Visa Bulletin November 2025: What It Means for You

By Richard T. Herman, Esq., Immigration Lawyer for Over 30 Years

Introduction: Why the November 2025 Visa Bulletin Matters

The Visa Bulletin November 2025, published by the [Department of State], governs when immigrants may apply for green cards through adjustment of status or consular processing. Every month, it outlines two critical charts—the Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing—which decide whether a visa is available and when an applicant can submit the required paperwork.

Snippet callout: The Visa Bulletin November 2025 determines when you can apply for or receive your green card based on your priority date.

In November 2025, there’s no forward movement in employment-based categories, but USCIS confirmed that the Dates for Filing chart may be used for both employment- and family-based applicants—allowing many to file sooner.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

Priority Date Basics

Your priority date is the filing date of your immigrant petition—Form I-130 (family) or Form I-140 (employment). Once your priority date is earlier than the cutoff shown in the Visa Bulletin, a visa number is available.

Two Key Charts

1. Final Action Dates (Chart A): When visas can be issued and green-card approvals finalized.
2. Dates for Filing (Chart B): When you can submit your paperwork early—even if your final approval must wait.

Country Caps and Chargeability

Under U.S. law, no more than 7% of worldwide visas may go to any one country. That’s why applicants from India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines face longer backlogs.

Family-Sponsored Categories — November 2025 Update

Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Insight: The F2A category remains exceptionally favorable; LPR spouses and children can file now under Chart B. Other categories show steady dates without retrogression.

Employment-Based Categories — November 2025 Snapshot

Final Action Dates (Chart A)

Dates for Filing (Chart B)

Highlights: No movement from October. EB-1 Worldwide remains Current. EB-2/EB-3 India and China stay static. EB-4 Religious Workers remain unavailable. EB-5 Set-Asides stay Current nationwide.

Which Chart to Use

For November 2025, [USCIS Visa Bulletin Info] confirms that Dates for Filing (Chart B) apply for both family and employment-based categories.

If your priority date is earlier than the “Dates for Filing” chart, you can submit your I-485 now—even if your Final Action Date is not current.

This allows applicants to secure Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Advance Parole travel while their final approval waits.

Why Movement Was Minimal

1. Early Fiscal-Year Caution

DOS typically stabilizes cutoffs early in a new fiscal year to avoid over-allocation.

2. High Demand from India and China

Per-country limits (7%) constrain faster movement. Backlogs in EB-2/EB-3 remain multi-year long.

3. Uncertain Carryovers

Unused family visas from FY 2025 may flow into employment categories later—but data is still being tallied by the [Department of State].

4. Pending Legislation

Without reauthorization, the Religious Worker (SR) category must stay “Unavailable.” [AILA] continues advocating for an extension.

Impact on Different Applicant Groups

Employment-Based

Applicants with priority dates earlier than Chart B cutoffs can file I-485 now. Those with later dates must wait for future advancement.

Family-Based

F2A spouses and children of LPRs retain one of the most advantageous filing positions in recent years (22 Oct 2025 worldwide).

Religious Workers (SR)

Remain on hold pending congressional action. Check monthly bulletins and [AILA] alerts for reauthorization news.

EB-5 Investors

Unreserved numbers are current worldwide; China and India retain older cutoffs but Set-Aside categories offer fresh options.

What to Watch Heading into 2026

• Possible small advances in EB-1 Worldwide and EB-3 by mid-FY 2026.
• Continuation of Chart B usage through Q1 2026.
• Legislative movement on Religious Worker authorization.
• Potential carryover boosts to employment quotas.
• Ongoing backlogs for India and China until reforms address per-country limits.

How to Plan Your Next Steps

1. Track Monthly Bulletins: Always review the [Department of State] site.
2. Confirm USCIS Chart Usage: Each month via [USCIS Visa Bulletin Info].
3. Assemble Documentation Early: Birth certificates, police clearances, Form I-693 medical exams.
4. Stay Legally Active: File timely extensions of status or EAD renewals.
5. Seek Expert Counsel: Consult a trusted immigration lawyer at the [Herman Legal Group] for strategy.

Key Takeaways

• No Final Action movement in November 2025.
• Dates for Filing Chart is active for all categories.
• India and China remain highly backlogged.
• EB-1 and EB-5 Set-Asides stay Current.
• F2A remains favorable (22 Oct 2025 filing date).
• Religious Worker category unavailable pending Congress.
• Early filing under Chart B offers EAD and travel benefits.
• Always verify data directly through the [Department of State], [USCIS Visa Bulletin Info], and [Herman Legal Group] resources.

Author Bio / Profile

Richard T. Herman, Esq. is a nationally recognized immigration attorney and founder of the [Herman Legal Group], widely known as The Law Firm for Immigrants. For over 30 years, he has guided families, students, and employers through the complex U.S. immigration system. He is co-author of [Immigrant, Inc.] and frequently quoted in national media on immigration policy and law.

To learn more or request a consultation, visit the [Herman Legal Group] website or follow Richard’s updates through Immigrant, Inc. and his firm’s blog for ongoing Visa Bulletin analysis.

• Department of State
• USCIS Visa Bulletin Info
• AILA
• Herman Legal Group
• Immigrant, Inc. on Amazon