USCIS Opens Green Card Application Filing Window for July 2025
If you aspire to become a U.S. permanent resident through a family-sponsored or employment-based visa, July 2025 is a key moment. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in coordination with the Department of State (DOS), has issued the latest Visa Bulletin. This bulletin reveals when you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Here’s what you need to know, whether your petition has been approved or you’re waiting for your priority date to become current.
Overview: Adjustment of Status (AOS)
Adjustment of Status (AOS) enables eligible individuals in the U.S. to transition from a temporary visa to lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a Green Card. If you already have a petition filed on your behalf—either from a family member or employer—you must wait for an immigrant visa to become available in your category before filing Form I-485.
This is where the Visa Bulletin plays a crucial role.
July 2025 Visa Bulletin: Know When to File
There are two important charts to understand:
- Final Action Dates: Indicates when USCIS can issue the Green Card.
- Dates for Filing Applications: Shows the earliest time you can file Form I-485, even if the Green Card won’t be issued right away.
July 2025 Filing Dates Snapshot
Here’s a breakdown of the latest USCIS-approved filing dates for major countries. If your priority date is earlier than the listed date—or marked “C” for current—you can file starting in July 2025:
| Category | Most Countries | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| F1 | 01 SEP 2017 | 01 SEP 2017 | 01 SEP 2017 | 01 JUN 2006 | 22 APR 2015 |
| F2A | 01 MAR 2025 (CURRENT) | ||||
| F2B | 01 JAN 2017 | 01 JAN 2017 | 01 JAN 2017 | 01 APR 2008 | 01 OCT 2013 |
| F3 | 22 JUL 2012 | 15 JUN 2001 (Mexico) | 01 DEC 2004 (Philippines) | ||
| F4 | 08 SEP 2008 | 01 DEC 2006 (India) | 30 APR 2001 (Mexico) | 01 JAN 2008 (Philippines) |
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
For employment-based applicants, Final Action Dates indicate when USCIS can approve your Green Card. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed—or marked as “Current”—you can finalize your Green Card:
| Category | Most Countries | China | India |
| EB-1 | Current for all except China (15 NOV 2022) and India (15 FEB 2022) | ||
| EB-2 | 15 OCT 2023 | 15 DEC 2020 | 01 JAN 2013 |
| EB-3 | 01 APR 2023 | 01 DEC 2020 | 22 APR 2013 |
| Other Workers | 08 JUL 2021 | 01 MAY 2017 | 22 APR 2013 |
| EB-4 & Religious Workers | UNAVAILABLE for all | ||
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current for most except China (22 JAN 2014) and India (01 MAY 2019) | ||
| EB-5 Set-Aside | Current for All |
Factors Affecting Visa Availability
USCIS determines visa availability based on:
- DOS data on qualified applications
- Pending Form I-485 cases
- Historical trends, such as denials or withdrawals
- An increase in eligible applicants or a backlog in processing can cause dates to retrogress or stall. Stay vigilant and check the Visa Bulletin regularly!
New Applicant Action Plan
Follow these steps to navigate your application process:
- Check your priority date from your petition or labor certification.
- Match it with the relevant chart above.
- If your date is earlier than the listed date (or “C”), prepare to file your I-485!
- Gather your documents, complete your medical exam, and submit your application to USCIS.
- Monitor updates next month, as cut-off dates can change.
Conclusion
The opening of the Green Card application filing window in July 2025 is an important opportunity for many. By understanding the Visa Bulletin and following the outlined steps, you can take significant strides toward becoming a permanent resident in the U.S. Stay informed, organized, and ready to act when your moment arrives!
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