The May 2025 Visa Bulletin brings mixed news for employment-based green card applicants. While India sees a small advancement in the EB-3 category, there is a significant retrogression in EB-5 for India. Other employment-based categories see no movement.
USCIS has confirmed it will use the Final Action Dates chart (Chart A) to determine eligibility for filing employment-based adjustment of status applications in May. Access the full May 2025 Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website.
Quick Take: Key Changes for May 2025
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EB-3 India: Moves forward by 2 weeks to April 15, 2013
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EB-5 India: Retrogresses 6 months to May 1, 2019
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USCIS will follow Final Action Dates (Chart A) for I-485 green card filings
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EB-1 and EB-2 Categories: No changes; EB-1 remains at February 15, 2022, and EB-2 at January 1, 2013.
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All other EB categories: Final Action Dates remain unchanged
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EB-4 Category: Remains unavailable for all countries due to the annual limit being reached, and this status is expected to remain unavailable until the new fiscal year begins.
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EB-5 Set-Aside Categories: Remain current for all applicants.
Access the full bulletin from the U.S. Department of State here.
Quick Primer on Visa Bulletin
If you’re planning to apply for a green card through family-sponsored or employment-based preference categories, understanding when to file your Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) is essential for filing applications. The application date is a critical factor in determining eligibility for filing based on priority dates and oversubscription categories, impacting your ability to move forward in the immigration process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) work together to set monthly filing and final action dates, which determine who can apply for permanent residency.
This guide breaks down the May 2025 filing guidelines and provides detailed information, links, and tools to help you navigate the adjustment of status process.
Who Should Use This Guide?
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You already have an approved or pending Form I-130 (family-based) or Form I-140 (employment-based) for individuals seeking specific immigration benefits.
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You’re inside the United States and seeking to adjust status to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
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You want to know if your priority date is eligible for filing in May 2025.
If you don’t yet have an approved petition, learn more about the Adjustment of Status process.
Understanding the Charts
The Visa Bulletin includes two charts per visa category:
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Final Action Dates: When USCIS/DOS may approve a green card application.
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Dates for Filing: The earliest date you can submit Form I-485.
For May 2025, USCIS will use the “Dates for Filing” chart for family-based cases, and the “Final Action Dates” chart for employment-based cases.
USCIS and DOS play a crucial role in determining visa availability by assessing the supply and demand for immigrant visas, which is reflected in the Visa Bulletin.
See the current Visa Bulletin here
How to Read the Charts
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Identify your visa category (e.g., F2A, EB-2).
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Look for your country of birth.
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If your priority date (the date your petition or labor certification was filed) is before the listed cut off dates, you may file Form I-485.
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If the chart shows “C” (Current), you can file regardless of your priority date.
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If it shows “U” (Unavailable), filing is not permitted at this time.
USCIS Will Use Final Action Dates in May for EB Cases
USCIS has confirmed it will use the Final Action Dates (Chart A) to determine eligibility for filing Form I-485 employment-based adjustment of status applications.
If USCIS determines that more visas are available than there are applicants, applicants may use the ‘Dates for Filing Applications’ chart, while in other cases, the ‘Final Action Dates’ chart must be referenced.
Check your I-140 priority date to see if you qualify to file in May.
View USCIS’s Visa Bulletin Chart Page for monthly updates and filing instructions.
Employment-Based Green Card Categories: Breakdown
EB-1: Priority Workers
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India: No change; still stuck at February 15, 2022.
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China: No movement; remains at November 8, 2022.
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All Other Countries: Remain current, meaning visas are available regardless of the applicant’s priority date.
Quick Overview: The EB-1 category, which falls under the first preference for employment-based visas, continues to see no progress for backlogged countries like India and China, while the rest of the world remains unaffected.
EB-2: Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability
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India: No change; cutoff date remains at January 1, 2013.
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China: Still at October 1, 2020.
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All Other Countries: Holding steady at June 22, 2023.
India’s date continues to be severely retrogressed, with more than a 12-year wait for those holding advanced degrees or exceptional ability under the EB-2 category.
EB-3: Skilled Workers and Professionals
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India: Minor advancement to April 15, 2013 (from March 2023) in the workers category.
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China: No change; remains at November 1, 2020.
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All Other Countries: Still set at January 1, 2023.
The slow movement for India—just one month forward—is modest but welcomed in a stagnant environment.
EB-3 Other Workers
India: Matches the regular EB-3 date—April 15, 2013. China: Unchanged at April 1, 2017. All Other Countries: No movement, cutoff holds at May 22, 2021.
“Other Workers” include jobs that require less than two years of experience or training. Employment creation is a significant aspect of the employment-based immigration preferences, aiming to attract immigrants who invest in activities that will create jobs. This category is allocated 7.1% of the global employment-based preference level and is further divided to encourage targeted investments and job creation in various economic sectors.
EB-4 Category Reminder: Still Unavailable
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EB-4 remains completely unavailable for all countries due to the annual visa cap being reached, affecting the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB4) category.
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No new EB-4 green cards will be issued until October 1, 2025 (start of FY2026).
Affected groups include certain religious workers, broadcasters, and special immigrant juveniles.
Due to exhaustion of the FY2025 quota, no visas are currently available under EB-4. Expect this to continue until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
India (Unreserved): Retrogresses to May 1, 2019—a notable backward shift.
China (Unreserved): No change; stays at January 22, 2014.
All Other Countries (Unreserved): Remain current.
All Set-Asides (Rural, High-Unemployment, Infrastructure): Remain current for all countries.
“Unreserved” means EB-5 visas not allocated to targeted categories like rural areas. The Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals pursuing permanent residency through immigrant visa applications, as it delineates critical information such as the Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates, which dictate when applicants can submit their applications and when their immigrant visa applications may be approved, respectively.
Understanding the EB-5 Retrogression
The EB-5 Unreserved category’s retrogression is attributed to:
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High Demand: A surge in applications from Indian nationals has led to the exhaustion of available visa numbers.
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Per-Country Limits: U.S. immigration law caps the number of visas issued to individuals from a single country, contributing to the backlog.
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Global Demand: Increased interest from applicants worldwide has further strained the EB-5 visa numbers. The demand received has exceeded the available visas, causing certain categories to be classified as oversubscribed, which directly impacts the priority dates and issuance of visas.
Implication: Only Indian EB-5 applicants with priority dates before May 1, 2019, can proceed with their applications. Others must wait for future bulletins to see if their dates become current.
Set-asides offer a strategic way for investors to avoid long EB-5 wait times. Learn more on the USCIS EB-5 Program Page.
Visual Summary of May 2025 Visa Bulletin
Here is a simplified graphic chart comparing the key cutoff dates across countries and categories:
|
Category |
India |
China |
All Other Countries |
|
EB-1 |
Feb 15, 2022 |
Nov 8, 2022 |
Current |
|
EB-2 |
Jan 1, 2013 |
Oct 1, 2020 |
Jun 22, 2023 |
|
EB-3 |
Apr 15, 2013 |
Nov 1, 2020 |
Jan 1, 2023 |
|
EB-3 Other |
Apr 15, 2013 |
Apr 1, 2017 |
May 22, 2021 |
|
EB-4 |
Unavailable |
Unavailable |
Unavailable |
|
EB-5 (Unreserved) |
May 1, 2019 |
Jan 22, 2014 |
Current |
Click to download this Visa Bulletin Summary Chart (PDF)
What This Means for Applicants
For Indian Applicants:
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Long waits continue across EB-2 and EB-3. The priority date of the first applicant who could not be accommodated due to numerical limits is crucial in determining which applicants can proceed with their immigration applications.
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Retrogression in EB-5 adds further delays for investors not using set-aside categories.
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EB-1 remains in deep backlog, making the EB-1A self-petition and National Interest Waiver (NIW) alternatives more important than ever.
For Chinese Applicants:
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Virtually no movement this month across all categories.
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EB-5 remains deeply retrogressed.
For All Other Countries:
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EB-1 and EB-5 remain current.
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EB-2 and EB-3 also stable, but some categories are nearing backlog levels.
When Will Visa Bulletin Movement Resume?
Forward movement is tied to:
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Annual country limits
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Visa demand and processing pace
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USCIS and DOS backlogs
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Legislative changes (e.g., recapture of unused visas)
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Numerical limits: The constraints imposed on the issuance of immigrant visas based on statutory limits established by legislation. These numerical limits affect the processing of applications, particularly for oversubscribed categories, and determine final action dates for applicants who may be unable to secure visas once limits are reached.
Action Plan for Green Card Applicants
What You Should Do Now:
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Check your priority date (on I-140 or PERM approval notice)
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Track your visa category’s movement monthly
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If eligible, file Form I-485 as soon as your date is current
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Consult Professionals: Engage with immigration attorneys to explore alternative visa options or strategies.
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Maintain Status: Ensure you maintain lawful status in the U.S. while awaiting visa availability.
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Prepare Documentation: Have all necessary documents ready to act promptly when your priority date becomes current.
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Qualified Immigrants: Follow the specific procedures and statutory requirements for your visa category to ensure proper allocation and processing.
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Evaluate alternate options like:
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EB-1A self-petition (for extraordinary ability)
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EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
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EB-5 set-aside programs – rural or infrastructure projects (to skip unreserved backlogs)
Need guidance? Consult an experienced immigration attorney to develop a strategy tailored to your timeline and category.
May 2025 Family-Sponsored Visa Filing Dates
This chart applies to individuals using the Dates for I-485 Filing for family-based categories. Family sponsored preference categories are critical for determining eligibility and timelines for family-sponsored immigration processes, as applicants in these categories must utilize specific charts from the Department of State Visa Bulletin for filing adjustments of status.
|
Category |
All Countries |
China (Mainland) |
India |
Mexico |
Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
F1 (Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens) |
Sep 1, 2017 |
Sep 1, 2017 |
Sep 1, 2017 |
Apr 1, 2006 |
Apr 22, 2015 |
|
F2A (Spouses/children of green card holders) |
Feb 1, 2025 |
Feb 1, 2025 |
Feb 1, 2025 |
Feb 1, 2025 |
Feb 1, 2025 |
|
F2B (Unmarried adult children of green card holders) |
Jan 1, 2017 |
Jan 1, 2017 |
Jan 1, 2017 |
Apr 1, 2007 |
Oct 1, 2013 |
|
F3 (Married children of U.S. citizens) |
Jul 22, 2012 |
Jul 22, 2012 |
Jul 22, 2012 |
Jun 15, 2001 |
Sep 22, 2004 |
|
F4 (Siblings of U.S. citizens) |
Jun 1, 2008 |
Jun 1, 2008 |
Oct 1, 2006 |
Apr 30, 2001 |
Jan 1, 2008 |
Stay Informed
Visit the USCIS Visa Bulletin Page to see when to use Chart A (Final Action Dates) or Chart B (Dates for Filing).
FAQS FOR MAY 2025 VISA BULLETIN
What is the Visa Bulletin and who publishes it?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication issued by the U.S. Department of State. It provides information about the availability of immigrant visa numbers based on visa categories (family-sponsored and employment-based) and countries of chargeability. It helps applicants determine when they can file for adjustment of status or when their green card can be approved.
What’s new in the May 2025 Visa Bulletin?
The May 2025 Visa Bulletin includes several updates:
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EB-3 India advances by two weeks (to April 15, 2013)
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EB-5 India retrogresses by six months (to May 1, 2019)
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All other employment-based Final Action Dates remain unchanged
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Family-sponsored Dates for Filing remain largely stable
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EB-4 (Special Immigrants) remains “Unavailable” for all countries
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USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based filings and the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored categories
What is a Final Action Date?
A Final Action Date is the date when a green card can actually be approved. If your priority date is earlier than the listed Final Action Date for your category and country, your green card can be issued (either via adjustment of status or consular processing).
What is a Date for Filing?
The Date for Filing is the earliest date when you can submit your adjustment of status application (Form I-485) to USCIS, even if a visa is not immediately available for approval.
Which chart does USCIS use for May 2025?
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For family-sponsored cases, USCIS will use the Dates for Filing chart.
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For employment-based cases, USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart.
You can confirm this each month at: USCIS Visa Bulletin Chart Usage
What does “C” mean in the Visa Bulletin?
“C” stands for “Current.” It means there is no backlog in that category for that country, and you may file or have your case adjudicated immediately, if otherwise eligible.
What does “U” mean in the Visa Bulletin?
“U” stands for “Unavailable.” No visas are currently available in that category for any applicant from any country.
Why did the EB-5 India category retrogress in May 2025?
EB-5 India retrogressed due to high demand and the exhaustion of visa numbers in the unreserved category. The U.S. allocates a limited number of visas per category and per country each year, and once those limits are approached, the dates may move backward (retrogress).
How do I know if I can file my Form I-485 in May 2025?
You can file if:
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Your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed in the chart USCIS is using for your category (Final Action or Dates for Filing).
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You are otherwise eligible (lawful status, admissibility, etc.).
What is a priority date?
A priority date is the date USCIS or DOS received your immigrant visa petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140), or the date your labor certification was accepted by the Department of Labor (if applicable). This date determines your place in line for a green card.
Can priority dates move backward?
Yes, this is called “retrogression.” It occurs when the demand for visas exceeds the available supply in a particular category and country.
What should I do if my priority date retrogresses after I’ve already filed Form I-485?
Your application will remain in a pending state until your priority date becomes current again. You may still receive benefits such as work authorization (EAD) and advance parole.
Can I apply for adjustment of status if my priority date is not current?
No, unless USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart and your date is earlier than that date. If not, you must wait until your priority date becomes current.
If I’m outside the U.S., how does the Visa Bulletin affect my consular processing case?
You can only be scheduled for an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate if your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date listed for your visa category and country.
Why do visa bulletin dates move slowly for countries like India and China?
U.S. immigration law limits how many green cards can be issued to nationals of a single country per year. Because India and China have high demand in employment-based and family-based categories, their backlogs are significantly longer.
Is there any way to speed up the green card process if my priority date is far away?
Potential options include:
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Porting to a faster category (e.g., EB-3 to EB-2 or EB-2 to EB-1 if eligible)
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Employer filing a new I-140 under a different category
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Exploring options under the EB-5 reserved set-aside categories (if applicable)
What are the EB-5 set-aside categories, and are they current?
Yes, as of May 2025, all EB-5 set-aside categories are current for all countries:
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Rural (20% of total EB-5 visas)
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High Unemployment Areas (10%)
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Infrastructure Projects (2%)
How does the Visa Bulletin impact dependent family members?
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of the principal applicant can also file for adjustment of status or immigrant visas if the principal’s priority date is current.
What happens if my child ages out while my case is pending?
Children who turn 21 may still qualify under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) if the visa becomes available within a certain timeframe. A CSPA analysis is recommended in these cases.
What happens to EB-4 and Religious Worker applicants in May 2025?
The EB-4 and Religious Worker programs are marked “Unavailable” due to the lapse in authorization and the exhaustion of annual visa limits.
How do USCIS and DOS determine visa availability each month?
They assess:
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The total number of visas available for the rest of the fiscal year
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The number of pending cases at USCIS and consulates
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Past trends in denials, withdrawals, and no-shows
What is the fiscal year for visa issuance purposes?
The U.S. fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. Visa numbers reset at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Can I still get an EAD and travel document while waiting for a green card?
Yes, if you are eligible to file Form I-485 and do so, you may concurrently file:
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Form I-765 for work authorization (EAD)
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Form I-131 for advance parole (travel)
If my I-485 was filed under a different chart, do I need to worry?
No, as long as USCIS accepted your application under the correct chart in use for that month, your application remains valid even if future bulletins retrogress.
How often does USCIS update its “When to File” chart usage?
Monthly. You can check it at USCIS’s official bulletin info page.
Can I switch from consular processing to adjustment of status if I’m in the U.S.?
Yes, if you are in lawful status in the U.S. and a visa is available, you may file Form I-485 instead of continuing with consular processing.
Will the Final Action Dates change again next month?
Possibly. Visa Bulletin movement depends on demand, visa availability, and other trends. Final Action Dates can advance, remain the same, or retrogress.
Where can I get updates and historical visa bulletin data?
Who should I contact for personalized guidance on my case?
An experienced immigration attorney can review your specific situation, help you prepare your application, and strategize based on visa availability and category movement.
Need Help Navigating the Visa Bulletin?
Understanding the Visa Bulletin and its impact on your green card process can be complex. Whether you’re stuck in a backlog or planning to file soon, a qualified immigration attorney can help you:
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Develop a smart filing strategy
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Identify category-switching opportunities
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Plan ahead for long-term U.S. residency goals
Schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney from the Herman Legal Group for personalized advice.
Call: 1-216-696-6170
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