US Green Card 2025: January 2025 Visa Bulletin Updates for US Green Card Seekers

The January 2025 US Visa Bulletin has been released, bringing encouraging news for those seeking to immigrate to the United States. Significant advancements in Final Action Dates have emerged for Indian and Chinese applicants in the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based visa categories.

This bulletin outlines updates on immigrant number availability, filing dates, and guidelines for submitting documentation.

Key Updates in the Visa Bulletin

The January 2025 Visa Bulletin presents vital information for applicants. Notably, the Dates for Filing chart remains unchanged from December 2024. However, the Final Action Dates for specific employment-based visa categories show promising shifts.

Employment-Based Visa Changes

EB-1 (First Priority Workers)

The EB-1 Visa category, which includes multinational executives and individuals with extraordinary abilities, remains stable across all countries, including India and China.

EB-2 (Second Priority Workers)

• China: Advances by one month to April 22, 2020.
• India: Moves forward by two months to October 1, 2012.
• All Other Countries: Progress by two weeks to April 1, 2023.

EB-3 (Third Priority Workers)

• India: Advances by three weeks to December 1, 2012.
• China: Moves ahead by two months to June 1, 2020.
• All Other Countries: Progresses by two weeks to December 1, 2022.

EB-5 (Investors)

• The EB-5 visa category remains unchanged.
• India: Priority date is January 1, 2022.
• China: Priority date is July 15, 2016.
• Other Countries: Remain current.

Increased Processing for EB-5 Visas

The Department of State and USCIS report a rise in I-526E petition approvals. More applicants are completing their EB-5 set-aside category applications. USCIS anticipates potential priority date adjustments during the fiscal year to manage demand effectively.

Filing Requirements and Guidelines

Eligibility for Filing

Applicants should refer to the Final Action Dates chart to determine their eligibility for adjustment of status. If USCIS identifies surplus visas, the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart may also apply.

Priority Date Allocation

Priority dates are assigned chronologically based on demand as of December 3, 2024. If a category or country becomes oversubscribed, retrogression may occur, pushing Final Action Dates backward. Categories that reach their annual limits may be marked as “unavailable,” halting further visa issuance.

Visa Caps

Family-Sponsored Visas:

• Annual cap: 226,000 visas.

Employment-Based Visas:

• Annual cap: 140,000 visas.

Per-Country Limits:

• Each country: 7% of the total (25,620 visas).
• Dependent areas: 2% of the total (7,320 visas).

Diversity Visa Program

The Diversity Visa (DV) program has an annual limit of 52,000 visas. No country may receive more than 7% of the total. The DV-2025 program concludes on September 30, 2025, with all visas required to be issued by that date.

Oversubscribed Areas

Countries such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines remain oversubscribed. Visa prorating provisions ensure compliance with per-country limits and fair distribution.

Conclusion

The January 2025 Visa Bulletin provides crucial updates for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrants, as well as diversity visa applicants and EB-5 investors. It is essential to monitor your category’s priority dates closely and prepare the required documentation promptly.

Stay informed to navigate this complex process successfully.