In the April 2025 Visa Bulletin, the US Department of State announced significant changes to the categories of family sponsored and employment-based immigrant visas. The bulletin defines crucial updates regarding visa access, retrogressions, and filing dates, affecting applicants from various countries.
US Visa Bulletin for April 2025
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the US Department of State, provides information on when family-sponsored and employment-based green card applications can proceed. It contains two important sets of dates. T
he Dates for Filing, which define the earliest date an applicant may submit their green card application, and the Final Action Dates, which define when a green card or status change can be authorized. According to the Final Action Dates table, employment based applications will be completed in April 2025, as certified by the USCIS.
Significant Changes in Employment-Based Categories
Important changes for employment-based (EB) visa applicants, especially those from China and India, are included in the April 2025 US visa bulletin:
- EB-5 Unreserved Category: India’s EB-5 Unreserved category was introduced on 1st November 2019, more than two years ago. China’s EB-5 Unreserved category has also been delayed by about two and a half years to 22nd January 2014.
- EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 for India: These categories have made slight progress, but higher demand is slowing down further progress.
- EB-4 Category: The EB-4 category is now not available for all countries because the annual limit was reached on 28 February 2025. No more EB-4 visas will be issued until the new financial year starts on 1st October 2025.
Family-Sponsored Visa Updates
Both yearly and per-country limits apply to the family-sponsored visa categories. There is a 226,000 family sponsored visa limit for fiscal year 2025, with a maximum of 7% per nation. The most recent Final Action Dates for Indian candidates are:
- F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens): Moved to 15th March 2016 (from 22nd November 2015).
- F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Remains on 1st January 2022.
- F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents): Moved to 22nd July 2016 (from 22nd May 2016).
- F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens): Moved to 1st April 2011 (from 1st July 2010).
- F4 (US Citizens’ Siblings): postponed from it’s April 2006 to 15th June 2006.
Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Green Cards
Dates for filing determine when applicants can submit their paperwork to USCIS. The latest Dates for Filing for Indian applicants are:
| Field | Original Date | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | 1st September 2017 | Unchanged |
| F2A | 15th July 2024 | 15th October 2024 |
| F2B | 1st January 2017 | Remains unchanged |
| F3 | 22nd July 2012 | Remains unchanged |
| F4 | 15th August 2006 | 1st October 2006 |
Employment-Based Visa Categories and Allocation
The following preference categories are used to allocate employment-based visas:
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): 28.6% of the total employment-based visas.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders and Exceptional Ability): 28.6%.
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): 28.6%.
- EB-4 (Special Immigrants and Religious Workers): 7.1%.
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): 7.1%, divided into 20% for rural areas, 10% for high unemployment areas, 2% for infrastructure projects, 68% for other eligible investors
Impact of Retrogression
The EB-5 category retrogression for China and India indicates an increasing need for employment-based visas. The whole immigration system is under additional burden because EB-4 visas won’t be available until the next fiscal year. Even though there were slight progress in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 for India, applicants should remain prepared for possible delays.
FAQs
What’s the update for EB-5 visas for India and China?
India’s EB-5 opened on 1st November 2019, while China’s EB-5 date moved back to 22nd January 2014.
Why are EB-4 visas not available until October 2025?
The EB-4 limit for the year was reached on 28th February 2025, so no more visas will be issued until October 2025.
How are work-based (employment) visas divided?
EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 each get 28.6%, and EB-4 and EB-5 each get 7.1% of the total work visas
Peter Robinson is a news writer with 6 years of experience, specializing in Government Aid and the latest news. He focuses on explaining government programs and current events in an easy-to-understand way. Peter is dedicated to keeping readers informed with reliable and up-to-date information.
