Visa Bulletin October 2025: Key Updates
The U.S. Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for October 2025. This bulletin shows which green card applications can move forward based on priority dates.
By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Nicole Gunara
12 min read • last updated on September 12, 2025
The State Department has released the October 2025 Visa Bulletin, marking the start of a new fiscal year. This is typically when backlogged categories see the biggest changes.
The Bulletin brought a few major updates for the employment-based preference category:
EB-1 remained current for "All Other Countries" and advanced 38 days for China. There was no movement for India.
EB-2 advanced by up to three months for most applicants, including India and China, offering some long-awaited relief in one of the most backlogged green card lines.
EB-3 also moved forward for India, China, and the Philippines, while EB-4 reopened with fresh visa numbers after the annual reset.
EB-5 stayed current for "All Other Countries" and advanced by 445 days for India.
Together, these shifts mark a more encouraging start to FY 2026 for many applicants planning their next steps. We also cover movement for the family-sponsored preference category below.
The USCIS Visa Bulletin, released monthly by the U.S. Department of State, indicates which green card applications are eligible to advance.
Your position in line is determined by your priority date, assigned when you file an immigrant petition (Form I-140 or Form I-130). When your priority date becomes "current," you have reached the front of the line.
Visa Bulletin October 2025: Full Breakdown
Employment-Based Green Cards - Final Action Dates
The employment-based green card system is divided into five preference categories, each with its own eligibility criteria and cut-off dates. These categories determine when applicants from different countries can move forward in the green card process.
For the month of October 2025, according to the Department of State announcement, USCIS will be using the Final Action Dates Chart to determine eligibility for Adjustment of Status.
EB-1: Priority Workers
The EB-1 category includes individuals of extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and multinational executives (EB-1C).
Biggest update: China advanced modestly, from November 2022 to December 2022
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EB-2: Exceptional people and advanced degree holders
The EB-2 category (including EB-2 NIW) includes exceptional people and advanced degree holders.
Biggest update: Strong forward movement across EB-2 categories, especially China, which moved from late 2020 to early 2021.
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EB-3: Skilled worker, professional, or other worker
The EB-3 visa category is for skilled workers, professionals, or other workers.
Biggest update: China, India, and the Philippines all advanced by several months.
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EB-4: “Special immigrants” category
The EB-4 category is for special immigrants, including religious workers, certain broadcasters, military members, Iraqi translators, and other specific groups designated by U.S. immigration law.
Biggest update: After months of being unavailable, EB-4 is now open.
Note: The Certain Religious Workers category is unavailable (U) as of October 2025 due to program expiration.
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EB-5: “Investors” category
The EB-5 category is for immigrant investors who make qualifying investments in U.S. businesses that create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for American workers.
Biggest update: India advanced significantly, from 2019 to 2021.
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F-2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under age 21) of U.S. green card holders
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F-2B: Unmarried children (age 21 or older) of U.S. green card holders
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F-3: Married children of U.S. Citizens
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F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens
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How the USCIS Visa Bulletin Works
To understand when you can move forward with your green card application, you need to know how the Visa Bulletin organizes and tracks your place in line. It does this using key terms like:
Priority Dates: These dates serve as placeholders in the green card queue. The Department of State reviews the number of applications in each category monthly to estimate when applicants can proceed.
Dates for Filing: If your priority date is on or before the cut-off date for your category, you can move to the next step of your application.
Final Action Dates: These dates tell you when you are legally allowed to have a green card issued to you. Thus, even if USCIS accepts your adjustment of status application (or the consulate accepts your immigrant visa application) based on the Dates of Filing, they cannot approve the case and issue a green card until your priority date is on or before the Final Action Date for your category.
In order to read the visa bulletin chart, you need to know two things:
Your priority date
Your preference category
What is my priority date?
Your priority date is the date when USCIS receives your initial immigration petition, such as Form I-130.
Locating your priority date is easy. Simply refer to the receipt notice (Form I-797C) sent by USCIS after they process your petition. You’ll find your priority date at the top section of this document.
What is my preference category?
Family-Based Visa Categories:
F1: Unmarried children over the age of 21 of U.S. citizens.
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents.
F2B: Unmarried children over the age of 21 of lawful permanent residents.
F3: Married children of U.S. citizens.
F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Visa Bulletin not moving?
Occasionally, the priority dates on the Visa Bulletin chart stay the same or even move backward compared to the previous month. This situation is known as visa retrogression.
Visa retrogression happens when the number of applicants in a certain category or from a specific country exceeds the available visas for that month. This is especially common towards the end of the fiscal year when the annual visa limits for certain categories or countries are nearly reached.
What is the next step if my green card priority date is current?
How long do I have to file once my priority date is current?
Once your priority date becomes current, you have one year to apply for your immigrant visa.
During this time, it's crucial to start the application process and respond promptly to any messages from the National Visa Center (NVC). If you don't begin the process within this one-year period, you might miss the chance to get your immigrant visa and keep your priority date. You'd then need to reapply for the visa.
Navigate the green card process with ease
When your priority date becomes current according to the USCIS visa bulletin, our team of immigration attorneys is here to help. We'll guide you through completing and submitting all the necessary forms, like the I-485, I-765, and I-131, accurately and on time.
We'll also prepare you for any interviews you may need to attend, ensuring you present your case confidently and effectively.
At Manifest Law, our immigration attorneys have over 10 years of experience and have successfully handled thousands of visa and green card applications. Plus, we offer flexible payment plans that span up to 6 months, along with a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply).
Book a visa consultation with Manifest today to get the support and guidance you need on your immigration journey.
