July 2025 Visa Bulletin Released: Slow Movement in Employment-Based Categories Continues

 Released by the U.S. Department of State on June 10, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for July 2025, outlining the current green card wait times for family-based and employment-based categories.

The Visa Bulletin governs immigrant visa availability and determines whether foreign nationals can file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) or receive an immigrant visa interview.

As in recent months, the Bulletin reveals limited forward movement in key employment-based green card categories.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin: What It Means for You

Each monthly Visa Bulletin includes two important charts:

• Final Action Dates (Chart A): Determines when the U.S. government may approve an AOS (Form I-485) or consular immigrant visa.
• Dates for Filing (Chart B): Used by USCIS to determine when applicants may submit their Form I-485—this chart does not guarantee immediate approval.

For July 2025, USCIS has confirmed that it will follow the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based adjustment of status filings. Check USCIS’s visa bulletin page here for official confirmation.

As with prior months, forward movement remains slow and limited, especially for Indian and Chinese applicants. Below is a detailed breakdown and analysis of the latest final action dates (Chart A).

For July 2025:

• Family-Based applicants must follow the Dates for Filing chart.
• Employment-Based applicants must follow the Final Action Dates chart.

📌 Why it matters: The cutoff dates tell you when your place in line becomes current—and when you can finally take the next step in your green card process.

Highlights: What Moved in July 2025?

• F2B Mexico: Advanced by 1 full year (biggest jump in family categories).
• EB-3 for Mexico and Rest of World: Advanced by nearly two months.
• EB-4: Still unavailable due to reaching the annual cap.
• EB-5: No movement, though reserved visa categories remain current.

Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs: July 2025

EB-1: Extraordinary Ability, Professors, and Executives

• India: No movement — remains at February 15, 2022
• China: Advances slightly to November 15, 2022
• All Other Countries: Current

📌 What this means: Indian applicants continue to face long waits in the EB1 category. China sees marginal progress, while other countries can proceed immediately.’

EB-2: Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability

• India: Unchanged at January 1, 2013
• China: Advances to December 15, 2020
• All Other Countries: Unchanged at October 15, 2023

📌 What this means: EB2 India remains severely retrogressed. China’s EB2 applicants see some relief, though still significant delays.

EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals

• India: Moves forward to April 22, 2013
• China: Advances to December 1, 2020
• All Other Countries: Advance to April 1, 2023
• Philippines: No change

📌 What this means: Some progress for India and China in EB3; however, the Philippines category remains stalled.

EB-3 Other Workers

• India: Aligned with standard EB3 at April 15, 2013
• China: Stagnant at April 1, 2017
• All Other Countries: Move forward to June 22, 2021

EB-4: Special Immigrants (e.g., Religious Workers, SIJ)

• All Countries: Unavailable (U)

📌 What this means: The EB4 category, including many religious workers and juveniles (SIJ), remains unavailable. This is expected through September 30, 2025, with potential resumption in October 2025.

EB-5: Investors

• India (Unreserved): Still at May 1, 2019
• China (Unreserved): Still at January 22, 2014
• All Other Countries: Current
• All Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure): Current for all countries

📌 What this means: EB-5 reserved categories conue to remain a favorable option for Indian and Chinese investors facing long unreserved delays.

Family-Based Green Card Categories

F-1: Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens

F2A: Spouses and Children of Green Card Holders

• Chart B – Dates for Filing: Moves forward to March 1, 2025, for all countries

📌 What this means: Eligible applicants can now begin preparing documentation if their priority date is before March 1, 2025, even if the final action date has not yet been reached.

F-2B: Unmarried Adult Children of Green Card Holders

F-3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens

F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens

At-a-Glance: Visa Bulletin Changes – July 2025

Why This Matters: July 2025 and the Final Fiscal Quarter

July marks the first month of the fourth and final quarter of the U.S. government’s fiscal year (which ends September 30). This quarter often sees adjustments based on visa demand and availability. However, the July bulletin shows only marginal movement, especially in historically backlogged categories like EB-2 and EB-3 India.

This is the sixth consecutive month USCIS has chosen to follow the Final Action Chart, possibly reflecting:

• Continued high demand for immigrant visas
• Visa cap management strategy
• Caution due to unpredictable rollover numbers

The Department of State has previously hinted that movement could be adjusted quarterly, but the July bulletin doesn’t reflect significant progress.

Predictions: Will There Be Movement in August and September?

There is still potential for more aggressive forward movement in the August and September bulletins—especially if:

• There are unused visa numbers from family-based categories,
• Demand projections are adjusted,
• Processing slows due to administrative backlogs.

Keep in mind that any major movement often happens at the end of the fiscal year, particularly if the Department of State fears wasting available green card slots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About July 2025 Visa Bulletin

How do I know if my priority date is current?
Check your I-140 or I-130 priority date and compare it to the Final Action Dates in the Visa Bulletin. If your date is earlier than the listed cutoff, your date is “current.”

Can I file my I-485 if my priority date is current under Chart B only?
No. You can only file Form I-485 (green card application) if your date is current under Chart A (Final Action Dates), unless USCIS specifically allows use of Chart B for that month.

Why is EB4 still unavailable?
Due to statutory limits and oversubscription, the EB4 category is unavailable until FY2026 begins on October 1, 2025.

Why are EB2 and EB3 India dates stuck so far behind?
India has a high demand and per-country cap that causes retrogression. Relief may only come through legislative reform or spillover from unused visa numbers in other categories.

What are the EB5 set-aside categories and why are they “current”?
Set-aside visas (rural, high unemployment, infrastructure) are reserved subcategories under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, with separate quotas. Demand is still building, so they remain “current.”

What is the Visa Bulletin and why is it important?
The Visa Bulletin, issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides updates on immigrant visa availability. It establishes the cutoff dates that determine when applicants can take the next step in the green card process—either filing an application or receiving approval.

What is a priority date?
Your priority date is the date that USCIS or the Department of Labor receives your immigrant petition (e.g., Form I-130 or Form I-140) or labor certification. It marks your place in line for a green card.

What is the difference between the “Final Action Date” and the “Date for Filing”?
The Final Action Date (Chart A) indicates when a green card can be approved. The Date for Filing (Chart B) indicates when you can file an application, even if it can’t yet be approved. USCIS chooses each month which chart applicants must use.

Which chart is USCIS using for July 2025 employment-based green card filings?
USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based categories in July 2025. This means you can only file your I-485 if your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date listed.

Which chart is USCIS using for family-based applicants in July 2025?
For July 2025, USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored applicants, allowing them to file earlier than the Final Action Date in many cases.

Why is the EB-4 category listed as “Unavailable”?
The annual limit for the EB-4 category (Special Immigrants) has been reached for fiscal year 2025. No new EB-4 visas will be issued until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

Why hasn’t my priority date moved in several months?
Stagnation occurs due to high demand, per-country limits, and limited availability of visa numbers. If demand exceeds supply, cutoff dates may freeze or retrogress.

What is retrogression?
Retrogression is when a cutoff date moves backward instead of forward. This typically happens when demand for a particular category or country exceeds expectations.

Why are cutoff dates for India and China often more delayed?
India and China have a high volume of applicants and are subject to per-country limits. As a result, their categories—especially EB-2 and EB-3—often have significant backlogs.

Can I still file an I-485 application if my priority date is not current?
No. For employment-based applicants in July 2025, you must wait until your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date for your category and country.

What happens if my priority date becomes current but I’m not ready to file?
You can still file while your date remains current, but if it retrogresses before you apply, you must wait for it to become current again. It’s important to act quickly.

Does filing under the Dates for Filing chart guarantee faster green card processing?
No. Filing earlier allows you to obtain work and travel authorization (EAD and advance parole), but your green card cannot be approved until your Final Action Date is current.

Are the EB-5 set-aside categories current for all countries?
Yes. The EB-5 set-aside categories—rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure projects—are current in July 2025 for all countries, making them attractive options for faster processing.

What if my priority date is exactly the same as the cutoff date?
Your date must be before the cutoff. If it is the same, it is not yet considered current.

Can a U.S. employer switch me from EB-2 to EB-3 to take advantage of a faster moving category?
Possibly. This is known as an EB-2 to EB-3 “downgrade.” It requires a new I-140 petition filed under the EB-3 category, often using the same labor certification. A downgrade strategy should be discussed with an immigration attorney.

If I’m outside the U.S., does the Final Action Date still apply to me?
Yes. Consular immigrant visa interviews are scheduled only if your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date.

Will my pending I-485 be denied if the Final Action Date retrogresses?
No. A pending I-485 remains valid and will be held until the date becomes current again. You may continue renewing your EAD/AP while you wait.

Is the EB-3 category moving faster than EB-2 right now?
For many countries, yes. In July 2025, EB-3 India and China show slightly better advancement than EB-2. This trend can fluctuate monthly.

How are the visa numbers allocated across categories?
Each year, about 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are allocated across five preference categories. Unused numbers from one category may “spill over” to others, typically benefiting the most backlogged categories.

Do employment-based applicants need a labor certification (PERM)?
Most EB-2 and EB-3 applicants require PERM certification unless applying under national interest waivers or other exemptions. EB-1 and EB-5 applicants do not require PERM.

How do I track past Visa Bulletin movement to predict future trends?
Review the Visa Bulletin archives on the Department of State website and monitor monthly changes. Tracking movement by category and country can help estimate future trends.

What are my options if my category stays backlogged for years?
Options include exploring EB-1 (if qualified), EB-5 investor programs, interfiling, or temporary visa alternatives like H-1B extensions or O-1 visas. Legal strategy is essential.

Can I expedite my green card if I face urgent circumstances?
In limited cases, USCIS may expedite based on criteria like medical emergency or urgent humanitarian reasons. However, this is rare and requires strong supporting evidence.

Where can I find official updates and charts for the Visa Bulletin?
You can view monthly charts at USCIS Visa Bulletin Page and State Department Visa Bulletin.

Should I consult an immigration attorney about my priority date or green card strategy?
Yes. Because every case is different and the Visa Bulletin is only one part of the equation, an immigration attorney can help develop a personalized filing strategy based on your visa type, country of chargeability, and long-term goals.

What’s my priority date?
It’s usually the date your I-130 or I-140 was filed. Check your USCIS receipt notice or consult an attorney.

What if my priority date becomes current?

• Inside the U.S.? You may be eligible to file Form I-485 (AOS).
• Outside the U.S.? You may receive an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate.

What if it retrogresses?
Your case may be paused until the date becomes current again. Stay informed monthly.

What Should Employers and Applicants Do Now?

• Check your priority date against the July 2025 Final Action chart.
• Gather required documents if your date is current and you’re ready to file Form I-485.
• Consider EB-5 set-aside options if you’re eligible and seek faster alternatives.
• Consult an immigration attorney to discuss downgrade/upgrade strategies (e.g., EB-2 to EB-3).

Stay Updated & Plan Ahead

With only a few months remaining in FY 2025 (which ends September 30), visa availability may shift again—especially in August or September if the government attempts to prevent unused green cards from going to waste.

Have Questions About Your Green Card Timeline?

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to file, or you’re facing a long wait in categories like EB-2 India, strategic advice from a seasoned immigration attorney can help you:

• Evaluate visa downgrade/upgrade options
• Avoid missed opportunities during temporary cutoff advancements
• Prepare for consular processing abroad, if required

Need Help Understanding Your Visa Bulletin Status?

The Visa Bulletin can be confusing, and timing your next steps is critical. Don’t miss your filing window or risk unnecessary delays.

Should You Contact an Immigration Attorney?

Yes. Given the complexity and rapid shifts in visa bulletin dates, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you:

• Strategize your filing under the right chart
• Avoid delays or denials due to timing or documentation errors
• Explore alternatives like adjustment of status, consular processing, or portability
• Understand wait time projections and options to expedite

Talk to Immigration Attorney Richard T. Herman

If you or your family are affected by delays in the July 2025 Visa Bulletin, or are planning to file soon, schedule a strategy session with immigration attorney Richard T. Herman and his team at the Herman Legal Group. With over 30 years of experience and a national reputation for excellence in immigration law, Richard and his team can help you navigate the green card process with clarity and confidence.

📞 Call 1-800-808-4013 or Schedule an Appointment Online.

Additional Resources and Charts Related to Visa Bulletin for July 2025

• Current USCIS Visa Bulletin Information
• State Department Visa Bulletin Archive
• USCIS Green Card Eligibility and Process Overview