US Department of State Releases April 2025 Visa Bulletin for US Applicants

The April 2025 Visa Bulletin has arrived, offering vital updates for those seeking to enter the United States. Whether you are applying for a family-sponsored visa, an employment-based visa, or entering the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, this bulletin contains essential information. If you have been awaiting your priority date, now is the time to check your status.

Understanding which categories are advancing and where delays exist will help you plan your next steps effectively. Let’s explore the details of this month’s bulletin.

Understanding Final Action vs. Filing Dates

The Visa Bulletin includes two important types of dates:

• Final Action Dates: These indicate when a visa number is available. This means a visa can be issued, or an adjustment of status can be processed.
• Dates for Filing Applications: These allow applicants to submit necessary documents before a visa number becomes available.

USCIS determines which chart to use for filing adjustment applications each month in 2025.

Major Updates for Family-Sponsored Visas

If you are applying for a family-sponsored visa, note that annual limits affect how many visas are issued. Visa availability depends on your category and country of chargeability.

Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas

F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):

• Most countries: March 15, 2016
• Mexico: January 1, 2005
• Philippines: July 15, 2012

F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Current for most regions

F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents, 21 and over):

• Most countries: July 22, 2016
• Mexico: January 1, 2006
• Philippines: January 22, 2012

F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):

• Most countries: April 1, 2011
• Mexico: January 15, 2001
• Philippines: March 22, 2003

F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens):

• Most countries: August 1, 2007
• Mexico: March 15, 2001
• Philippines: January 1, 2005

New Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications

If your priority date is before the dates listed below, you can submit your documents for processing:

• F1: September 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2006 (Mexico), April 22, 2015 (Philippines)
• F2A: Current for all countries
• F2B: January 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2007 (Mexico), October 1, 2013 (Philippines)
• F3: July 22, 2012 (most countries), June 15, 2001 (Mexico), September 22, 2004 (Philippines)
• F4: April 1, 2008 (most countries), April 30, 2001 (Mexico), January 1, 2008 (Philippines)

Updates for Employment-Based Visas

For employment-based visas, your wait time depends on demand and per-country limits. Here’s the current status for April 2025.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visas

• EB-1 (Priority Workers): Current for most applicants; China: November 8, 2022; India: February 15, 2022.
• EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals & Exceptional Ability): Most countries: June 22, 2023; China: October 1, 2020; India: January 1, 2013.
• EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): Most countries: January 1, 2023; China: November 1, 2020; India: April 1, 2013.

New Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visas

• EB-1: Current for most regions; China: January 1, 2023; India: April 15, 2022.
• EB-2: Most countries: August 1, 2023; China: November 1, 2020; India: February 1, 2013.
• EB-3: Most countries: March 1, 2023; China: November 15, 2020; India: June 8, 2013.

Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program Updates

The DV lottery allows individuals from underrepresented countries to apply for U.S. residency. Here are the latest updates for April 2025:

DV Cut-Off Numbers

• Africa: 30,000 (excluding certain countries)
• Asia: 6,000 (Iran: 5,950, Nepal: 5,950)
• Europe: 16,000 (Russia: 15,950, Uzbekistan: 7,750)
• Oceania: 1,500
• South America & Caribbean: 2,200

DV applicants must complete processing before September 30, 2025, or their visa will expire.

Other Key Updates

• Religious Worker Visa (SR Visa): The program has reached its limit for FY 2025. No further SR visas will be issued until October 1, 2025.
• EB-5 Retrogression: Due to high demand, China and India have experienced retrogressions in the EB-5 Unreserved Visa category. The situation is under review.

Stay informed and plan your next steps carefully as you navigate the U.S. visa process!