The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin, providing critical updates that may affect your journey to the United States. Whether you’re applying for a family-sponsored visa, employment-based visa, or the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, this bulletin determines when you can proceed with your application.
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If you’ve been waiting for your priority date to become current, now is the time to check where you stand.
Understanding Final Action vs. Filing Dates:
- Final Action Dates: Indicate when a visa number is available, allowing a visa to be issued or an adjustment of status to be processed.
- Dates for Filing: Allow applicants to submit required documents in advance, even if the visa is not yet available.
- USCIS Filing Determination: Each month, USCIS announces whether applicants should use the Final Action Dates or Filing Dates chart for adjustment of status applications. Check USCIS’s official website for April 2025 guidance.
Family-Sponsored Visa Updates:
Family-sponsored visa availability depends on preference category and country of chargeability due to annual numerical limits.
Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas
- F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Most countries: March 15, 2016 | Mexico: January 1, 2005 | Philippines: July 15, 2012
- F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents): Current for most regions
- F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents, 21 and over): Most countries: July 22, 2016 | Mexico: January 1, 2006 | Philippines: January 22, 2012
- F3 (Married Sons/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
Filing Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas
- F1: Most countries: September 1, 2017 | Mexico: April 1, 2006 | Philippines: April 22, 2015
- F2A: Current for all countries
- F2B: Most countries: January 1, 2017 | Mexico: April 1, 2007 | Philippines: October 1, 2013
- F3: Most countries: July 22, 2012 | Mexico: June 15, 2001 | Philippines: September 22, 2004
- F4: Most countries: April 1, 2008 | Mexico: April 30, 2001 | Philippines: January 1, 2008
Employment-Based Visa Updates:
Employment-based visas have numerical limits per country and category.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visas
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): Current for most applicants | China: November 8| India: February 15
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals & Exceptional Ability): Most countries: June 22 | China: October 1| India: January 1, 2013
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals): Most countries: January 1| China: November 1| India: April 1,n
Filing Dates for Employment-Based Visas
- EB-1: Most countries: Current | China: January 1 | India: April 15
- EB-2: Most countries: August 1| China: November 1| India: February 1
- EB-3: Most countries: March 1| China: November 15| India: June 8
Diversity Visa (DV) Updates:
The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery allows individuals from underrepresented countries to apply for U.S. residency. cut-off numbers:
- Africa: 30,000 (except certain restricted 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
Other Key Updates in Visa Bulletin:
- Religious Workers (SR Visa): No SR visas available until the new fiscal year.
- EB-5 Visa Retrogression: Due to high demand, China and India face delays in the EB-5 Unreserved Visa category.
- Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs): New eligibility criteria introduced by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Applicants should check with their consular section for details.
What Should You Do Next?
If your priority date is now current, here’s what you should do:
- Check the USCIS website to confirm whether you should use the Final Action or Filing Dates chart.
- Gather necessary documents, including birth certificates, police clearance, and financial evidence.
- If applying for Adjustment of Status, ensure you complete Form I-485 and submit supporting documentation.
- If applying for a Consular Visa, schedule an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Stay updated on changes by checking the monthly Visa Bulletin and USCIS announcements.
Final Thoughts:
The Visa Bulletin contains important updates for many applicants. If your priority date is now current, act quickly to submit documents and schedule interviews. Always verify details through official sources and consider seeking professional immigration guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is the US visa application now open?
Check out this video as we walk you through the process at the U.S. Embassy’s new Visa Application Center (VAC), which will open on September 28, 2024. Visa applicants will have their photos and fingerprints taken at the VAC prior to their visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
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Is the USA visa-free?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
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How long will a USA visa take?
It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. However, the processing time depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
