Published: May 13, 2025

Quick Snapshot in June 2025

• China EB-2 advances two months; China EB-3 progresses three weeks.
• India’s EB Final Action Dates: No movement across all employment-based categories.
• Rest of the World (ROW):
• EB-2: Moves forward by nearly four months.
• EB-3: Gains five weeks.
• USCIS confirms it will use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based filings in June 2025.
• Family-Based F2A remains mostly current but still reflects backlogs for Mexico.
• EB-4 Category is fully unavailable due to statutory caps, having reached its annual limit for FY 2025.
• DV-2025 numbers are tightening as September 30 approaches—file immediately if eligible. With the DV-2025 numbers tightening, many applicants waiting for their turn should file immediately if eligible.
• New SIV rules could affect former U.S. Government employees abroad.

What’s Changing in June 2025?

The U.S. Department of State has released its June 2025 Visa Bulletin, reflecting small but meaningful improvements in some employment-based green card categories, following updated procedures. Below is a breakdown of the movement and what it means for adjustment of status (I-485) applicants. These changes are part of a revised process aimed at improving the predictability and efficiency of visa issuance.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin Charts

Each monthly Visa Bulletin features two key charts:

• Final Action Dates: When a green card can actually be approved.
• Dates for Filing: When you can submit your Form I-485, even if a green card can’t yet be issued. The Dates for Filing chart is crucial for determining when applicants can start filing applications for adjustment of status.

For June 2025, USCIS will follow the Final Action Dates chart for all employment-based categories. Understanding these charts is essential for navigating the application process efficiently.

🔗 USCIS Visa Bulletin Page

Employment-Based Final Action Dates: June 2025

This chart determines who is eligible to be granted a green card this month based on the availability of visa numbers.

EB Category	All Other Countries	China (PRC)	India	Mexico	Philippines
EB-1 – Priority Workers	Current	Nov 8, 2022	Feb 15, 2022	Current	Current
EB-2 – Advanced Degrees / Exceptional Ability	Oct 15, 2023	Dec 1, 2020	Jan 1, 2013	Oct 15, 2023	Oct 15, 2023
EB-3 – Professionals / Skilled Workers	Feb 8, 2023	Nov 22, 2020	Apr 15, 2013	Feb 8, 2023	Feb 8, 2023

The Employment-Based Final Action Dates chart outlines the availability of employment based preference visas for June 2025.

Key Visa Movement Insights

• EB-1: No movement. Remains current for most countries; backlog persists for China and India.
• EB-2:
  • China advances two months (Oct 2020 → Dec 2020)
  • ROW sees a leap of over three months (June 2023 → Oct 2023)
  • India remains frozen at Jan 1, 2013
• EB-3:
  • China moves ahead by three weeks (Nov 1 → Nov 22, 2020)
  • ROW progresses five weeks (Jan 1, 2023 → Feb 8, 2023)
  • India remains stalled at Apr 15, 2013

These movements are influenced by the processes used for determining visa availability, which consider various factors such as demand and statutory limits.

Dates for Filing: EB Chart (June 2025)

Although USCIS is not using this chart in June, it reflects future trends in visa demand. Although USCIS is not using this chart in June, it provides valuable insights for applicants planning to start filing applications in the near future.

EB Category	All Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
EB-1	Current	Jan 1, 2023	Apr 15, 2022	Current	Current
EB-2	Nov 15, 2023	Jan 1, 2021	Feb 1, 2013	Nov 15, 2023	Nov 15, 2023
EB-3	Mar 1, 2023	Dec 22, 2020	Jun 8, 2013	Mar 1, 2023	Mar 1, 2023

This chart helps applicants waiting for their turn to understand future trends in visa demand.

Trend Analysis: Limited Movement Despite Q4 Start

Why aren’t we seeing stronger forward momentum?

June marks the beginning of the final quarter in the federal fiscal year (which ends September 30). Historically, the Department of State sometimes adjusts cutoff dates quarterly to increase green card issuance volume before year-end. However, June’s Bulletin showed:

• Minimal movement in oversubscribed categories like EB-2 and EB-3 for India is partly due to reaching the annual limit for these visa numbers.
• No change in EB-1, even though demand had raised expectations for progress, indicates a tight control over the allocation of visa numbers.
• Potential constraints from increased demand or administrative delays.

Legal Insight: What This Means for You

• If your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date listed for your category and country, you may file or receive approval for a green card.
• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) plays a crucial role in determining when applicants can file or receive approval for a green card.
• If you missed the cutoff, you must wait for future bulletins and monitor monthly.
• USCIS’s continued reliance on Final Action Dates makes it harder for applicants to benefit from the more generous Dates for Filing in some categories.

Looking Ahead

• This marks the fifth consecutive month USCIS has opted for the more restrictive Final Action Date approach, following a revised process aimed at better managing visa demand.
• Unless visa demand decreases or DOS takes proactive steps in July–September, many long-waiting applicants (especially from India) may see little change.
• Applicants in ROW, Mexico, and the Philippines have more favorable outlooks this summer.

EB-4: Special Immigrants

🔴 All countries: Unavailable

As announced by the Department of State in February 2025, the FY 2025 cap for EB-4 has already been reached. The category will remain closed through September 30, 2025, which means unauthorized for any new applications until the next fiscal year and reopen with the next fiscal year on October 1, 2025.

EB-5: Immigrant Investor Program

Category	China	India	All Other Countries
Unreserved (C5, T5, etc.)	Jan 22, 2014	May 1, 2019	Current
Set-Aside: Rural (20%)	Current	Current	Current
Set-Aside: High Unemployment (10%)	Current	Current	Current
Set-Aside: Infrastructure (2%)	Current	Current	Current

💡 Set-aside categories remain fully current for all nations, making this an attractive window for investors. The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program remains an attractive option for those seeking employment based preference visas, with set-aside categories fully current for all nations.

Overview: What is the Visa Bulletin?

Each month, the U.S. Department of State releases the Visa Bulletin to provide guidance on:

• Final Action Dates: When green cards can be issued.
• Dates for Filing: When applicants can submit their visa or adjustment applications.

The Visa Bulletin outlines immigrant visa availability based on priority dates and chargeability areas.

This helps individuals track when they can take action based on their visa category and priority date.

Understanding chargeability areas is crucial for applicants to determine their place in line for visa processing.

👉 Check USCIS Updates for Adjustment Filing Use

Family-Sponsored Green Card Availability

Statutory Limits and Rules

• Annual family-sponsored green card cap: 226,000. The annual limit for family-sponsored green cards is set at 226,000.
• Per-country limit: 7% of total (25,620 visas)
• Dependent area cap: 2% (7,320 visas)
• Oversubscribed Countries: China (mainland), India, Mexico, Philippines

Spouses and children of principal applicants may share the same preference category and priority date under INA Section 203(d).

These rules ensure a fair distribution of visas among applicants seeking to become permanent residents.

Family-Based Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Preference	All Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
F1	08JUN16	08JUN16	08JUN16	22APR05	15JUL12
F2A	01JAN22	01JAN22	01JAN22	15MAY21	01JAN22
F2B	22SEP16	22SEP16	22SEP16	01JAN06	08FEB12
F3	22JUN11	22JUN11	22JUN11	15JAN01	22SEP03
F4	01JAN08	01JAN08	15JUN06	15MAR01	01JUN05

The F2B category, for example, is for unmarried adult children of LPRs who are 21 years of age or older.

Note: F2A is partially exempt from country limits for Mexico.

Family-Based Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Preference	All Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR06	22APR15
F2A	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01APR07	01OCT13
F3	22JUL12	22JUL12	22JUL12	15JUN01	22SEP04
F4	01JUN08	01JUN08	01DEC06	30APR01	01JAN08

This chart helps applicants determine the appropriate time for filing applications for adjustment of status.

Employment-Based Green Card Availability

Employment-Based Preference Allocations

• Total Employment-Based Cap: 140,000/year. The annual limit for employment-based green cards is 140,000.
• Per Category Share:
• EB-1, EB-2, EB-3: ~28.6% each. Each category receives a specific share of the total visa numbers available.
• EB-4 (Special Immigrants): 7.1%
• EB-5 (Investors): 7.1%, with 32% set aside for:
• Rural Areas: 20%
• High Unemployment: 10%
• Infrastructure: 2%

Employment-Based Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Preference	All Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
EB-1	C	08NOV22	15FEB22	C	C
EB-2	15OCT23	01DEC20	01JAN13	15OCT23	15OCT23
EB-3	08FEB23	22NOV20	15APR13	08FEB23	08FEB23
Other Workers	22JUN21	01APR17	15APR13	22JUN21	22JUN21
EB-4	U	U	U	U	U
EB-5 (Unreserved)	C	22JAN14	01MAY19	C	C

U = Unavailable

The Employment-Based Final Action Dates chart outlines the availability of employment based preference visas for June 2025.

This chart determines who is eligible to be granted a green card this month based on the availability of visa numbers.

Employment-Based Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Preference	All Other Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
EB-1	C	01JAN23	15APR22	C	C
EB-2	15NOV23	01JAN21	01FEB13	15NOV23	15NOV23
EB-3	01MAR23	22DEC20	08JUN13	01MAR23	01MAR23
Other Workers	22JUL21	01JAN18	08JUN13	22JUL21	22JUL21
EB-4	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21	01FEB21
EB-5 (Unreserved)	C	01OCT16	01APR22	C	C

This chart helps applicants determine the appropriate time for filing applications for adjustment of status.

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: June & July 2025 Cut-offs

The DV program provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas per year, but for FY2025, the number is effectively reduced to about 52,000 due to allocations under NACARA and the 2024 NDAA.

The DV program provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas per year, reflecting the overall immigrant visa availability.

June 2025 DV Cut-Offs

Region	General Cut-off	Exceptions
Africa	42,500	Algeria (42,250), Egypt (36,250), Morocco (30,000)
Asia	8,250	Iran, Nepal (8,000)
Europe	17,500	Russia (17,450), Uzbekistan (10,250)
North America	20	N/A
Oceania	1,550	N/A
South America/Caribbean	2,300	N/A

These cut-offs indicate the maximum visa numbers available for each region in June 2025.

July 2025 DV Cut-Offs

Region	General Cut-off	Exceptions
Africa	45,000	Algeria (44,950), Egypt (40,000), Morocco (34,500)
Asia	9,000	Iran, Nepal (8,950)
Europe	19,000	Russia (18,950), Uzbekistan (12,000)
North America	20	N/A
Oceania	1,650	N/A
South America/Caribbean	2,450	N/A

These cut-offs indicate the maximum visa numbers available for each region in July 2025.

Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) – New NDAA Provisions

The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act introduced changes for U.S. government employees abroad and their families. This does not affect Afghan/Iraqi SIVs under SQ/SI. Impacted individuals should consult the consular section where Form DS-1884 was filed for updated guidance.

Impacted individuals should consult the consular section at U.S. embassies abroad where Form DS-1884 was filed for updated guidance.

When to File Your I-485 Adjustment of Status Application (June 2025)

If you are waiting to adjust your status to become a U.S. permanent resident through a family-sponsored or employment-based preference visa, this monthly guide helps you understand whether your priority date is current—and if you can submit Form I-485.

This monthly guide helps you understand the application process and whether your priority date is current.

Step-by-Step: How to Use This Bulletin

1. Identify your visa type:
   • Look at either the Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based preference chart.
2. Find your chargeability area (country of birth):
   • Look across the columns in the chart for the country that matches your place of birth.
3. Check your priority date:
   • This is the date USCIS received your petition or, if applicable, when your PERM labor certification was accepted by the Department of Labor.
4. Compare dates:
   • If your priority date is earlier than the listed filing date—or the chart shows “C” for current—you may submit your I-485 application (if otherwise eligible).
   • A “U” means the category is currently unavailable.

👉 Check USCIS Visa Bulletin Updates

Filing Chart: Family-Sponsored Preference (June 2025)

Use this chart to determine when you can file your I-485 for family-sponsored green cards:

Family Category	All Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
F1 – Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR06	22APR15
F2A – Spouses & children of LPRs	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25	01FEB25
F2B – Unmarried adult children of LPRs	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01APR07	01OCT13
F3 – Married children of U.S. citizens	22JUL12	22JUL12	22JUL12	15JUN01	22SEP04
F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens	01JUN08	01JUN08	01DEC06	30APR01	01JAN08

This chart helps applicants determine the appropriate time for filing applications for adjustment of status.

🔎 Visual Insight: The chart below highlights the disparity between visa processing times by category and country:

Final Action Dates: Employment-Based Adjustment (June 2025)

These dates indicate when a green card can be issued. This chart determines who is eligible to be granted a green card this month based on the availability of visa numbers:

Employment Category	All Countries	China	India	Mexico	Philippines
EB-1 – Priority workers	C	08NOV22	15FEB22	C	C
EB-2 – Advanced degrees / exceptional ability	15OCT23	01DEC20	01JAN13	15OCT23	15OCT23
EB-3 – Skilled workers / professionals	08FEB23	22NOV20	15APR13	08FEB23	08FEB23
Other Workers	22JUN21	01APR17	15APR13	22JUN21	22JUN21
EB-4 – Special immigrants	U	U	U	U	U
Certain Religious Workers	U	U	U	U	U
EB-5 Unreserved	C	22JAN14	01MAY19	C	C
EB-5 Set Asides – Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure	C	C	C	C	C

“C” = Current (you may file if otherwise eligible) “U” = Unavailable

The Final Action Dates chart outlines the availability of employment based preference visas for June 2025.

About the Visa Bulletin System

The Department of State (DOS) releases a monthly Visa Bulletin, which determines green card eligibility by tracking:

• Total visas available
• Backlogs by category
• Demand for each preference classification

Since 2015, USCIS and DOS have collaborated to:

• Issue all green cards authorized by Congress
• Provide more predictability for green card applicants
• Improve how visa demand is calculated

Learn more:
📘 Modernizing and Streamlining Legal Immigration Report (PDF)

Two Key Charts in Every Bulletin

1. Final Action Dates – When green cards can be approved.
2. Dates for Filing – When applicants can submit I-485 (adjustment of status) applications.

USCIS will announce each month which chart to follow on its Visa Bulletin Updates Page.

How USCIS Determines Visa Availability

USCIS and DOS consider:

• Remaining visa supply for the fiscal year
• Pending green card applications at both USCIS and consulates
• Drop-off rates (due to abandonment, denial, or withdrawal)

This data allows USCIS to forecast cutoff dates and ensure the maximum number of visas are issued each year.

GENERAL VISA BULLETIN FAQs

What is a priority date?
It’s the date your green card petition was first filed. This determines your place in line.

How long will I wait?
That depends on your country and visa category. The Visa Bulletin can’t predict exact timing but helps identify patterns.

Why does my date go backward?
That’s called retrogression—it happens when demand exceeds supply. Your spot may temporarily move backward until numbers reset.

What is the purpose of the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, provides updated information on green card availability. It shows cut-off dates for each immigrant visa category and country of chargeability, determining when applicants can move forward with their green card process.

What are “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing”?
Final Action Dates indicate when a green card can be issued. Dates for Filing determine when a person can file their adjustment of status application. USCIS announces monthly which chart it will use for family-based and employment-based applicants.

What is a priority date?
A priority date is the date when a green card petition (Form I-130 or I-140) or labor certification was filed. It establishes the applicant’s place in line for green card processing.

How do I find my priority date?
Your priority date is typically printed on your I-797 Notice of Action or listed on your labor certification. You may also consult with your attorney or sponsoring employer.

What does it mean if my priority date is “current”?
If your priority date is earlier than the listed cut-off date—or if the category is marked “C” (current)—you may file your application (if using the Dates for Filing chart) or your green card may be approved (if using the Final Action Dates chart).

What does “U” mean on the Visa Bulletin?
“U” means the category is “Unauthorized” or “Unavailable.” No immigrant visas are available in that category for the month.

What is retrogression, and why does it happen?
Retrogression is when a previously current priority date moves backward. It occurs when visa demand exceeds the supply for a given category or country.

How often does the Visa Bulletin change?
The Visa Bulletin is issued monthly, usually around the 10th to 15th of each month.

What is the difference between USCIS and the Department of State when it comes to the Visa Bulletin?
The Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin. USCIS decides which chart (Final Action or Filing Dates) applicants in the U.S. must follow to file Form I-485.

JUNE 2025 VISA BULLETIN-SPECIFIC FAQs

What changed in the family-based categories in the June 2025 Visa Bulletin?
Most family-based categories remained unchanged. The only notable change was in the F-4 category (siblings of U.S. citizens) for India, which advanced by two months.

Which chart should I use in June 2025 for adjustment of status filing?
In June 2025, USCIS designated the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored applicants and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based applicants.

Did the EB-1 category move at all in June 2025?
No. The EB-1 Final Action Dates remained unchanged. India is still at February 15, 2022, and China is at November 8, 2022. All other countries remain current.

What is the most significant movement in the June 2025 Visa Bulletin?
The largest advancement occurred in the EB-2 category for Mexico, the Philippines, and All Other Areas, which moved forward by nearly four months.

Is EB-4 available in June 2025?
No. EB-4 is unavailable for all countries. The annual visa cap was reached in February 2025. This category will reopen in October 2025 when the new fiscal year begins.

Did the EB-5 category change in June 2025?
No. The EB-5 category remains current for most countries. The unreserved subcategory remains at May 1, 2019 for India and January 22, 2014 for China. All EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) remain current for all countries.

Why does India show no forward movement in EB-2 and EB-3?
India’s backlogs are due to consistently high demand. Its EB-2 and EB-3 cut-off dates have remained stuck at January 1, 2013 and April 15, 2013, respectively.

How much did China advance in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories?
China’s EB-2 cut-off date moved ahead by two months to December 1, 2020. EB-3 advanced by about three weeks to November 22, 2020.

Which EB categories showed any advancement in June 2025?
EB-2, EB-3, and EB-3 Other Worker categories showed movement for all countries except India. EB-1, EB-4, and EB-5 were either unchanged or unavailable.

Can I file my I-485 if my date is current in the Dates for Filing chart, but USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart?
No. You can only file your I-485 when USCIS authorizes the use of the Dates for Filing chart. In June 2025, for employment-based applicants, USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart.

STRATEGIC AND ADVANCED QUESTIONS

If I’m outside the U.S., does the Visa Bulletin still apply to me?
Yes. For consular processing abroad, the Final Action Dates chart determines when you can proceed to a visa interview and potentially receive an immigrant visa.

Can priority dates ever move backward again in the coming months?
Yes. If the demand suddenly exceeds expectations, or USCIS needs to slow issuance to stay within visa limits, retrogression may occur even late in the fiscal year.

When does the visa cap reset?
The annual immigrant visa limits reset at the start of the fiscal year on October 1 each year.

What are set-aside categories in EB-5 and why are they important?
EB-5 set-asides reserve portions of the total EB-5 visa allotment for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure investments. These subcategories remain current, offering a faster route to permanent residency.

How can I improve my position if my category is heavily backlogged?
You may consider alternative immigration paths such as the EB-5 Investor Program, National Interest Waiver (NIW), or pursuing a family-based petition if eligible.

What should I do if my priority date is close to becoming current?
You should ensure all documents are ready, maintain eligibility, and consult with an immigration attorney to file as soon as your date is current.

Why You Should Consult Immigration Attorney Richard Herman Today

Understanding the June 2025 Visa Bulletin isn’t just about reading charts—it’s about knowing what to do next. Whether your priority date just became current, is rapidly approaching, or remains stuck in a frustrating backlog, this is a critical moment to make informed decisions that could shape your immigration future.

That’s where Attorney Richard Herman and his nationally recognized legal team come in. With over 30 years of experience guiding individuals, families, professionals, and investors through every type of visa challenge, Richard Herman provides more than legal representation—he offers strategy, clarity, and peace of mind.

If you’re:

• Unsure how the latest Visa Bulletin affects your case,
• Facing delays or retrogression in your employment- or family-based category,
• Considering alternatives like EB-5 investment visas, NIWs, or family sponsorship,
• Or simply need help filing your I-485 before your window closes,

Now is the time to speak with a trusted advocate who understands both the legal nuances and the human urgency behind every green card application.

Don’t navigate this alone. Contact Richard Herman for a personalized consultation and let a veteran immigration attorney help you move forward with confidence.

👉Schedule your consultation with Richard Herman today

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Next Steps and Resources

Visa Bulletin Page on USCIS.gov – Check which chart to use when filing.

State Department Travel Website – Embassy visa processing updates

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