United States. February 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Updates and Insights

Introduction

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2025, detailing the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications for family-sponsored and employment-based green card applicants. These dates determine when applicants can proceed with their visa applications and adjustment of status processes. This bulletin is particularly crucial for immigrants from high-demand countries such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, where visa backlogs are more pronounced.

Key Takeaways

• Family-Sponsored Preferences: Modest advancements were seen in some family-sponsored categories, but many remain stagnant due to visa demand.
• Employment-Based Preferences: Some significant progress was noted, especially in EB-2 and EB-3 categories, while others faced retrogression.
• Retrogression Concerns: High demand in certain employment-based categories has led to slower visa availability for applicants from specific countries.
• Dates for Filing Applications: Adjustments were made, impacting when applicants can submit their documentation.
• USCIS Guidelines: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will determine which chart (Final Action or Filing Dates) to use for processing adjustment of status applications.

Family-Sponsored Visa Categories

The family-sponsored preference categories have experienced limited movement in the February 2025 Visa Bulletin. These categories include:

1. F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) – Minor advances in priority dates for most countries.
2. F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) – Remains current across all countries, allowing immediate processing.
3. F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents) – Modest movement in priority dates.
4. F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens) – No significant changes.
5. F4 (Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens) – Small advancements in select regions, but significant backlogs persist for applicants from India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Due to high visa demand, applicants under F3 and F4 categories from countries with heavy backlogs may face longer wait times before receiving their green cards.

Employment-Based Visa Categories

The employment-based preference categories saw both advancements and delays in the February 2025 Visa Bulletin:

1. EB-1 (Priority Workers) – Remains current for all countries, meaning applicants can proceed without delays.
2. EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders & Exceptional Ability) – Significant progress for applicants from India and China, reflecting efforts to reduce the backlog in this category.
3. EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers) – Notable advancements in priority dates for several countries, improving green card wait times.
4. EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants, including Religious Workers) – Retrogression observed due to high demand, leading to delays in processing times.
5. EB-5 (Investor Visas for Job Creation) – Remains current for most applicants, except those from China, who continue to experience processing delays.

The retrogression in EB-4 visas and the backlog in family-sponsored visas indicate that certain applicants will need to wait longer for green card availability.

What This Means for Visa Applicants

• Applicants in current categories can proceed with their final green card processing.
• Those affected by retrogression will face longer wait times before visa numbers become available.
• Employment-based applicants from India and China in EB-2 and EB-3 categories may benefit from the priority date advancements.
• USCIS will announce separately which chart (Final Action or Filing Dates) applicants should use for submitting adjustment of status applications.

USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Chart

For individuals already in the U.S. seeking to adjust status to a green card holder, USCIS determines which date chart—Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing Applications—to use each month. Applicants should check USCIS announcements to confirm which chart applies before submitting their applications.

Conclusion

The February 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects modest movement in family-sponsored categories, some relief in employment-based preferences, and ongoing challenges with retrogression in high-demand categories. Applicants should stay informed, follow USCIS updates, and work with immigration professionals to navigate potential delays. Those affected by retrogression should prepare for longer wait times but remain vigilant for future adjustments in visa availability.

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Source – travel.state.gov