July 2025 Visa Bulletin: Important Updates in EB-1 to EB-3 Categories

The July 2025 U.S. Visa Bulletin reveals positive changes for Chinese applicants in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories. Indian applicants see slight progress in EB-3, while most other countries enjoy a significant advancement.

The U.S. Department of State has unveiled the July 2025 Visa Bulletin. This month, Chinese applicants experience modest gains in key employment-based (EB) green card categories. Indian applicants also see a small improvement in EB-3. Additionally, most countries, except for the Philippines, experience notable advancements in EB-3 cut-off dates.

Overview: The U.S. Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Visa Bulletin is a monthly update from the Department of State. It informs immigrants about when they can apply for a green card or lawful permanent residency. The bulletin highlights two main sets of dates:

• Final Action Dates: These indicate when a visa number is available, allowing green cards to be issued.
• Dates for Filing: These show when applicants can submit their documents in anticipation of future visa availability.

Grasping the Visa Bulletin is crucial for anyone awaiting a green card. It influences application timing, travel plans, and career decisions for foreign nationals in the U.S.

Updates for China

Chinese applicants see the following advancements:

• EB-1 Final Action Date: Moves one week forward to November 15, 2022.
• EB-2 Final Action Date: Advances by two weeks to December 15, 2020.
• EB-3 for Professionals/Skilled Workers: Advances one week to December 1, 2020.

The Dates for Filing for China also show:

• EB-1: January 1, 2023
• EB-2: January 1, 2021
• EB-3: December 22, 2020

Updates for India

India’s developments are modest:

• EB-3 Final Action Date for Professionals, Skilled, and Other Workers: Advances by one week to April 22, 2013.
• No changes occur in EB-1, EB-2, or EB-5 categories.

India’s Dates for Filing this month include:

• EB-1: April 15, 2022
• EB-2: February 1, 2013
• EB-3: June 8, 2013

Significant Progress for Other Countries in EB-3

For countries outside India, China, and the Philippines, the updates are promising:

• EB-3 for Professionals and Skilled Workers: Final Action Dates advance seven weeks to April 1, 2023.
• EB-2 remains unchanged to October 15, 2023.
• EB-1 remains current, showing no backlog.
• EB-5 categories remain current, except for China and India.

No Movement for the Philippines 🇵🇭

In contrast, the Philippines sees no changes in its EB-3 Final Action Date, which remains at February 8, 2023.

EB-4 Category: Currently Unavailable

The EB-4 visa category, often for religious workers and special immigrants, is unavailable for all countries until October 1, 2025, when the new fiscal year begins.

Upcoming USCIS Adjustment of Status Information

USCIS will soon confirm whether Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing will dictate green card application eligibility for July 2025. For the latest updates, check the official USCIS Visa Bulletin page.

Conclusion

If you plan to apply for a U.S. green card under employment-based categories, staying informed about the Visa Bulletin is essential. July offers incremental hope for many, particularly applicants from China and other non-backlogged nations.

Stay alert for USCIS’s announcement regarding filing acceptance. Consulting an immigration attorney can provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs.