May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released – Who Can File Now? Family & Employment Categories Updated
May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released: The May 2025 Visa Bulletin is out, and it brings fresh updates that affect thousands of families and professionals waiting to begin their U.S. immigration journey. If you’re applying for a green card through family-sponsored or employment-based categories, this bulletin determines when you can officially file your application.
In this article, we break down the latest Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing, explain what they mean, and help you understand if you’re eligible to file in May 2025.
May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Family-Based Visa Movement | Minor progress in F2A and F3 categories; most others remain static |
| Employment-Based Final Action Dates | EB-1 Current (all except India/China); EB-2 & EB-3 show slight movement |
| EB-1 India Final Action Date | February 15, 2022 |
| EB-2 India Final Action Date | January 1, 2013 |
| F2A Dates for Filing | February 1, 2025 (all countries) |
| How to Check Eligibility | Compare your priority date with the bulletin’s listed dates |
| Official Source | U.S. State Department Visa Bulletin |
The May 2025 Visa Bulletin provides critical updates for green card hopefuls in both family-sponsored and employment-based categories. While movement was modest this month, especially for Indian and Chinese applicants, understanding your position in the timeline helps you plan effectively. Always compare your priority date with the bulletin’s dates and consult official USCIS guidance.
What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter?
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows when immigrant visa applicants can file based on their category and country of origin. It contains:
- Final Action Dates: When visas can actually be issued
- Dates for Filing: When you can submit your application for a green card (Form I-485)
Understanding these dates is crucial for planning your move, adjusting status, or bringing family members to the U.S.
Family-Sponsored Category Updates (May 2025)
These categories are for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Let’s explore the updated timelines:
Final Action Dates (Family-Sponsored)
These determine when the government will make a final decision on your application.
- (Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens)
- All countries: March 15, 2016
- Mexico: April 22, 2005
- Philippines: July 15, 2012
- (Spouses/children of green card holders)
- All countries: January 1, 2022
- (Unmarried adult children of green card holders)
- All countries: July 22, 2016
- Mexico: January 1, 2006
- Philippines: February 8, 2012
- (Married children of U.S. citizens)
- All countries: April 1, 2011
- (Siblings of adult U.S. citizens)
- All countries: January 1, 2008
Dates for Filing (Family-Sponsored)
This tells you when you can begin the green card process, even if the visa isn’t available yet.
- F2A: February 1, 2025 (All countries)
- F1: September 1, 2017
- F2B: January 1, 2017
- F3: July 22, 2012
- F4: June 1, 2008
Tip: If your priority date is before these dates, you can file!
Employment-Based Visa Categories (May 2025)
Employment-based green cards are broken down into five preference categories. Here’s what’s new:
Final Action Dates (Employment-Based)
These dates decide when the green card will be issued.
- EB-1 (Priority Workers)
- Current for most countries
- India: February 15, 2022
- China: November 8, 2022
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals)
- All countries: June 22, 2023
- India: January 1, 2013
- China: October 1, 2020
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals)
- All countries: January 1, 2023
- India: April 15, 2013
- China: November 1, 2020
Dates for Filing (Employment-Based)
These dates allow early application even if the final decision is pending.
- EB-1: India: April 15, 2022; China: January 1, 2023
- EB-2: India: February 1, 2013; China: November 1, 2020
- EB-3: India: June 8, 2013; China: November 15, 2020
May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released: How to Check If You’re Eligible to File
- Locate your priority date: This is the date USCIS received your I-130 or I-140 petition.
- Identify your visa category (F1, F2A, EB-2, etc.).
- Compare your priority date to the Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates in the bulletin.
- Check USCIS instructions: Each month, USCIS decides whether applicants should use the “Dates for Filing” or “Final Action Dates” for I-485 submissions. You can find this on the USCIS Visa Bulletin page.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Priya, an Indian national, applied under EB-2 in March 2013. Her priority date is March 10, 2013.
- Final Action Date for India (EB-2): January 1, 2013
- Dates for Filing for India (EB-2): February 1, 2013
Since Priya’s priority date is after both, she still cannot file or receive a green card. But she is close. Once the filing date reaches March 10, 2013, she can submit Form I-485.
Breaking: June 2025 Visa Bulletin Reveals Major Changes for U.S. Immigration Applicants
H-1B Visa Updates 2025: New Rules, Application Tips, and Critical Highlights Explained
May 2025 Australian Work Visa Update: What’s New and How It Affects You
FAQs on May 2025 Visa Bulletin Released
What is a “priority date”?
It’s the date when your immigration petition (I-130 or I-140) was officially filed with USCIS.
What’s the difference between Final Action Date and Date for Filing?
- Final Action Date: When the green card is issued.
- Date for Filing: When you can submit your green card application (Form I-485).
What if my priority date is earlier than both dates?
Great news! You can file immediately, and if you’re current under Final Action Dates, your green card may be issued soon.
Can the Visa Bulletin move backward?
Yes, this is called retrogression. It happens when too many applications are filed at once.
Where can I find the latest Visa Bulletin?
You can view the monthly bulletin on the State Department website.
