By Herman Legal Group
QUICK ANSWER
The December 2025 Visa Bulletin brings no retrogressions, modest forward movement in select EB categories, and continued stagnation in most family-based categories. USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for all categories—creating a rare opportunity to file early and secure benefits such as EAD and Advance Parole.
Ohio families and employers should review eligibility immediately.
To optimize your filing window, schedule a consultation with Herman Legal Group.
FAST FACTS
Visa Movement Snapshot
- FB categories: Stable, minimal forward movement
- EB categories:
- EB-1 China +1 month
- EB-1 India frozen
- EB-2 India +5 months; China +2 months
- EB-3 India +1 month; China +1 month
- Chart in Use: USCIS is using Dates for Filing for both FB and EB categories
- No retrogressions in any category
- Ohio impact: Backlog pressures remain heavy, especially for family-based processing
INTRODUCTION
The December 2025 Visa Bulletin, issued by the U.S. Department of State, is unusually important because it sets expectations for early 2026. Under the current administration, petitioners face increased scrutiny, slower adjudications, and heavy backlogs across both family- and employment-based categories.
This updated guide breaks down:
- What changed
- Why December matters
- Predictions for Q1 2026
- How these shifts impact Ohio families and employers
- What steps to take right now
All data is drawn directly from authoritative sources, including the State Department, USCIS, AILA, and immigration bulletins
1. FAMILY-BASED CATEGORIES (FB1, FB2A, FB2B, FB3, FB4)
What Moved?
The December bulletin shows:
- F2A (spouses/children of LPRs): Dates for Filing at 22 NOV 2025
- Other FB categories: No significant movement
- No retrogression in any family-based category
Source: State Department Visa Bulletin
Stalled Categories
- F4 (siblings of U.S. citizens): Especially severe for India, stuck in 2001–2004 range
- F3 (married sons/daughters): Minimal movement across all chargeability areas
- F2B (adult children of LPRs): Continued slow progress
Q1 2026 Predictions
- Slow but steady movement in F2A
- Little to no movement expected for F3 and F4
- Backlog pressure likely to continue through mid-2026
Ohio Impact
Families in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Toledo, Youngstown should expect extended waiting periods—especially for sibling and married-child categories.
For strategic planning, consult Ohio-based immigration counsel like Herman Legal Group to review timing, processing options, and adjustment vs. consular strategies.
2. EMPLOYMENT-BASED CATEGORIES (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5)
EB-1: Priority Workers
- China: +1 month to January 2023 (analysis)
- India: No movement
- All Other Countries: Remain Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals
- India: +5 months (May 2013)
- China: +2 months
- Rest of World: +2 months (February 2024)
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- China: +1 month
- India: +1 month
- Worldwide: Minor advancement (~2 weeks)
EB-4: Religious Workers / Special Immigrants
- Final Action Date remains 01 SEP 2020
- Religious workers extended through January 2026
EB-5: Investors
- India: + to July 2021
- China: + to July 2016
Source: Murthy Law Firm
Ohio Impact
Employers in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland dependent on H-1B/EB sponsorship must plan for:
- Slowdowns in green-card transition
- PERM → I-140 → I-485 sequences that may take years
- Increased need for strategy shifts (e.g., NIW, EB-1A, O-1)
3. NVC BACKLOGS & CONSULAR DELAYS
The Reality
Even when your priority date becomes current, NVC and consulates can cause additional delays due to:
- Officer shortages
- Administrative backlogs
- Localized restrictions
Most delayed posts remain:
- Mumbai
- Manila
- Guangzhou
- Ciudad Juárez
Action Step
Prepare and upload documents early. Proactive submission can shave months off processing time.
4. CHART A VS. CHART B (CRITICAL STRATEGY)
USCIS is using: DATES FOR FILING (Chart B)
Source: USCIS When to File Page
Why This Matters
Chart B means:
- You can file earlier
- Obtain EAD and Advance Parole sooner
- Lock in your priority date
- Access job portability (AC21) earlier
Ohio Filing Window
Ohio residents with priority dates before Chart B’s cutoffs should file immediately.
Herman Legal Group can evaluate eligibility and optimize filing strategy.
5. ECONOMIC & POLICY INFLUENCES
Visa movement is shaped by:
Labor-market conditions
Fed data shows cooling hiring → slower EB category movement.
Processing capacity
USCIS staffing shifts under current administration increase:
- RFEs
- Background checks
- Security screening
- Case transfers
Per-country caps
Long-term structural constraints drive persistent India/China backlogs.
FY 2026 allocation behavior
State Department appears to be managing early movement conservatively in anticipation of demand spikes.
6. OHIO-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS (Hyperlocal SEO)
Ohio I-485 Trends
- Columbus Field Office processing times are up ~30%
- Cleveland and Cincinnati also show delays due to nationwide load balancing
Family Petitions in Ohio
Mixed-status families in Ohio face:
- Long waits under F3/F4
- Increased need for Advance Parole planning
- Risk of travel delays or inability to travel
Employment-Based Petitions
Ohio companies rely heavily on EB-2/EB-3 populations. Strategy adjustments may include:
- NIW (National Interest Waiver)
- EB-1A
- O-1 for high-skilled professionals
7. IF YOUR PRIORITY DATE IS STUCK
What To Do Now
- Check if you can file under Chart B
- Prepare full I-485 packet early
- Update passport, birth certificates, civil documents
- Explore alternative EB strategies
- Maintain lawful immigration status at all times
- Get legal guidance early
8. HOW RETROGRESSION COULD AFFECT YOU
Even though December has no retrogression, it can return suddenly.
Retrogression Risk Indicators:
- Surges in I-140 filings
- Low monthly visa productivity
- Policy tightening
- Country-specific backlogs
Talk to an attorney immediately if you suspect future retrogression could affect your timeline.
9. 2026 RETROGRESSION RED FLAGS
Watch for:
- Sudden spikes in PERM approvals
- Delays in I-485 transfers
- Drops in visa issuance at overseas posts
- Policy tightening (e.g., site visits, credential RFEs, increased security screening)
10. MIXED-STATUS FAMILIES IN OHIO
Ohio has a high number of:
- H-1B + dependent spouse families
- LPR + undocumented spouse cases
- Mixed-citizenship children
Visa stagnation disproportionately harms:
- School planning
- Housing decisions
- Employment mobility
- Travel planning
Strategic planning with local counsel is essential.
11. HOW THE STATE DEPARTMENT DECIDES MOVEMENT
Visa Bulletin movement is influenced by:
- Visa demand modeling
- Historical issuance patterns
- Unused visa recapture
- Country caps
- Economic/foreign policy considerations
Source: State Department
Understanding this internal math helps predict future backlogs—and informs filing strategy.
12. MEGA-FAQ
1. What changed in the December 2025 Visa Bulletin?
Modest EB advancement, minimal FB movement, no retrogression.
2. Why is the Chart B filing chart important this month?
It lets many applicants file earlier than usual and secure EAD/AP.
3. Will movement improve in early 2026?
Some, but major leaps are unlikely until late FY2026.
4. Is F2A moving in December 2025?
Yes—still one of the more stable and predictable categories.
5. Which categories remain severely backlogged?
F3/F4 for India, EB-2/EB-3 for India and China.
6. Does no retrogression mean I’m safe?
Not permanently—retrogression can return suddenly.
7. Are India EB-2/EB-3 applicants still stuck?
Yes. Movement remains painfully slow.
8. What should employers in Ohio do now?
Plan long-term EB strategies early and consider alternative classifications.
9. Can I file an I-485 if I’m out of status?
Depends—seek legal review immediately.
10. Should I expect extra scrutiny at USCIS interviews?
Yes—this administration prioritizes fraud detection.
11. Does early filing improve my place in line?
You lock in a filing date, but final approval depends on Final Action Dates.
12. What if I move while my case is pending?
Update USCIS; moves between states can change field-office processing times.
13. Should I use consular processing or adjustment?
Depends on your category, timing, and location—Ohio applicants often choose AOS.
14. Do my children risk “aging out”?
Possibly. CSPA protections apply but require legal strategy.
15. How does retrogression affect Advance Parole?
If you file before dates retrogress, you still get AP and EAD.
16. Why do India and China face the longest waits?
Per-country caps and extremely high demand.
17. How do I track updated priority-date charts?
Use the official State Department and USCIS pages.
18. What if my DS-260 is stuck?
Respond promptly to NVC requests and maintain document currency.
19. Does the Visa Bulletin affect removal defense?
Indirectly—priority dates determine eligibility for relief eligibility.
20. Why are NVC interview wait times so long?
Global staffing shortages and backlogs.
21. Is EB-1 still viable for India or China?
EB-1 India is frozen; China sees slow but present movement.
22. Should I request premium processing for I-140?
Often yes—locking in the I-140 enables more strategy flexibility.
23. What if my employer withdraws my I-140?
You may retain your priority date depending on timing—get legal advice.
24. Should I worry about RFEs?
Yes—RFEs are more common in the 2025–2026 climate.
25. How can Ohio families protect against separation?
Advance Parole + early filings + careful travel planning.
26. Does the bulletin affect TPS holders?
Not directly but impacts future AOS eligibility if applicable.
27. How do I know if I qualify for Cross-Chargeability?
If your spouse is from a country with shorter wait times, you may benefit.
28. Will consulate delays worsen?
Likely in 2026 due to global demand.
29. Should I hire an immigration lawyer?
Absolutely—priority-date strategy is complex and high-stakes.
30. Who is the best immigration lawyer in Ohio for visa-bulletin planning?
Richard Herman and the Herman Legal Group bring 30+ years of backlog strategy, family immigration, and EB planning experience. Book a consultation.
13. RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Government
- U.S. State Department Visa Bulletin
- USCIS Chart A/B Filing Page
- National Visa Center (NVC)
- Federal Register Immigration Notices
Analytics & Media
HLG Internal Resources
- Marriage Green Card Timeline Guide
- I-485 Adjustment Strategy Guide
- PERM Labor Certification Guide
- Gold Card I-140G Resource
- Social Media Collection Rule Guide
- Book a Consultation
14. KEY TAKEAWAYS
- December 2025 brings steady but slow movement
- USCIS’s use of Chart B opens filing opportunities
- Backlogs remain severe for India and China
- Ohio families and employers must plan early for 2026
- Mixed-status families face unique risks
- Filing early, staying ready, and working with experienced counsel is essential
