US Department of State Releases USA Visa Applications Bulletin for March 2025

Are you waiting for your U.S. visa? The March 2025 Visa Bulletin has arrived, bringing essential updates that could impact your immigration journey. Whether you’re applying for a family-sponsored visa, an employment-based visa, or the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, this bulletin outlines your next steps.

Don’t miss these key dates—your opportunity to secure your visa may be closer than you think!

Understanding Final Action and Filing Dates

The bulletin distinguishes between two critical types of dates:

• Final Action Dates: These indicate when a visa number is available. This means your visa can be issued, or your status can be adjusted.
• Filing Dates: These indicate when you can start submitting documents, even if your visa isn’t yet available.

Always check your category and country of application to see if your priority date is eligible.

Family-Sponsored Visa Updates

Applying for a visa through a family member comes with annual limits. Wait times vary based on your category and country. Here are the Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas:

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

• Most countries: November 22, 2015
• Mexico: November 22, 2004
• Philippines: March 8, 2012

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

• Most countries: May 22, 2016
• Mexico: July 1, 2005
• Philippines: October 22, 2011

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

• Most countries: July 1, 2010
• Mexico: November 22, 2000
• Philippines: January 22, 2003

F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens):

• Most countries: August 1, 2007
• Mexico: March 1, 2001
• Philippines: October 15, 2004

Filing Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas

If your priority date is before these dates, you can start submitting your documents:

• F1: September 1, 2017 (most countries)
• F2A: Current for all countries
• F2B: January 1, 2017 (most countries)
• F3: July 22, 2012 (most countries)
• F4: March 1, 2008 (most countries)

Employment-Based Visa Updates

For those seeking employment-based visas, wait times depend on demand and country. Here are the Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visas:

• EB-1 (Priority Workers): Current for most applicants; China: November 8, 2022; India: February 1, 2022.
• EB-2 (Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability): Most countries: May 15, 2023; China: May 8, 2020; India: December 1, 2012.
• EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): Most countries: December 1, 2022; China: August 1, 2020; India: February 1, 2013.

Filing Dates for 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: October 1, 2020; India: January 1, 2013.
• EB-3: Most countries: March 1, 2023; China: November 15, 2020; India: June 8, 2013.

Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program Updates

The Diversity Visa lottery aims to help individuals from underrepresented countries immigrate to the U.S. The DV-2026 program offers 52,000 visas this year.

March 2025 DV Cut-Off Numbers

If your number is below the cutoffs listed, you can proceed with your visa:

• Africa: 25,000 (excluding some countries)
• Asia: 6,000 (Iran: 5,400; Nepal: 4,500)
• Europe: 13,000 (Russia: 12,950; Uzbekistan: 7,750)
• Oceania: 1,125
• South America & Caribbean: 1,800

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

Other Important Updates

The Religious Worker (SR) Visa program has been extended until March 14, 2025. No SR visas will be issued after this date unless Congress renews the program. Additionally, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2024 has updated some rules for U.S. government employees and their families. If this applies to you, consult your local consular office for details.

Stay informed about your visa options and timelines to ensure a smooth immigration process!