New US Visa Processing Dates for April 2025 – If you’re waiting on a U.S. visa—whether for work, family reunification, or permanent residency—the new U.S. visa processing dates for April 2025 could directly impact your application. The U.S. Department of State’s latest Visa Bulletin brings significant updates to priority dates across employment-based and family-sponsored visa categories. For some, it’s good news. For others, more waiting lies ahead.
In this article, we break down the April 2025 visa processing dates, explain how to read the Visa Bulletin, and guide you step-by-step on checking whether you’re eligible to move forward. Whether you’re an H-1B applicant, an employer, or a family waiting for a green card, this guide is for you.
New US Visa Processing Dates for April 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| EB-1 India Final Action Date | Advanced to Feb 15, 2022 |
| EB-2 India Final Action Date | Moved to Jan 1, 2013 |
| EB-3 India Final Action Date | Progressed to Apr 1, 2013 |
| EB-2 China | Advanced to Oct 1, 2020 |
| Family-Sponsored Dates | Must follow Dates for Filing Chart |
| USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing | Check USCIS instructions |
| Official Source | travel.state.gov |
The April 2025 Visa Bulletin brings both hope and frustration. While some categories—like EB-3 India and EB-2 China—saw modest progress, others remain stagnant. If your priority date is now current, this could be the moment you’ve been waiting for. Stay alert, act fast, and always refer to official sources for updates.
Planning ahead and staying informed is the key to navigating the U.S. visa journey. Whether you’re an applicant or employer, the latest bulletin is your roadmap.
What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter?
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, tells you whether a green card number is available for your visa category and country of chargeability. If your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date, you’re eligible to proceed.
Here’s how it works:
- Priority Date: The date your petition was filed (e.g., I-140 or I-130).
- Final Action Date: When a green card may actually be issued.
- Date for Filing: When you can submit your adjustment of status application (Form I-485).
Tip: Even if your Final Action Date isn’t current, you might still be able to file early if the USCIS allows using the Date for Filing chart for your category.
Employment-Based Visa Category Changes – April 2025
EB-1 (Priority Workers)
- India: Advances to Feb 15, 2022 (two-week jump).
- China: Unchanged at Nov 8, 2022.
- All Other Countries: Current — you can apply immediately.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders)
- India: Moves up to Jan 1, 2013 — still very delayed.
- China: Big jump to Oct 1, 2020.
- Others: Moves ahead to June 22, 2023.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers)
- India: Now at Apr 1, 2013.
- China: Moves to Nov 1, 2020.
- All Other Countries: At Jan 1, 2023.
Observation: The EB-2 and EB-3 backlogs for India remain painfully slow, often requiring over 10 years of waiting. For professionals from China, the pace is slightly faster but still lagging behind global trends.
Family-Based Visa Updates – What’s Changed
The USCIS has instructed family-sponsored green card applicants to use the Dates for Filing Chart for April 2025. This allows you to submit Form I-485 before the Final Action Date becomes current—speeding up work permits and advance parole eligibility.
Common categories include:
- F2A (Spouses/Children of Green Card Holders): Often Current in Dates for Filing.
- F1, F3, F4 (Adult Children, Siblings of Citizens): Dates vary by country.
Check your category’s filing date here:
Visa Bulletin – April 2025 (travel.state.gov)
How to Check If You’re Eligible – Step-by-Step for US Visa Processing?
- Find your Priority Date
- Look on your I-130, I-140, or labor certification approval notice.
- Determine Your Visa Category
- Are you EB-2 India? F4 Mexico? This matters a lot.
- Compare With April 2025 Visa Bulletin
- Use both Final Action Date and Date for Filing.
- Check USCIS Filing Chart
- Visit USCIS Visa Bulletin Page
- If Your Date Is Current
- You can file or receive your green card depending on which chart USCIS allows.
Tip for Employers: If you’ve sponsored H-1B or L-1 employees, check their category’s priority dates to help them prepare for adjustment filings.
What to Do if Your Priority Date Isn’t Current?
Waiting is tough, but you can still prepare. Here’s how:
- Keep documents ready: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment letters.
- Track bulletins monthly: Dates can move forward or retrogress.
- Explore non-immigrant options: If eligible, consider H-1B, L-1, or F-1 to stay in the U.S. legally.
- Stay in touch with your attorney: Updates happen fast—being proactive helps.
Bonus Tip: Use visa bulletin trackers like Trackitt or Lawfully to stay updated.
Visa Appointment Cancellations in India – What Happened
In March 2025, the U.S. Embassy in India cancelled nearly 2,000 visa appointments due to scheduling violations and potential fraud. Applicants were accused of misusing the appointment system through duplicate bookings or agent manipulation.
“We have zero tolerance for fraud,” the Embassy said. (Business Standard)
Actionable Advice:
- Only use official websites for bookings: ustraveldocs.com
- Avoid third-party agents unless they’re verified.
- Check email regularly for any appointment cancellation or rebooking notices.
Professional Impact: Why It Matters for Employers and Applicants
- Tech Workers (H-1B/EB-2/EB-3): Still facing multi-year waits, especially from India. Employers must plan long-term.
- Employers Filing PERM: Begin early—delays mean longer timelines for green card sponsorship.
- Families Waiting Abroad: Check if your loved ones can now submit documents or expect interviews soon.
Data Insight: The U.S. still has a 140,000 cap on employment-based green cards per year, and oversubscription in India and China continues to stretch processing time.
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FAQs
What is a Priority Date?
It’s the date your immigrant petition (like Form I-130 or I-140) was filed. It determines your place in the visa queue.
How do I know if my date is current?
Compare your priority date with the Final Action Date or Date for Filing listed in the Visa Bulletin.
Can I file I-485 if my date isn’t current?
Only if USCIS allows the use of the Date for Filing chart for that month and your category.
What happens if my visa date retrogresses?
You may face delays. If you’ve already filed, USCIS will hold your case until your date becomes current again.
Is premium processing available for EB-1/EB-2/EB-3?
Yes, but premium processing speeds up petition approval, not the visa issuance or priority date movement.
What is the difference between USCIS and NVC processing?
- USCIS handles applications inside the U.S. (like I-485).
- NVC (National Visa Center) processes immigrant visas abroad via U.S. consulates.
Can my child “age out” if priority dates move slowly?
Possibly. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may protect them, but seek legal guidance to confirm.
