ability, Researchers, Executives

Country	New Cut-Off Date	Old Cut-Off Date	Movement
All Other Areas	Current	Current	No Change
China	8-Nov-22	8-Nov-22	No Change
India	15-Feb-22	1-Feb-22	+2 weeks
Mexico	Current	Current	No Change
Philippines	Current	Current	No Change

EB-5: Investors

Country	New Cut-Off Date	Old Cut-Off Date	Movement
All Other Areas	Current	Current	No Change
China	22-Jan-14	1-Oct-16	-2 years, 8 months
India	1-Nov-19	1-April-22	-2 years, 5 months
Mexico	Current	Current	No Change
Philippines	Current	Current	No Change

Trends and Predictions

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Key Takeaways

China and India face the longest wait times in employment-based categories.
Mexico has seen the most movement in family-based categories, especially in F-1 and F-2B.
Retrogression continues in high-demand employment-based categories, particularly EB-5 for China and India.

Biggest advancements:
- EB-2 China Final Action Date moves forward by 4.8 months to October 1, 2020.
- EB-3 Philippines jumps 4 months to May 22, 2021.
- F3 Worldwide, India, and China advance by 9 months to April 1, 2011.
Biggest setbacks:
- EB-5 Unreserved India retrogresses by 2 years and 2 months.
- EB-5 China retrogresses by 2.5 years.
- EB-4 Religious Workers category remains unavailable until October 2025.

USCIS Adjustment of Status Applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that for April 2025, employment-based adjustment of status applications must use the Final Action Dates chart. This means applicants can file if their priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff date for their category and country.

For more information, visit the official USCIS website.

EB-5 Investor Green Card

The April 2025 Visa Bulletin, reveals a significant retrogression in the EB-5 Unreserved Visa Category for India and China. Due to a surge in applications, Indian investors will now face longer waiting periods to obtain a Green Card, as final action dates have been pushed back to November 1, 2019, for India and January 22, 2014, for China.

What is the EB-5 Visa Program?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program enables foreign investors to gain U.S. permanent residency by investing in new commercial ventures that create jobs for American workers. Key details of the program include:

Investment Requirement: $1 million (or $500,000 in Targeted Employment Areas, TEAs)
Job Creation: Must generate at least ten full-time jobs for U.S. workers
Pathway to Green Card: Successful applicants and their immediate families receive permanent residency

This program has gained popularity among Indian and Chinese investors seeking stability, education, and economic opportunities in the United States.

April 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Retrogression Updates

India: The final action date moved back by over two years to November 1, 2019
China: The final action date retrogressed by approximately two and a half years to January 22, 2014
Other Countries: Remain current, meaning visas are available immediately

Why the Retrogression?

The U.S. Department of State cites rising demand for EB-5 visas as the main reason for the backlog:

Increased applications from India and China
A global surge in interest, leading to higher visa usage
The need to balance annual visa limits, resulting in adjusted final action dates

Additionally, visa prorating provisions come into play when demand exceeds the per-country limit, ensuring a fair distribution of available visas among applicants from oversubscribed chargeability areas such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

If demand continues to grow, the State Department may introduce final action dates for all countries, further extending waiting times.

Impact on Indian Investors

For Indian applicants with priority dates after November 1, 2019, this retrogression means:

Extended waiting periods for Green Card approvals
Potential disruptions in long-term immigration and investment plans
Limited visa availability, requiring alternative options for permanent residency

What Are the Alternatives?

Given the delays, Indian investors should explore alternative visa options, including:

E-2 Visa: Allows entrepreneurs to start businesses in the U.S. (requires a treaty country citizenship)
EB-1 & EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): Available for highly skilled professionals and individuals with extraordinary abilities
L-1 Visa: For business owners transferring executives or managers to U.S. operations
H-1B & O-1 Visas: Suitable for specialized professionals and talent-based immigration

Next Steps

Check your priority date: Use the Visa Bulletin to see if your date is current.
Monitor monthly updates: Sign up for email alerts here.
Consult an immigration attorney: If you need personalized advice.

For more details, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin page.

What is the Visa Bulletin?

In the green card application line, the Visa Bulletin shows priority final action dates which are placeholders. Each month the U.S. Department of State calculates how many applications are in each category and determines visa availability.

The applicant’s priority date must be earlier than the cut-off dates listed in the Visa Bulletin to determine visa eligibility and whether an individual can file their application or must wait for their case to be processed, affecting all immigrant visa applicants.

There are Two Main Sections:

Family-Based: Wait times and filing dates for family-sponsored green cards.
Employment-Based: Priority dates for employment-sponsored green cards.

Key Terms in the Bulletin

Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Definition: This date is when a green card can be issued. Applications with priority dates on or before this cut-off date may be approved soon.
Meaning: This is the last step in the green card process. If your priority date is on or before the Final Action Date, USCIS or the Department of State can make a final decision on your case.
Example: If the Final Action Date for your category is 1-Oct-2018 and your priority date is 30-Sep-2018 you’re “current” and can get a decision soon.

Filing Dates (Chart B)

Meaning: These dates are when you can file for the next step in the green card process (Filing I-485 if eligible and in the U.S., or file DS_260 at the National Visa Center)
Meaning: If your priority date is on or before the Date for Filing, you can submit required documentation for the application.
Example: If your Date for Filing is 1-Jan-2020 and your priority date is before this date, you can submit documents to move forward.

The gap between these dates is the expected USCIS processing time and visa availability.

Two Options When Your Priority Date is Current (Chart B)

If your priority date is current, there are two choices:

Adjustment of Status/I-485 (if in the U.S.): Complete your green card process without leaving the country.
Immigrant Visa Application/DS-260 (if outside the U.S.): Proceed with consular processing to get your visa abroad.

What’s the Difference Between Chart A and Chart B?

Chart B: Filing Dates

These dates are when applicants can submit more documentation (I-485 if in the U.S., or DS-260 if abroad)
If your priority date (the date you filed your application) is on or before the cut-off date, you can move forward.

Adjustment of Status Applications

USCIS will accept I-485 Adjustment of Status applications in November 2024 using the Filing Dates chart. Those with priority dates before the dates listed can file.

DS-260 Immigrant Visa Applications

National Visa Center (Department of Status) will notify you when to file the DS-260 Immigrant Vias Application. The notification will follow the Visa Bulletin Chart B (Filing Dates chart). Those with priority dates before the dates listed will be notified to file.

Chart A: Final Action Dates

These are the expected dates when USCIS or the Embassy will make a final decision on your application.

The gap between Filing Dates and Final Action Dates is the processing time.

Most Common Questions

What is my priority date?

This is the date you submitted your green card application, usually without any changes. If you’re not sure of your priority date, check your immigration papers or consult with an immigration attorney.

What if my country has a backlog?

Because of high demand for immigration services, some countries have longer processing times. This can cause the cut-off dates to move or even go backward compared to the final action dates chart.

How long will I wait?

The Visa Bulletin can’t give you an exact wait time. It varies by category, visa type and country backlog. For example, the process might be faster in some countries than others, or revised process might be needed in some cases by embassies abroad.

Understanding Visa Allocation for Immediate Relatives and Employment-Based Green Cards: The Quota System

There are numerical limits to each category of family based green cards (except immediate relative relatives) and employment based green cards. Additionally, no one country can obtain more than 7% o that allotted number per year.

The allocation of visas, especially for family-sponsored and employment-based green cards, follows a complex quota system established by Congress. This system caps the number of green cards that can be issued annually in different categories, with certain exemptions, such as for immediate relatives. Understanding this system helps applicants navigate the visa process and anticipate potential wait times.

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: Unlimited Visa Allocation

For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, there is no numerical limit on visas. Immediate relatives include:

Spouses of U.S. citizens.
Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
Parents of U.S. citizens (if the petitioning citizen is 21 or older).

Since there is no annual cap, applicants in this category do not face backlogs due to visa numbers. However, they must still meet eligibility requirements, go through processing at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State, and adhere to general application timelines.

Family-Based Green Cards: The Annual Quota System

Family-sponsored visas for other relatives (not immediate relatives) are subject to annual numerical limits based on the worldwide family preference level as determined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA):

The total annual cap for family-based immigrant visas is set at 226,000.
These visas are divided into preference categories, each with a specific allocation:
F1 (Family First Preference): Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens – 23,400 visas per year.
F2 (Family Second Preference): Spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents – 114,200 visas, with F2A reserved for spouses and minor children and F2B for unmarried adult children.
F3 (Family Third Preference): Married children of U.S. citizens – 23,400 visas per year.
F4 (Family Fourth Preference): Siblings of U.S. citizens – 65,000 visas per year.

Any unused visas in one category can sometimes flow into others; however, these family-based categories are typically oversubscribed, leading to lengthy wait times, particularly for applicants from countries with high demand, such as Mexico and the Philippines.

Employment-Based Green Cards: The Annual Cap and Country Limits

Employment-based green cards are subject to an annual cap of 140,000 visas. This category includes five primary preferences, each with an allocated percentage of the total:

EB-1 (Priority Workers): 28.6% (approximately 40,040 visas) for individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives.
EB-2 (Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability): 28.6% (approximately 40,040 visas), including a set-aside for individuals from underrepresented countries.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers): 28.6% (approximately 40,040 visas), with a limit of 10,000 for “other workers” (those in positions requiring less than two years of experience).
EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): 7.1% (about 9,940 visas) for specific groups such as religious workers, international organization employees, and certain dependents of U.S. Armed Forces personnel.
EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): 7.1% (about 9,940 visas) for investors who create jobs in the U.S., with regional center projects receiving a significant portion. The EB-5 category, which focuses on employment creation, allocates 7.1% of employment-based visas for investors who create jobs in the U.S.

The fourth and fifth preferences, EB-4 and EB-5, have specific numerical allocations and limitations, with 9,940 visas each. Unutilized numbers from these preferences can affect the availability of visas in higher preferences, impacting the overall distribution based on demand.

Country Limitations

Each country is limited to 7% of the total annual visas in any category, a rule that affects high-demand countries such as India and China, especially in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. When applicants from these countries exceed their allocation, they face significant backlogs.

Key Issues with the Quota System

Retrogression: High-demand countries experience “retrogression,” where the priority dates for visa eligibility move backward. This affects applicants’ timelines as the availability of visas fluctuates monthly based on demand and annual visa limits.
Unused Visas: While unused family-based visas sometimes flow into employment-based categories (and vice versa), caps often result in unused visas that could otherwise reduce backlogs. Some policy proposals advocate for better reallocation of unused visas to help alleviate these delays.
Per-Country Cap Impact: The 7% per-country cap, while ensuring diversity, contributes to long waits for applicants from countries with large numbers of high-skilled immigrants, leading to calls for reforms to this system. This is the reason for longer wait times for applicants from high demand countries like India, China, Mexico and Philippines.
Backlogs by Country: As of June 2023 over 1.2 million employment-based immigrants are waiting for green cards with majority from India and China.
Aging Out Risks: Many applicants on temporary visas in the U.S. face risks if their children “age out” at 21 and become ineligible to adjust status under their parent’s application.

For a deeper explanation, read this.

What is Priority Date Retrogression?

Priority date retrogression is when the cut-off date moves backward. In other words, the dates that were previously current for processing are now delayed due to high demand and limited visa numbers.

Retrogression can happen in any visa category (family-based or employment-based) and is influenced by the annual visa cap and country-based limits. Retrogression affects people waiting for immigrant visas (green cards) by delaying their ability to get a visa even if they were closer to processing in previous months.

Why Does Retrogression Happen?

Retrogression is mainly due to the supply and demand of visas:

Demand Surge: High demand for visas in a specific category or country (India and China for example) can outpace the supply, causing cut-off dates to move backward.
Annual Limits: Each year the U.S. caps the number of visas per category and per country. When those limits are met or exceeded, retrogression will occur to maintain those legal limits.
Country Limits: No country can get more than 7% of the total visas in a specific category. This can create backlogs for applicants from high immigration countries.

Track Monthly Visa Bulletin Changes

The Department of State (DOS) does not send email updates for the Visa Bulletin, but the Visa Bulletin is available online. The monthly Visa Bulletin lists cut-off dates for visa availability, which determines which applicants can file for adjustment of status or permanent resident status. Enter your email address below to get monthly updates. This will help you track priority final action dates and any big movements in your category.

For more information on the Visa Bulletin and how it affects your green card application check out:

How to Read the Visa Bulletin: A detailed guide to understanding the Visa Bulletin and finding your priority dates for filing chart.
U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin: The official monthly update from the U.S. Department of State.
USCIS Processing Times: Check the current USCIS processing times for various immigration petitions and applications.

Take Away and Considerations

The Visa Bulletin is important for anyone in the U.S. immigration process. Here’s what to take away:

Track Priority Dates: Monitor the Visa Bulletin regularly to stay up to date on your application. Especially if you’re from a high demand country where cut-off dates move often.
Consult with Immigration Experts: With the complexity of the immigration process, consulting with immigration experts or attorneys can be very helpful. They can help you understand the Visa Bulletin, changes and develop a strategy for your specific case and employment based preference categories.
Retrogression: Retrogression is when cut-off dates move backwards, meaning longer wait times. This can happen in certain categories due to high demand. Knowing this can help you manage your expectations and plan.
Plan Ahead: If you’re in the process of applying for a green card, planning ahead is key. This means gathering your documents, tracking priority final action dates and preparing for changes in wait times.

By following the Visa Bulletin each month you can make informed decisions and be prepared for each step of your immigration journey.

Background Information on the Visa Bulletin

Recent Changes: USCIS and Department of State Collaboration

USCIS and the Department of State have changed how they determine visa availability to make the process more efficient. This is good for applicants as it’s consistent whether you’re applying in the U.S. or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

What This Means for Applicants:

Easier Process: These new procedures will prevent applicants from being delayed due to different processing practices between USCIS and consulates.
More Accurate: By aligning the methods the wait times may be more accurate for applicants in high demand categories.

For more information see the USCIS Revised Procedures Announcement.

Past Visa Bulletins and Historical Data

The Visa Bulletin archives go back to Fiscal Year 2002 through 2025 so you can see the changes over time.

How to Use Historical Data:

Track Trends: Seeing priority date movement over the years will help you forecast changes and plan ahead.
Compare Dates: Looking at specific months across multiple years will show you typical movement in your category.
Find Patterns: Some categories show consistent movement or stagnation which will give you insight into future processing times.

Example Fiscal Year Archive:

2025 to 2022: Recent years.
2019 to 2015: Mid-range years will show demand shifts.
Pre-2010: Older years will help you understand long-term patterns especially for applicants from high demand countries.

Full Final Action Date Lists

These are annual lists of the Final Action Dates for each country and category. Useful for applicants from oversubscribed countries like India, China, Mexico and the Philippines.

Family-Based Preferences by Region

Worldwide: For low demand countries not listed individually.
China (mainland-born): Trends for Chinese nationals in family categories.
India: Big backlogs due to high demand; you need to understand this.
Mexico and the Philippines: Have unique wait times in family categories.

Employment-Based Preferences by Region

Worldwide: Non-listed countries generally don’t move much due to low demand.
China (mainland-born): Shows the demand for employment-based categories.
India: High demand; usually the longest wait times.
Mexico and Philippines: Unique priority dates due to employment demand.

Note on Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrants (SI): These applicants have special final action dates in select years. If there is no date for a year it means the category was “Current” which means no wait time.

The Numerical Control Process: How Visa Limits Affect Cut-Off Dates

To ensure even distribution of visas each category and country has numerical limits. The Numerical Control Process affects cut-off dates as it’s based on the number of visas available versus demand in each category.

How it works:

Visa Allocation: Each year a certain number of visas is allocated to each category and country.
Cut-Off Dates: When demand exceeds supply a cut-off date is set and who can move forward.
Retrogression: In some cases dates move backward, known as “retrogression” which can delay applicants even if they were current.

For more information the Operation of the Numerical Control Process document explains how visas are allocated and cut-off dates are set.

Tracking Your Application: Monthly Monitoring and Resources

Monthly Visa Bulletins are key to staying informed. Monitoring the bulletin regularly will help you:

Stay Informed: Know when your category is moving so you can plan.
Find Trends: Look for patterns in cut-off dates for your category to prepare.
Check for Retrogression: Retrogression can happen unexpectedly in high demand categories so monitoring monthly can help you avoid surprises.

More Resources and Tools

USCIS and the Department of State offer more resources to help applicants understand their green card process:

Visa Planning Quiz: A quick assessment to determine eligibility.
Corporate Immigration : Specialized information for employment-based immigration.

Stay up to date on Visa Bulletin releases and track your priority dates and the immigration process will be more predictable and less painful.

Adjustment of Status Filing Charts Explained:

The Adjustment of Status (AOS) Filing Chartsare key to U.S. based green card applicants to know when to file. These charts—updated monthly by USCIS and the Department of State (DOS)—tell you which chart to use, Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates.

Here we explain these charts in simple terms, how they affect AOS applications and what you need to know for November 2024.

What are USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts?

USCIS releases two charts each month for adjustment of status applicants:

Dates for Filing
- This chart tells you when you can submit your AOS application. When using this chart USCIS is allowing you to file earlier than the actual visa availability.
Final Action Dates
- This chart shows when USCIS or the Department of State can approve an application. When USCIS uses the Final Action Dates chart you can only file if your priority date is before the date listed.

Note: If a category is current in the Final Action Dates chart or if the cut-off date is after the date in the Dates for Filing chart you can use the Final Action Dates chart for that month.

How USCIS Chooses the Filing Chart Each Month

USCIS decides which chart to use based on the number of visas available and the demand. If there are more visas than applicants they use the Dates for Filing chart. If there are more applicants than visas they use the Final Action Dates chart to manage demand.

Monthly: USCIS will designate a chart each month.
Announcement: The chart is usually announced within a week of the Visa Bulletin.

For Family-Sponsored

Dates for Filing chart applies to all family-based categories, you can file AOS now.

For Employment-Based

Dates for Filing chart applies to all employment-based categories for November 2024.

Previous Months and Historical AOS Filing Charts

If you want to track historical trends previous AOS Filing Charts are available online from 2015 to present. These archives will help you see the date movement and changes over the years which can be helpful for planning and future filing.

2023: January to December
2022 – 2016: Full year
2015: October, November, December

Adjustment of Status Applicants

Monthly Check: Check the USCIS and DOS announcements every month to see which chart is being used.
Eligibility: Always check your category and priority date against the chart to confirm.
Advance Filing: When using the Dates for Filing chart you get a head start on the paperwork even if final action may take more time.

Predictions: Visa Bulletin for May 2025: Coming Soon

The April 2025 Visa Bulletin will tells something about how soon you can expect to move in the employment-based and family-based green card categories. While we can’t predict the future visa bulletin with 100% accuracy, here is our best estimatation.

Visa Bulletin Predictions

Visa Bulletin predictions are based on past date movement and current demand so applicants can see when they can file or get green card approval.

Monthly: The Visa Bulletin is released every month and shows movement in both family-based and employment-based categories.
Cutoff Dates: These dates are based on demand and the annual visa caps set by the State Department.

Visa Bulletin Predictions for May 2025: Coming Soon

For millions of individuals waiting in employment-based and family-based categories, the Visa Bulletin provides essential updates about green card availability.

By reviewing the bulletin, applicants gain insight into when they might be eligible to apply for or receive their green cards. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the predictions for May 2025

May 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions: Family-Based Categories: Coming Soon

These predictions provide an estimate of potential movements in family-sponsored categories for May 2025. While they offer guidance, applicants should consult with an immigration attorney for precise advice.

May 2025 Visa Bulletin Predictions: Employment-Based Categories: Coming Soon

Predictions for employment-based categories in January 2025 suggest possible retrogression due to high demand, particularly in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Below are category-specific insights:

Visa Bulletin FAQs

The Visa Bulletin, issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides critical information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers for family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories. Understanding its nuances is essential for applicants navigating the U.S. immigration process. Below is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) pertaining to the Visa Bulletin, with a focus on the updates from the April 2025 edition.

1. What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that indicates the availability of immigrant visa numbers in various categories. It helps applicants determine when they can proceed with their immigrant visa applications based on their priority dates.

2. What are “priority dates”?

A priority date is essentially your place in line for an immigrant visa. For family-sponsored petitions, it’s the date when the petition was filed. For employment-based petitions requiring labor certification, it’s the date the labor certification application was accepted for processing by the Department of Labor.

3. How do I find my priority date?

Your priority date is typically listed on the Form I-797 Notice of Action you received when your petition was approved.

4. What are “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing”?

Final Action Dates: These dates indicate when visas may finally be issued. If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, your visa application can be processed to completion.
Dates for Filing: These dates are the earliest dates when applicants may be able to apply. If your priority date is earlier than the date in this chart, you can assemble and submit required documents to the National Visa Center.

5. How do I know which chart to use: “Final Action Dates” or “Dates for Filing”?

Each month, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announces which chart applicants should use for filing adjustment of status applications. For April 2025, USCIS has determined that:

Applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart.
Applicants in all employment-based preference categories must use the Final Action Dates chart.

6. What does “C” mean in the Visa Bulletin charts?

A “C” in the Visa Bulletin charts stands for “current,” meaning that numbers are authorized for issuance to all qualified applicants; there is no backlog in that category.

7. What does “U” mean in the Visa Bulletin charts?

A “U” indicates “unauthorized,” meaning numbers are not authorized for issuance; essentially, the category is unavailable.

8. Why do some categories have longer wait times than others?

Wait times vary due to annual numerical limits set by law for each visa category and country. High demand from certain countries or in specific categories can lead to longer backlogs.

9. What is retrogression?

Retrogression occurs when a previously current or advancing priority date moves backward due to high demand, causing delays for applicants.

10. Were there any retrogressions in the April 2025 Visa Bulletin?

Yes, significant retrogressions occurred in the April 2025 Visa Bulletin:

EB-5 Unreserved Category: China’s final action date retrogressed to January 22, 2014, and India’s to November 1, 2019.

11. What does it mean when a category becomes “unavailable”?

When a category becomes unavailable, it means that the annual limit for that visa category has been reached, and no further visas can be issued until the next fiscal year.

12. Are there any categories that became unavailable in April 2025?

Yes, the EB-4 category has reached its annual limit and is now unavailable until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

13. How often does the Visa Bulletin get updated?

The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly, typically around the second week of each month.

14. Where can I access the latest Visa Bulletin?

The latest Visa Bulletin can be accessed on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

15. How can I interpret the Visa Bulletin for my specific case?

To interpret the Visa Bulletin:

Identify your visa preference category (e.g., F1, EB-2).
Locate your country of chargeability.
Compare your priority date to the date listed in the relevant chart.
If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, you may proceed with your application.

16. What should I do if my priority date is current?

If your priority date is current, you should prepare to file your adjustment of status application (if in the U.S.) or proceed with consular processing (if abroad).

17. Can priority dates move forward and backward?

Yes, priority dates can advance, remain static, or retrogress based on visa demand and annual limits.

18. How does the per-country limit affect visa availability?

The per-country limit ensures that no single country receives more than 7% of the total visas available in a given category, preventing any one nation from dominating visa numbers.

19. What are “oversubscribed” countries?

Oversubscribed countries are those where the demand for visas exceeds the per-country limit, leading to longer wait times.

20. Which countries are currently oversubscribed?

As of April 2025, countries like China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines are considered oversubscribed in various visa categories.

21. How can I stay updated on changes to the Visa Bulletin?

Regularly check the U.S. Department

Secure Your Future with Expert Guidance

Navigating the complexities of the Visa Bulletin and its impact on your green card journey can be overwhelming. From understanding priority dates and visa availability to strategizing the next steps in your immigration process, having the right legal guidance is crucial.

At Herman Legal Group, our experienced immigration attorneys stay up to date with the latest developments in immigration law and the Visa Bulletin, ensuring you receive personalized advice tailored to your case. Whether you are facing delays, need to explore alternative options, or want to maximize your chances of a smooth transition to permanent residency, we are here to help.

Don’t leave your immigration future to chance. Schedule a consultation with Herman Legal Group today and gain clarity, confidence, and a clear plan for your green card journey. Contact us now to take the next step toward securing your American dream.

To schedule a consultation with the Herman Legal Group regarding the implications of the Visa Bulletin on your green card journey, you have several options:

Contact Information:

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Email: richardtmherman@gmail.com

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By reaching out to the Herman Legal Group, you can receive personalized guidance tailored to your immigration needs.

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