The U.S. Department of State has released the March 2025Visa Bulletin, and while February saw a stagnation in most priority dates, March brings some long-awaited movement. The applicant’s priority date is crucial in determining visa eligibility, as it establishes when immigrant visas are available based on the priority dates of applicants. Below, we break down the updates by country and category, along with helpful background information, insights, and resources to guide applicants through the visa process.

In quick summary, here are the updates from the March 2025 Visa Bulletin:

Key Takeaways

  • EB-1: No movement; dates remain unchanged.
  • EB-2: Advancements observed across multiple countries.
  • EB-3: Progression in dates for China and India.
  • EB-4: Significant retrogression affecting all countries.
  • EB-5: No changes; all countries remain current.

Staying informed about these updates is crucial for applicants planning to adjust their status. Regularly consult the DOS Visa Bulletin and USCIS websites for the latest information.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

For those unfamiliar with the Visa Bulletin, it is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It dictates when applicants with approved immigrant petitions can move forward in the final steps of their green card process.

  • Priority Date: The date an applicant’s petition was filed. This determines an individual’s place in line for a visa.
  • Cutoff Date: If an applicant’s priority date is earlier than the cutoff date listed in the Visa Bulletin, a visa number is available, and they may proceed with their green card application.
  • Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing:
    • Final Action Dates: Dictate when green cards can officially be issued.
    • Dates for Filing: Indicate when applicants can submit paperwork but do not guarantee immediate approval.

IMPORTANT:  For March 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that applicants should use the Final Action Dates chart for submitting adjustment of status applications. citeturn0search1

how to read the Visa Bulletin, refer to the DOS’s official guide.

Employment-Based Preference Categories

The employment-based (EB) visa categories are divided into several preferences, each with specific criteria:

  • EB-1: Priority Workers, including individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and certain multinational executives and managers.
  • EB-2: Members of professions holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability.
  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
  • EB-4: Certain special immigrants, including religious workers.
  • EB-5: Immigrant investors in new commercial enterprises.

Employment-based immigrant visas are allocated based on priority dates and the availability of immigrant visa numbers for various employment-based categories.

 March 2025 Visa Bulletin Summary

Below is an overview of Final Action Date changes from February:

The final action dates chart is crucial for tracking the progress of priority dates for employment-based categories like EB-2 and EB-3. It determines eligibility for individuals to file their Form I-485 based on the dates listed in the chart.

march 2025 visa bulletin

India

  • EB-1: Remains unchanged at February 1, 2022.
  • EB-2: Advances 5 months to December 1, 2012.
  • EB-3 Professionals & Other Workers: Move forward by 5 months to February 1, 2013.

The availability of visas for India can be influenced by the fourth and fifth preferences, as the percentages of immigrants allocated under the EB categories depend on the numbers not required for these preferences.

China

  • EB-1: Remains stalled at November 8, 2022.
  • EB-2: Progresses 16 days to May 8, 2020.
  • EB-3 Professionals: Advances 1 full month to August 1, 2020.
  • EB-3 Other Workers: No change, still at January 1, 2017.

The EB-5 category, which focuses on employment creation, allocates visas based on investments that lead to job creation in the U.S. A percentage of these visas are reserved for immigrants investing in rural areas, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects, thereby emphasizing the economic impact of such investments.

All Other Countries

  • EB-1: Remains current.
  • EB-2: Moves forward 5 months to May 15, 2023.
  • EB-3 Professionals: No movement, holds at December 1, 2022.
  • EB-3 Other Workers: Advances almost 2 months to February 1, 2021.

Important Update:

USCIS will process I-485 applications based on Final Action Dates, not the more favorable Dates for Filing chart.

To illustrate the slow movement in the March 2025 Visa Bulletin, see chart below:

slow movement visa bulletin 2025

 

What This Means for Applicants

The slight forward movement in India’s EB-2 and EB-3 categories and China’s EB-2 and EB-3 categories is a positive sign for those waiting for their priority dates to become current. However, EB-1 remains stagnant for both India and China, indicating continued backlog in this category.

Key Takeaways:

✅ If your priority date is before the new cutoff date in your category, you can proceed with filing or expect case movement. ✅ Applicants affected by retrogression (when dates move backward) should monitor future Visa Bulletins for relief. ✅ Those waiting in stalled categories (e.g., EB-1 for India and China) should explore alternative immigration strategies.


How to Check Your Priority Date & Apply

📌 Step 1: Check the official Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State. 📌 Step 2: Find your category and country to see if your priority date is current. 📌 Step 3: If your date is current, proceed with:

  • Form DS-260 (if applying through a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad)
  • Form I-485 (if adjusting status within the U.S.)

 

EB-5: No Changes for India & China

  • Final action dates remain the same:
    • India: January 1, 2022
    • China: July 15, 2016
    • All other countries: Current (no backlog)
  • Set-aside categories (rural, high-unemployment, infrastructure): Still current for all countries.

Why is the EB-5 backlog a concern?

  • High demand from India & China has led to limited visa availability.
  • Retrogression (backlogs) may worsen if more applications are submitted.
  • Investors should apply now to avoid future delays.

 EB-4 Visa Category Update: Retrogression & Expiration of Religious Worker Program

The U.S. Department of State’s March 2025 Visa Bulletin brings a significant update for employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) applicants. The Final Action Date for all EB-4 applications has retrogressed to August 1, 2019, impacting both regular EB-4 applicants and Certain Religious Workers (SR) under EB-4. This is a substantial rollback from the previous month’s Final Action Date of January 1, 2021. Unused first preference numbers can affect the distribution of available visas in the EB-4 category, potentially increasing the number of visas available when demand exceeds supply.

Key Highlights of EB-4 Updates:

Final Action Date for EB-4 retrogressed to August 1, 2019 across all countries.
EB-4 for Certain Religious Workers (SR) program is set to expire on March 14, 2025 unless Congress acts to extend it.
If no extension is passed, no new visas will be issued, and pending cases will be halted after March 13, 2025.
If legislation extends the program, the retrogressed Final Action Date (August 1, 2019) will remain in effect for the rest of March 2025.


Understanding the EB-4 Visa Category

The EB-4 visa is a special immigrant category that allows individuals in certain professions or with specific qualifications to obtain a U.S. green card. It includes:

  • Religious workers
  • Broadcasters
  • Iraqi/Afghan translators
  • Certain employees of the U.S. government abroad
  • Special immigrant juveniles
  • Members of the U.S. armed forces

For a full list of eligible EB-4 applicants, visit the official USCIS EB-4 Guide.


EB-4 Retrogression: What This Means for Applicants

What is visa retrogression?
Visa retrogression occurs when demand for visas exceeds the available supply, causing delays in the processing of applications.

Impact of EB-4 Retrogression:

  • For New Applicants: Your priority date must be before August 1, 2019 to proceed with an adjustment of status or consular processing.
  • For Pending Applicants: If your priority date is after August 1, 2019, your case is on hold until new visa numbers become available.
  • For Religious Workers (SR) Under EB-4: If Congress does not extend the program, applications will be canceled, even if they were previously approved.

EB-4 for Certain Religious Workers: Expiration & Urgent Action Needed

One of the most affected groups in this update is Religious Workers (SR).

What Happens if the Religious Worker Program Ends on March 14, 2025?

❌ No new visas will be issued overseas after March 13, 2025.
❌ No adjustments of status will be processed by USCIS.
❌ Any visas issued before the expiration will only be valid until March 13, 2025.
❌ Pending cases will not move forward unless the program is extended.

Can Congress Extend the Program?

Yes. If Congress passes a law to extend the EB-4 Religious Worker Program, then:

✅ The Final Action Date (August 1, 2019) will remain in effect.
✅ Pending applications will resume processing after the extension is signed into law.
✅ New applicants can continue filing under the updated guidelines.

To stay updated on legislative changes, check the U.S. Congress Website for real-time updates.


Next Steps for EB-4 Applicants

If You Are a Regular EB-4 Applicant (Not a Religious Worker):

✔️ Check your priority date—if it’s before August 1, 2019, your case may continue processing.
✔️ If your priority date is after August 1, 2019, your case is on hold until further notice.
✔️ Stay updated with the Visa Bulletin for future changes.

If You Are an EB-4 Religious Worker Applicant:

✔️ If your visa is already issued, enter the U.S. before March 13, 2025 to avoid issues.
✔️ If your application is pending, monitor any legislative updates for a program extension.
✔️ If you are considering applying, do so immediately before the program ends.



 

Steps to Take When Your Priority Date Is Current

  1. Adjustment of Status (AOS): If you’re in the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident.
  2. Consular Processing: If you’re outside the U.S., apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas

If you’re looking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based immigrant visa, it’s important to understand the filing process and visa availability. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) releases a monthly Visa Bulletin, which helps applicants determine when they can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The overall second preference limitation impacts the family immigration process by specifying the numerical allocations and exemptions for dependents of permanent residents under categories F2A and F2B.

Understanding the Adjustment of Status Process

Before filing for an adjustment of status, it’s essential to determine your eligibility:

  • If your immigrant visa petition has not been filed yet, learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process.
  • If you already have an approved or pending petition, you need to wait for an available visa before proceeding with your application.
  • Your priority date determines when you can apply.

The preference limitation sets specific numerical limits for various family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visa categories, impacting visa availability and potentially causing delays in oversubscribed categories.

March 2025 Visa Bulletin: When to File

The Visa Bulletin provides guidance on whether applicants can file based on two charts:

  1. Final Action Dates – Indicates when green cards may be issued.
  2. Dates for Filing – Determines when applicants can submit Form I-485.

How to Use the Visa Bulletin

  1. Find your visa type in the first column of the appropriate chart (Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based).
  2. Locate your country of birth under the boldface column headers.
  3. If the date in the chart is “C” (current) or your priority date is before the listed date, you may file your application.
  4. A “U” (unauthorized) means visas are not currently available.

Your priority date is typically the date your immigrant petition was properly filed. If a labor certification is required, the priority date is when the Department of Labor accepted the certification for processing.

March 2025 Adjustment of Status Filing Dates

Family-Sponsored Adjustment of Status Filing Dates

Category All Chargeability Areas China (Mainland) India Mexico Philippines
F1 01SEP17 01SEP17 01SEP17 01OCT05 22APR15
F2A 15JUL24 15JUL24 15JUL24 15JUL24 15JUL24
F2B 01JAN17 01JAN17 01JAN17 01OCT06 01OCT13
F3 22JUL12 22JUL12 22JUL12 15JUN01 08MAY04
F4 01MAR08 01MAR08 15AUG06 30APR01 01JAN08

The worldwide family preference level determines the total number of family-sponsored immigrant visas available each fiscal year, impacting the distribution of visa numbers and the filing of applications for adjustment of status.

Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Final Action Dates

Category All Chargeability Areas China (Mainland) India Mexico Philippines
1st C 08NOV22 01FEB22 C C
2nd 15MAY23 08MAY20 01DEC12 15MAY23 15MAY23
3rd 01DEC22 01AUG20 01FEB13 01DEC22 01DEC22
Other Workers 01FEB21 01JAN17 01FEB13 01FEB21 15JAN21
4th 01AUG19 01AUG19 01AUG19 01AUG19 01AUG19
Certain Religious Workers 01AUG19 01AUG19 01AUG19 01AUG19 01AUG19
5th Unreserved C 15JUL16 01JAN22 C C
5th Set Aside (Rural) C C C C C
5th Set Aside (High Unemployment) C C C C C
5th Set Aside (Infrastructure) C C C C C

Steps to Take If Your Priority Date Is Current

Once your priority date is current, you have two options:

1. Filing for Adjustment of Status (AOS) – If You Are in the U.S.

  • Submit Form I-485 with supporting documents.
  • Work with an immigration attorney to ensure proper filing.
  • Check the USCIS Filing Chart.

2. Consular Processing – If You Are Outside the U.S.

  • Apply for an immigrant visa through the National Visa Center (NVC).
  • Attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Receive approval and enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

Visa Bulletin Predictions for April 2025

Family-Based Categories

The movement in family-based visa categories (FB) is expected to be slow due to high demand and per-country limits. Below are our predictions for April 2025:

F-1 – Unmarried Adult Sons & Daughters of U.S. Citizens

  • Mexico – Little to no movement
  • Philippines – Little to no movement
  • All Other Countries – Little to no movement

F-2A – Spouses & Minor Unmarried Sons & Daughters of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)

  • Mexico – Little to no movement
  • All Other Countries – Little to no movement

F-2B – Unmarried Adult Sons & Daughters of LPRs

  • Mexico – Little to no movement
  • Philippines – Little to no movement
  • All Other Countries – Little to no movement

F-3 – Married Adult Sons & Daughters of U.S. Citizens

  • Mexico – Little to no movement
  • Philippines – Expected forward movement of 1-2 months
  • All Other Countries – Little to no movement

F-4 – Siblings of U.S. Citizens

  • Mexico – Little to no movement
  • India – Little to no movement
  • Philippines – Expected forward movement of 1-2 months
  • All Other Countries – Little to no movement

📝 Additional Notes: The backlog for F-4 (siblings) is significant, with Mexico and the Philippines experiencing the longest waits (20+ years).

Employment-Based Categories

Demand remains high in employment-based categories, leading to possible retrogression for several countries.

EB-1 – Priority Workers

  • India – Forward movement of 1-2 weeks
  • China – Forward movement of 1-2 weeks
  • All Other Countries – Remain current

EB-2 – Advanced Degree Holders & Exceptional Ability

  • India – Forward movement of 2-3 weeks
  • China – Forward movement of 2-3 weeks
  • All Other Countries – Possible retrogression

EB-3 – Skilled Workers & Professionals

  • India – Forward movement of 2-3 weeks
  • China – Forward movement of 2-3 weeks
  • All Other Countries – Possible retrogression

EB-4 – Special Immigrants

  • Demand remains high, and no forward movement is expected.

EB-5 – Investor Visas

  • Rural and infrastructure investment set-asides remain open.

📊 Employment-Based Backlog Data (as of June 2023):

Category

India

China

Mexico

Philippines

Rest of the World

Total

EB-1 10,049 5,762 0 0 0 15,811
EB-2 426,465 40,039 889 307 25,292 492,992
EB-3 133,409 21,695 886 8,331 12,602 176,923
EB-4 2,100 718 7,646 386 122,934 133,784
EB-5 2,157 18,880 0 0 0 21,037

📌 Key Insight: Over 1.2 million employment-based immigrants are stuck in green card backlogs.


Understanding the 7% Per-Country Cap

The U.S. immigration system imposes per-country limits on family-based and employment-based categories. No country can receive more than 7% of the total available visas in a fiscal year.

Impact of Per-Country Caps

  • Countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines face longer wait times due to high demand.
  • The wait time for F-4 siblings exceeds 20 years for Mexico and the Philippines.

🔗 Learn more about the Per-Country Cap here.


Visa Bulletin FAQs

1. What is the Visa Bulletin and why is it important?

  • The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that outlines priority dates for various immigration categories, both family-based and employment-based. It shows which applicants can file for green cards based on their priority dates and when they can move forward in the green card process.

2. What are the “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing” charts?

  • Final Action Dates are the dates when an applicant’s green card can be approved and issued.
  • Dates for Filing are the dates when applicants can submit documentation for their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. USCIS decides each month which chart to use for adjustment of status filings.

3. Where can I find my priority date and how do I find it in the Visa Bulletin?

  • Your priority date is the date when your immigration petition (Form I-130 for family-based or Form I-140 for employment-based) was filed with USCIS or Department of State. Look at the category and country of chargeability that matches your situation in the Visa Bulletin.

4. What does it mean if my category is “current” (C)?

  • A “current” means there is no backlog in that category and applicants can move forward with their application process without waiting for priority dates to move.

5. How often is the Visa Bulletin updated and when is it released?

  • The Visa Bulletin is updated every month and is usually released between 8th to 15th of the preceding month (for example, December Bulletin is usually released by mid-November).

Priority Dates and Processing Times

6. How are priority dates determined and what affects their movement?

  • Priority dates are based on the filing date of your petition and are affected by demand for visas, annual visa caps and per-country limits. High demand in a category or country can cause backlogs and slower movement in the priority dates.

7. What is retrogression and why does it happen?

  • Retrogression is when a priority date that was current or more advanced moves backward due to increased visa demand or recalibration of visa availability. Retrogression can delay the application process for those affected.

8. Can I file my adjustment of status if my priority date becomes current and then retrogresses?

  • If you file while your priority date is current, your application will continue processing even if it retrogresses later. However, a retrogressed priority date may delay the final action and approval of your green card.

9. Why do priority dates move slowly and is there a way to expedite?

  • Slow movement is due to high demand, limited visa numbers and country-specific limits. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite priority dates but monitoring Visa Bulletin and consulting with an immigration attorney can help with timing your filing.

10. Can I predict future priority date movement?

  • The State Department sometimes provides predictions but priority date movement is hard to predict due to fluctuating demand. Some applicants follow historical trends to anticipate movements but it’s best to check the Visa Bulletin monthly for updates.

Family-Based Visa Bulletin FAQs

11. What are the family-based categories in the Visa Bulletin?

  • Family-based categories:
  • F-1: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens
  • F-2A: Spouses and minor children of LPRs
  • F-2B: Unmarried adult children of LPRs
  • F-3: Married children of U.S. citizens
  • F-4: Siblings of adult U.S. citizens

12. Why do priority dates in family-based categories move slowly for certain countries?

  • High demand from countries like Mexico, India, China and Philippines causes longer wait times due to country-specific caps. These caps allow no more than 7% of the annual family-based visas to be issued to any one country.

13. Why are immediate relatives (spouses, minor children and parents of U.S. citizens) not in the Visa Bulletin?

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to numerical limits so they do not have wait times or priority dates like other family-based categories.

14. Can I keep my priority date if I change my petition category?

  • In some cases, yes. If a petitioner upgrades from F-2A (spouse of LPR) to immediate relative (spouse of a U.S. citizen after naturalization), they may retain their original priority date. Consult an immigration attorney for specific cases.

Employment-Based Visa Bulletin FAQs

15. What are the employment-based categories in the Visa Bulletin?

  • Employment-based categories:
  • EB-1: Priority workers (extraordinary abilities, multinational executives)
  • EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities
  • EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals and other workers
  • EB-4: Special immigrants (religious workers, certain broadcasters etc.)
  • EB-5: Investors who create jobs for U.S. workers

16. Why do Indian and Chinese nationals have longer wait times in employment-based categories?

  • High demand and the per-country cap of 7% have created huge backlogs for applicants from India and China especially in EB-2 and EB-3 categories.

17. How does the EB-5 investor program’s “set-aside” work?

  • Within EB-5, certain percentages of visas are reserved for investors who invest in rural areas, high unemployment areas or infrastructure projects. This set-aside program can give slightly faster processing to qualifying investors.

18. What if the employer withdraws the I-140 petition after I’ve filed my I-485?

  • If I-485 has been pending for 180 days or more, an applicant can change employers under the AC21 portability rule as long as the new job is in the same or similar occupational category.

Special Situations

19. My child is aging out soon. Can they still get a green card under my application?

  • The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) allows some children to retain their eligibility as “children” even if they turn 21. The CSPA age formula is complex so it’s best to consult an attorney.

20. If my spouse and I filed separate petitions, can we transfer priority dates?

  • Generally, priority dates cannot be transferred between petitions; however, there are exceptions. For example, if an applicant has two approved I-140 petitions, they may retain the earlier priority date.

21. Can I refile or request reconsideration if my priority date was current but I missed filing?

  • Unfortunately, if you missed the window to file when your date was current, you cannot file retroactively. But monitor the Visa Bulletin closely for future opportunities.

22. Will we see rapid movement in the Final Action Dates chart?

  • Rapid movement is rare but can happen if there’s underutilization of visas in a category. Temporary rapid movement can also happen when annual limits are recalculated or when demand is low.

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

23 How can I get notified when the Visa Bulletin is out?

  • You can subscribe to Visa Bulletin email notifications on the USCIS or State Department website to get updates as soon as the monthly bulletin is published.

24. Should I talk to an immigration attorney about my priority date?

  • Consulting an immigration attorney is helpful especially for complex cases or those with retrogression, job changes or children aging out. An attorney can give you customized advice and help with strategic planning based on Visa Bulletin trends.

25 What is a Priority Date?
The priority date is your position in line for visa processing. It’s usually the date the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received the initial petition (Form I-130 or I-140).

26. How do I know if my priority date is current?
The Visa Bulletin lists the current cut-off dates by category and country. If your priority date is before the date in your category, it’s current and you can move forward with the final stages of your application.

27. What if my priority date retrogresses?
If retrogression happens, applicants with a previously current priority date will have to wait longer for the visa to be issued. Final processing will be halted until the priority date becomes current again in a future Visa Bulletin.

28. Can retrogression affect both Family-Based and Employment-Based Visas?
Yes, retrogression can happen in any category with high demand. Employment-based categories (especially EB-2 and EB-3) and family-sponsored categories (F1 and F4) are more prone to it.

29. Can I file for Adjustment of Status during retrogression?
Generally, you can’t file if your priority date is not current. But if you filed for adjustment of status when your date was current, you can stay in pending until it becomes current again.

29. How often can retrogression happen?
Retrogression can happen multiple times a year if demand surges. Monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly for updates.

30. Can USCIS expedite my case during retrogression?
USCIS does not expedite based on visa availability.

31 What should I do if my case is affected by retrogression?
Stay up to date with the Visa Bulletin. Some applicants may benefit from legal advice on alternative visa options if their case is delayed significantly.

31. Why Are Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens Exempt from Quotas?
The U.S. immigration system prioritizes family unification, allowing U.S. citizens to bring spouses, children, and parents without numerical restrictions.

 

Final Thoughts

The March 2025 Visa Bulletin shows small but positive progress for many employment-based green card applicants. While backlogs persist in key categories, the movement in EB-2 and EB-3 for India and China is an encouraging sign. Applicants should stay informed, monitor upcoming bulletins, and prepare their documents in advance.

For real-time updates, subscribe to the USCIS Visa Bulletin Updates and consult an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.

Immigration policies and dates are subject to change. Regularly consult official sources or seek advice from qualified immigration attorneys to stay updated on the latest developments.

📌 Next Steps:

  • ✅ Check your priority date against the latest Visa Bulletin.
  • ✅ Prepare necessary documents if eligible to proceed.
  • ✅ Stay informed on upcoming policy changes that may affect your case.

📢 Need Personalized Help? If you’re unsure about your priority date or next steps, consider scheduling a consultation with an immigration expert to maximize your chances of success.

Stay tuned for the April Visa Bulletin update next month! 🚀

Seek Professional Guidance

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration can be challenging. Consulting with experienced immigration attorneys can provide personalized assistance tailored to your situation.

Additional Resources