US Visa Bulletin for April 2025: The US Visa Bulletin for April 2025 has been released, and it brings some significant updates that could affect thousands of hopeful immigrants waiting in line to adjust their status or receive their immigrant visas. Whether you’re applying through a family-based petition or an employment-based route, this guide will help you understand what the changes mean, how to interpret the bulletin, and what you should do next. This article simplifies the visa bulletin’s complexity while offering professional insights, practical steps, and official references for your next immigration move.
US Visa Bulletin for April 2025
The April 2025 U.S. Visa Bulletin shows encouraging movement, especially for employment-based and certain family-based categories. While the path to a U.S. green card remains a long journey for many, understanding how to read the bulletin, tracking your priority date, and staying informed are essential to moving forward. If your date has become current, now is the time to act. If not, be patient, stay organized, and keep checking each month. The journey might be long, but staying informed puts you in control.
| Category | Country | New Cut-Off Date | Previous Cut-Off Date | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | All Except Mexico/Philippines | March 15, 2016 | Nov 22, 2015 | +5 months |
| F-2A (Spouses & Children <21 of Green Card Holders) | All Countries | January 1, 2022 | January 1, 2022 | No Change |
| F-4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens) | India | October 1, 2006 | August 15, 2006 | +1.5 months |
| EB-1 (Priority Workers) | India | February 15, 2022 | February 1, 2022 | +2 weeks |
| EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders) | India | January 1, 2013 | December 1, 2012 | +1 month |
| EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals) | India | April 1, 2013 | February 1, 2013 | +2 months |
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly report published by the U.S. Department of State that tells you when you can move forward with your green card application. It shows which priority dates are currently being processed — in other words, how far the line has moved.
Each applicant’s place in line is determined by their priority date, which is usually the date when USCIS or the National Visa Center received your petition.
The bulletin is split into two charts:
- Final Action Dates: When a green card can be issued.
- Dates for Filing: When an applicant can submit their final paperwork.
April 2025 Family-Based Visa Category Updates
F-1 (Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens)
- New cutoff: March 15, 2016
- Movement: +5 months
- Great news for applicants! This significant jump opens the door for many families who have been waiting nearly a decade.
F-2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents)
- Still current at January 1, 2022
- No movement, but this category historically remains stable and accessible.
F-4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India cutoff: October 1, 2006
- Movement: +1.5 months
- The F-4 backlog remains long, but any forward movement is a positive sign.
April 2025 Employment-Based Visa Category Updates
EB-1 (Extraordinary Workers, Researchers, Executives)
- India cutoff: February 15, 2022
- Slight movement, but EB-1 remains one of the fastest employment categories if you qualify.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals)
- India cutoff: January 1, 2013
- Movement: +1 month
- While slower than hoped, any progress is helpful for backlog clearance.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals)
- India cutoff: April 1, 2013
- Movement: +2 months
- EB-3 shows the strongest forward momentum in April — excellent news for IT workers and healthcare professionals.
How to Read the US Visa Bulletin for April 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Find Your Priority Date
This is listed on your I-130 or I-140 receipt. It’s your official “place in line.”
Step 2: Identify Your Category and Country
Different categories and countries move at different speeds. India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines typically have longer wait times.
Step 3: Match With the Final Action Date
Check if your priority date is earlier than the published Final Action Date. If yes, your visa number is available, and you can proceed.
Step 4: Submit Your Application (If Eligible)
If you’re adjusting status from within the U.S., you can file Form I-485. If you’re abroad, the National Visa Center will process your immigrant visa.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants?
- If your priority date just became current: Prepare documents immediately. This is your window to act.
- If you’re still waiting: Monitor monthly bulletins.
- For Employers: Prepare to file I-140s as soon as LCAs are certified to avoid delays when dates become current.
- For Family Sponsors: Ensure that your relatives keep their contact details updated with the NVC and maintain eligibility (e.g., age under 21 for F-2A).
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FAQs – April 2025 Visa Bulletin
Q: What is the difference between Final Action Date and Date for Filing?
A: Final Action means when the green card can be approved. Date for Filing is when paperwork can be submitted early for processing prep.
Q: What does it mean if my date is “current”?
A: It means there is no wait — you can file immediately and get a decision without delay.
Q: My priority date just became current. What should I do next?
A: Contact your immigration lawyer or file Form I-485 with supporting documents. Don’t wait — act while your window is open.
Q: Can priority dates move backward?
A: Yes, that’s called retrogression. It happens when demand exceeds supply. That’s why acting quickly when your date is current is crucial.
