April 2025 US Visa Updates: The April 2025 US Visa Bulletin is out, and it’s making waves in both family-sponsored and employment-based immigration categories. Whether you’re an employer sponsoring talent from abroad, a U.S. citizen petitioning for a family member, or an immigration attorney helping clients navigate this landscape — staying updated is critical. Why does this matter? The Visa Bulletin outlines when immigrant visa applicants can proceed with final processing. This includes green card applicants within the U.S. adjusting status or those applying abroad through consular processing. The dates listed determine who’s “current” and eligible to move forward.
April 2025 US Visa Updates
The April 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects steady progress in many categories, but also notable slowdowns — especially in investor and special immigrant categories. Understanding these changes isn’t just for lawyers — it empowers applicants to plan, adapt, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re filing, waiting, or preparing — knowledge is your most powerful tool.
| Visa Category | Final Action Date (New) | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | March 15, 2016 | +4 months | Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens. |
| F2A | Current (Jan 1, 2022 shown) | No change | Spouses/children of green card holders. |
| F2B | July 22, 2016 | +2 months | Unmarried adult children of green card holders. |
| F3 | April 1, 2011 | +9 months | Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens. |
| F4 | August 1, 2007 | +2 months | Siblings of U.S. citizens. |
| EB-1 (India) | February 15, 2022 | +2 weeks | Priority workers. |
| EB-2 (India) | January 1, 2013 | +1 month | Advanced degree professionals. |
| EB-3 (India) | April 1, 2013 | +2 months | Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. |
| EB-4 | Unavailable | Retrogressed | Religious workers and special immigrants – category has hit annual limits. |
| EB-5 (India) | November 1, 2019 | -2.5 years | Investors face sharp retrogression. |
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the U.S. Department of State that tells you when immigrant visas are available. Think of it as a queue — people waiting for green cards are served based on their priority date (the date their petition was filed).
Each category and country has a limited number of visas each year. The bulletin helps people know when it’s their turn.
Two Key Charts:
- Final Action Dates: When a visa can actually be issued or a green card granted.
- Dates for Filing: When an applicant can submit documents to prepare in advance.
In April 2025:
- Family-sponsored applicants use the Dates for Filing chart.
- Employment-based applicants use the Final Action Dates chart.
Detailed Breakdown: Family-Based Categories
F1 – Unmarried Adult Children of U.S. Citizens
Moved from November 2015 to March 15, 2016. This four-month advancement is good news, but wait times remain long — up to 9 years for most countries and 20+ years for Mexico or the Philippines.
F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents
Still current, meaning spouses and minor children of green card holders can proceed without delay. This category has stayed current since 2019 — an excellent window for applicants.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
Now at July 22, 2016, a slight move forward. This category remains heavily backlogged, especially for Mexico.
F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens
A substantial advancement to April 1, 2011 — nearly 9 months forward. Still, applicants face waits exceeding 13 years in most cases.
F4 – Siblings of Adult U.S. Citizens
Moved to August 1, 2007, showing steady progress. However, this is still one of the longest waits — often 15 to 20 years depending on the country.
Detailed Breakdown: Employment-Based Categories
EB-1 – Priority Workers
- India advanced by two weeks to Feb 15, 2022
- China remains at Nov 8, 2022
- Rest of world stays current
This reflects growing demand in India, where tech and STEM talent dominate EB-1 filings.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree Holders
- India now at Jan 1, 2013
- China at Oct 1, 2020
- All other countries: June 22, 2023
Applicants from India continue to face a decade-long wait.
EB-3 – Skilled and Professional Workers
- India: April 1, 2013
- China: Nov 1, 2020
- Other countries: Jan 1, 2023
EB-3 for India is slightly ahead of EB-2, a reversal from historical trends.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
Unavailable for all countries due to hitting the annual cap. This impacts religious workers, Afghan/Iraqi translators, and others under this umbrella.
EB-5 – Investors
- India: Retrogressed to Nov 1, 2019
- China: Jan 22, 2014
- All others: Remain current
This retrogression is significant. Investors should work with attorneys to adjust strategies accordingly.
Why Do April 2025 US Visa Updates Happen?
Several factors influence the movement of visa categories:
- Demand vs. Supply – Each category and country has annual caps.
- Unused Visa Recapture – Unused visas from prior years may be added.
- Policy Shifts – Legislative changes or agency priorities affect numbers.
- Processing Speeds – Delays at USCIS or consulates impact the pace.
Practical Tips for Applicants
- Track Your Priority Date: Use Form I-797 to locate your date and compare with the bulletin.
- Use the Right Chart: USCIS may direct applicants to use Final Action or Filing Dates
- Prepare Early: Gather documents and update expired forms.
- Consider Upgrading Categories: Spouse becomes a citizen? Move from F2A to IR1 for faster processing.
- Seek Professional Advice: A qualified immigration attorney can help strategize if facing retrogression.
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Frequently Asked Questions About April 2025 US Visa Updates
What is a “Priority Date”?
The date your petition was filed with USCIS. It determines your place in line.
How do I know if my priority date is current?
Check the Visa Bulletin and compare your date to the “Final Action Date” or “Date for Filing,” depending on the USCIS chart for that month.
What does “retrogression” mean?
It’s when a visa category moves backward due to overwhelming demand. Applicants may have to wait longer.
Can I switch categories?
Yes. For example, a green card holder who becomes a U.S. citizen can upgrade a petition from F2B to F1 — or IR1 if it’s a spouse.
