Visa Bulletin October 2025: What You Need to Know

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin brings forward movement across nearly all green card categories. USCIS confirmed that both family-based and employment-based applicants must use the “Dates for Filing” chart this month, opening the door for thousands of new Adjustment of Status filings. The October 2025 Visa Bulletin was state released by the U.S. Department of State, providing official updates on visa processing times and priority dates.

Big winners include Mexico in the family F-2B and F-1 categories, and India in the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 categories, with some cut-offs jumping by more than a year. These countries are subject to specific chargeability area limitations, which influence visa allocation and priority date processing.

Read the official Visa Bulletin here (U.S. Department of State)

Why the October 2025 Visa Bulletin Matters

The Visa Bulletin is the State Department’s monthly update that tells green card applicants when they can move forward in the immigration process.

Immigration services such as USCIS and the Department of State play a key role in determining visa availability and regulating the issuance of immigrant visas.

If you are already in the U.S., it decides when you can file Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), as part of determining visa availability for both adjustment of status and consular processing.
If you are outside the U.S., it decides when you can apply for an immigrant visa at a consulate, also based on determining visa availability for both adjustment of status and consular processing.

Because October marks the start of the new fiscal year, it often brings fresh visa number allocations and biggest forward movements. That’s what happened in 2025.

Which Chart to Use This Month

Family-based applicants: Use Dates for Filing
Employment-based applicants: Use Dates for Filing

What this means: Even if your green card cannot yet be approved (because the Final Action Date isn’t current), many applicants can file now and gain EAD (work permit) and advance parole (travel document) while they wait. The Dates for Filing chart is the relevant chart for determining when applicants in each filing category can file applications for adjustment of status or immigrant visas.

See USCIS Adjustment of Status filing chart

The process of filing applications is guided by the relevant chart and your filing category, ensuring you file applications at the appropriate time based on visa availability and your priority date.

Family-Based Categories: October 2025 Updates

Each family-based group is assigned a specific preference category and preference numbers, which are subject to preference limitations and the worldwide family preference level. These limitations determine the maximum number of visas available annually for each category and influence processing timelines across countries.

F-1 (Unmarried Children 21+ of U.S. Citizens): This preference category covers unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. Mexico advanced 4+ months (to Oct 2006); others unchanged.
F-2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs): All countries advanced nearly 4 months (to Sept 22, 2025).
F-2B (Unmarried Children 21+ of LPRs): Mexico advanced 8+ months (to Dec 2008); others unchanged.

The overall second preference limitation affects the F-2A and F-2B categories, setting a cap on the total number of visas available. Unused first preference numbers, if any, may be allocated to lower categories within the family-sponsored preference system.

F-3 (Married Children of U.S. Citizens): Philippines advanced 3 months; others unchanged.
F-4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens): China & “All Other” +2 months; India +2 weeks; Mexico & Philippines stagnant.

Trend: Mexico saw the most improvement, while many other countries remain flat. The interaction between first and second preferences, preference limitations, and the worldwide family preference level shapes the overall allocation system for family-based visas.

Family-based applicants make up nearly 4 million in backlog, compared to 1.6 million in employment-based. This explains why family cut-offs move slower despite high demand.

Employment-Based Categories: October 2025 Updates

Employment based visa applications are processed according to employment based preference visas, with each preference category subject to per country limit and worldwide level allocations.

EB-1 (Priority Workers): China advanced 6 months; India advanced 1+ year; All Others current.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability): Nearly 1 year forward for all; India to April 2013, China to April 2021. This category is for professions holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability, highlighting the importance of advanced degrees in qualifying for an employment based green card.
EB-3 (Skilled/Professional/Workers Category): India +3 months (Aug 2013); China’s “Other Workers” +7 months. This includes skilled workers and the workers category.
EB-4 (Special Immigrants/Fourth Preference): Became available again with cut-off at Feb 15, 2021. The fourth preference category covers special immigrants such as religious workers and certain religious workers.
EB-5 (Investors/Employment Creation): India unreserved jumped forward 2+ years (Feb 2021); reserved categories remain current. This category is for employment creation, with a portion reserved for infrastructure projects and areas of high unemployment.

Unused numbers from higher categories, such as the first, may be allocated to the fourth and fifth preferences, and other qualified immigrants and qualified immigrants are included in these allocations.

The applicant’s priority date determines eligibility for such visas, and chart employment based applicants should consult the relevant chart for their filing window.

Trend: Indian EB categories made the most dramatic gains, especially EB-5. India and Mexico (india mexico) are subject to specific per country limits, affecting their employment based green card processing and employment based adjustment timelines.

EB-2 India priority dates advanced from Sep 2011 (Oct 2024) to Apr 2013 (Oct 2025), showing steady if slow relief.

Table: Year-over-Year October Movements

Category	Oct 2023	Oct 2024	Oct 2025
EB-1 India	Jan 2012	Jan 2021	Feb 2022
EB-2 India	Sep 2011	Apr 2012	Apr 2013
EB-3 India	Jan 2012	May 2012	Aug 2013
EB-5 India	2019	2019	Feb 2021

Takeaway: After years of stagnation, EB-5 India leapt forward by two years in 2025, and EB-1/EB-2 India regained long-lost momentum.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

Priority Date: Filing date of your I-130, I-140, or I-526.
Dates for Filing: When you can submit paperwork. The listed date (or date listed) in the Visa Bulletin is the cut off date that determines when applicants waiting can file their applications.
Final Action Dates: When your case can be approved. Only applicants with a priority date earlier than the listed date (cut off date) are eligible to have their cases finalized.
Retrogression: When dates move backward due to excess demand, affecting applicants waiting for their turn.

Why backlogs exist: U.S. law caps annual green cards and limits each country to 7% of total visas, hitting India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines hardest.

Full DOS explanation of priority dates

Adjustment of Status: What Applicants Should Know

Adjustment of status is a key milestone for individuals seeking to become permanent residents of the United States. This process allows eligible applicants already in the U.S. to transition from a nonimmigrant status to an immigrant status without leaving the country. To qualify, applicants must have a valid priority date—typically the date their immigrant visa petition was filed—which determines their place in line for a green card.

The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, is essential for tracking immigrant visa availability. It lists both final action dates and dates for filing, which are used to decide when an applicant can submit their adjustment of status application and when their case can be approved. Understanding your priority date and monitoring the Visa Bulletin ensures you don’t miss the window to file your application. Since visa availability can change each month, staying informed about the latest updates from the Department of State and USCIS is crucial for individuals seeking permanent resident status through employment-based or family-based categories.

Navigating the Visa Application Process

The visa application process can feel overwhelming, but understanding each step can help you move forward with confidence. After filing an immigrant visa petition and receiving approval, applicants must closely follow the Visa Bulletin to determine when they can take the next step—filing for adjustment of status. The Visa Bulletin features two important charts: the Final Action Dates chart, which shows when green cards can actually be issued or status can be adjusted, and the Dates for Filing chart, which indicates when you can submit your adjustment of status application.

Each month, USCIS reviews immigrant visa availability and announces which chart applicants should use. For employment-based preference categories, the Dates for Filing chart is often used, allowing more applicants to file their status applications even if their green card cannot be approved immediately. It’s essential to know your priority date and check the Visa Bulletin regularly to ensure you file your application at the right time. Missing your window can lead to delays, so staying up to date with the application process and understanding how the filing chart and final action dates chart work is key for anyone navigating employment-based or family-based immigration.

The Department of State’s Role in the Visa Bulletin

The Department of State is at the heart of the Visa Bulletin process, setting the final action dates and dates for filing that determine when immigrant visas are available. Each month, the Department of State analyzes visa demand, per-country limits, and annual caps to update the Visa Bulletin, working closely with USCIS to ensure that as many immigrant visas as possible are issued within the fiscal year.

The monthly Visa Bulletin provides critical information for applicants, including updates on employment-based preference categories, family-based categories, and per-country limitations. By tracking priority dates and adjusting final action dates, the Department of State helps applicants understand when they can file for adjustment of status or expect their green card approval. For anyone planning their status application, understanding the Department of State’s role and monitoring the monthly Visa Bulletin is essential for navigating the complex landscape of visa availability and making informed decisions about when to file.

Strategy Tips for Applicants

File quickly if eligible under Dates for Filing.
Prepare documents early: medical exam, birth certificate, Supplement J.
Consider interfiling (TUB) if EB-2 vs. EB-3 benefits you.
Watch retrogression risks: October gains may reverse later.
Consult an immigration lawyer for high-stakes decisions.
Stay updated on any revised process announced by USCIS or the Department of State, as changes to the process for filing applications can impact your eligibility and filing timelines.

FAQs About the October 2025 Visa Bulletin

What is the October 2025 Visa Bulletin?

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin is the monthly update from the U.S. Department of State that shows cut-off dates for green card eligibility. It tells you whether your priority date is current, which determines if you can file or finalize your green card application.

Why is the October 2025 Visa Bulletin important?

October is the start of the new fiscal year, meaning fresh green card numbers become available. This leads to larger-than-usual forward movement in priority dates. In October 2025, the F-2B category for Mexico advanced by more than eight months, and EB-5 India jumped by more than two years.

Which chart does USCIS use in October 2025?

USCIS announced that both family-based and employment-based applicants must use the Dates for Filing chart in October 2025.

This is a win for applicants, because:

More people can file Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).
Filing allows access to employment authorization (EAD) and advance parole (AP) travel permits while waiting.

What are the biggest changes in the October 2025 Visa Bulletin?

Family-Based:
F-2B Mexico advanced 8+ months.
F-1 Mexico advanced 4 months.
F-2A advanced nearly 4 months worldwide.
Employment-Based:
EB-1 India advanced by more than 1 year.
EB-2 India advanced nearly 1 year.
EB-3 India advanced 3 months.
EB-5 India jumped forward over 2 years.

What does “Dates for Filing” mean in the Visa Bulletin?

Dates for Filing are the cut-off dates published by the State Department that decide when applicants can submit their paperwork.

If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off, you can file for Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) or start consular processing (if abroad).

Filing under this chart doesn’t mean your case will be approved immediately, but it gives you access to EAD/AP benefits while you wait for a visa number to become available.

What does “Final Action Dates” mean in the Visa Bulletin?

Final Action Dates show when USCIS or the consulate can approve your green card.

If your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date, your application can be finalized.
If your date is only current under Dates for Filing, you can file but must wait for Final Action before approval.

What is a priority date?

A priority date is your place in line for a green card. It’s usually the date when your immigrant petition was filed:

Family-based: I-130 petition
Employment-based: I-140 petition
Investor (EB-5): I-526 petition

Why did India benefit most in October 2025?

India has some of the largest employment-based backlogs. With new fiscal year visa numbers, the Department of State advanced Indian priority dates significantly:

EB-1: +1 year
EB-2: +1 year
EB-3: +3 months
EB-5: +2 years

This reduces—but does not eliminate—the long wait for Indian applicants.

Why did Mexico benefit most in family-based categories in October 2025?

Mexico has historically faced long family-based delays. With new visa allocations in FY2026, the Department of State advanced multiple categories:

F-2B: +8 months
F-1: +4 months

This allows thousands of Mexican families to move forward sooner.

Can cut-off dates move backward in future bulletins?

Yes. This is called retrogression.

If demand for green cards is higher than the supply, the Department of State may push cut-off dates backward in future months. Retrogression often occurs after heavy filing periods like October.

What happens if my priority date is current under Dates for Filing?

You can:

File Form I-485 Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.).
Apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing (if abroad), including at U.S. embassies abroad, where applicants outside the U.S. can apply for such visas.

Once filed, you can apply for work authorization and travel permission while waiting for Final Action.

How long will I wait after filing under Dates for Filing?

The wait depends on when your priority date becomes current under Final Action Dates. Filing now secures interim benefits, but approval may take months or years.

How many people are in backlog as of October 2025?

Family-based backlog: about 3.9 million.
Employment-based backlog: about 1.6 million.

This explains why even with forward movement, many categories still face years-long waits.

How does the 7% per-country cap affect me?

By law, no more than 7% of total annual green cards can go to nationals of one country. For high-demand countries (India, China, Mexico, Philippines), this creates decades-long backlogs.

What should I do if my priority date just became current?

Act quickly. Prepare:

Form I-693 medical exam
Civil documents (birth, marriage, divorce certificates)
Passport-style photos
Employment verification or Supplement J (for job-based cases)

Timely filing prevents missed opportunities and reduces delays.

What happens if my I-485 is pending and my date becomes current?

If your Adjustment of Status is already filed and your date is now current under Final Action Dates, USCIS can approve your green card. You may be asked to update your medical exam or provide new evidence before approval.

What strategies exist for long waits?

Transfer of Underlying Basis (TUB): Switch from EB-3 to EB-2 or vice versa if it benefits you.
EB-5 Investment: For those with resources, EB-5 can be faster.
Litigation: Some applicants join lawsuits against USCIS to push delayed cases forward.
Maintain valid status: Keep H-1B, L-1, or other visas active during the wait.

Where can I check the October 2025 Visa Bulletin?

The bulletin is published monthly on the U.S. Department of State’s website. USCIS also posts updates about which chart (Final Action or Dates for Filing) to use each month. Embassies abroad also rely on the Visa Bulletin to guide applicants on visa eligibility and processing.

What should applicants watch for after October 2025?

Potential retrogression in employment-based categories.
Shifts in family categories for Mexico and the Philippines.
USCIS possibly switching back to Final Action Dates for filing eligibility.
Legislative changes affecting EB-4 religious worker visas and EB-5 reserved categories.

Key Takeaways

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin advanced Mexico family categories and India employment categories the most.
USCIS is using Dates for Filing, allowing more applicants to file now.
Backlogs remain huge: 3.9 million family and 1.6 million employment.
Retrogression is always possible in future bulletins.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Talk to Richard Herman Today

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin has opened new opportunities — but also raised new questions. Whether your priority date is finally current, you’re preparing to file under Dates for Filing, or you’re worried about retrogression and backlogs, this is the moment to act.

Immigration attorney Richard T. Herman has helped families, professionals, and investors navigate the Visa Bulletin and secure green cards for more than 30 years. His deep experience and multilingual team at the Herman Legal Group can give you the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

Don’t risk delays or mistakes. Get personalized guidance on:

Filing Adjustment of Status under the October 2025 Visa Bulletin
Understanding priority dates, Final Action Dates, and retrogression
Strategies for employment-based and family-based green card cases
Options if you’re stuck in long backlogs or considering alternative categories

📞 Call us now at 1-800-808-4013
🌐 Or book your confidential consultation online

Consultations are available virtually or in person, in multiple languages, wherever you are.

Your green card journey doesn’t need to be uncertain. Let Richard Herman guide you through October’s Visa Bulletin changes — and put you on the path to approval.

Official Government Resources: October 2025 Visa Bulletin

Got it — here’s a clean, government-only resource list, all clickable, that you can place at the end of your October 2025 Visa Bulletin article.Official Government Resources: October 2025 Visa Bulletin
- Visa Bulletin for October 2025 — U.S. Department of State
  Official monthly bulletin with cut-off dates for family- and employment-based categories.
- Visa Bulletin Home — U.S. Department of State
  Archive of all Visa Bulletins, updated monthly.
- When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application — USCIS
  USCIS monthly chart explaining whether to use “Dates for Filing” or “Final Action Dates.”
- Visa Availability and Priority Dates — USCIS
  USCIS explanation of how visa numbers are allocated, what priority dates mean, and how they affect your case.