The U.S. Department of State’s April 2025 Visa Bulletin introduces several updates impacting family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visa categories. These changes affect visa availability, retrogressions, and filing dates for applicants from various countries.
Employment-Based Visa Categories
The April 2025 Visa Bulletin presents notable adjustments in employment-based (EB) visa categories:
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): The Final Action Date for India advanced by two weeks to February 15, 2022. China remains at November 8, 2022, while all other countries are current. Biz Legal Services
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders and Exceptional Ability): India’s date moved forward by one month to January 1, 2013. China’s date advanced by approximately five months to October 1, 2020. All other countries progressed by five weeks to June 22, 2023. Biz Legal Services
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): India’s date advanced by two months to April 1, 2013. China’s date moved forward by three months to November 1, 2020. All other countries saw a one-month advancement to January 1, 2023. Biz Legal Services
- EB-4 (Special Immigrants): This category has reached its annual limit as of February 28, 2025, rendering it unavailable until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025. Boundless
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): India’s date retrogressed by two years to November 1, 2019, and China’s date moved back by two and a half years to January 22, 2014. All other countries remain current. Biz Legal Services
Impact of Retrogression
The retrogression in the EB-5 category for China and India indicates increased demand for employment-based visas. The unavailability of EB-4 visas until the next fiscal year adds further strain to the immigration system. Despite slight advancements in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories for India, applicants should anticipate potential delays.
The April 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects ongoing adjustments in visa availability, influenced by demand and annual limits. Applicants are advised to stay informed about these changes and consult official sources or immigration professionals for guidance on their specific cases.
FAQs
What is the current status of EB-5 visas for India and China?
India’s EB-5 category retrogressed to November 1, 2019, and China’s to January 22, 2014.Biz Legal Services
Why are EB-4 visas unavailable until October 2025?
The EB-4 category reached its annual limit on February 28, 2025, and will remain unavailable until the new fiscal year starts on October 1, 2025.Boundless
How are employment-based visas allocated?
EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 each receive 28.6% of the total employment-based visas, while EB-4 and EB-5 each receive 7.1%.
What advancements occurred in the F2A category?
The Dates for Filing for all countries, including India, advanced by three months to October 15, 2024.
Where can I find the official April 2025 Visa Bulletin?
The official bulletin is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
