Essential Updates in Visa Bulletin for EB-1 to EB-3 Categories

The July 2025 Visa Bulletin has been published by the U.S. Department of State, revealing modest advancements for individuals from China in significant employment-based (EB) green card categories, along with a slight uptick for India in EB-3. In contrast, most other countries, excluding the Philippines, show a marked progression in EB-3 cut-off dates.

What is the U.S. Visa Bulletin and Why Is It Important?

The U.S. Visa Bulletin is a monthly report issued by the Department of State that indicates when individuals can request a green card (permanent residency). It lays out two essential date categories:

• Final Action Dates: The dates when a visa number becomes available, allowing green cards to be issued.
• Dates for Filing: The dates when applicants can prepare and submit documents in expectation of visa availability.

Grasping the Visa Bulletin is vital for anyone awaiting a green card, as it influences application schedules, travel arrangements, and even career choices for non-citizens in the U.S.

🇨🇳 What’s Updated for China?

• EB-1 Final Action Date: Advances by one week to November 15, 2022.
• EB-2 Final Action Date: Moves forward by two weeks to December 15, 2020.
• EB-3 (Professionals/Skilled Workers): Advances by one week to December 1, 2020.

Dates for Filing for China are also updated as follows:

• EB-1: January 1, 2023
• EB-2: January 1, 2021
• EB-3: December 22, 2020

What’s New for India? 🇮🇳

The changes for India are modest:

You might like to read thisGermany’s Record 291,955 New Citizenships and 2025 Rules Unveiled

New Zealand Introduces 10-Year Parent Visa to Attract Migrants

• EB-3 (Professionals, Skilled, and Other Workers) Final Action Date: Progresses by one week to April 22, 2013.
• No modifications in EB-1, EB-2, or EB-5 categories.

Dates for Filing for India in July include:

• EB-1: April 15, 2022
• EB-2: February 1, 2013
• EB-3: June 8, 2013

Significant Improvements for Other Nations in EB-3

For nations aside from India, China, and the Philippines:

• EB-3 Professional and Skilled Workers Final Action Dates move ahead by seven weeks to April 1, 2023.
• EB-2 holds steady at October 15, 2023.
• EB-1 remains current (no backlog).
• EB-5 categories maintain their current status aside from China and India.

No Changes for the Philippines 🇵🇭

In contrast to other areas, the Philippines experiences no alterations in its EB-3 Final Action Date, which remains at February 8, 2023.

EB-4 Category: Temporarily Unavailable

The EB-4 visa category (frequently utilized by religious personnel and special immigrants) is unaccessible for all nations until October 1, 2025, coinciding with the commencement of the new fiscal year.

Summary of Final Action Dates – July 2025

Filing Dates – Key Highlights for July 2025

These dates reflect when applicants may file their green card documentation, usually in advance of the final action dates:

• EB-1: Current for all nations except China (Jan 1, 2023) and India (Apr 15, 2022).
• EB-2: Generally current for most, with Jan 1, 2021 applicable to China and Feb 1, 2013 for India.
• EB-3: A majority of nations can file if their priority date is before May 1, 2023. China and India follow with earlier cut-offs.

Upcoming USCIS Adjustment of Status Information

USCIS will soon disclose whether Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing will determine green card application eligibility for July 2025. For updates, please visit the official USCIS Visa Bulletin page.

Concluding Thoughts

If you’re considering applying for a U.S. green card under employment-based categories, keeping abreast with the Visa Bulletin is essential. July offers modest hope for many, particularly candidates from China and other nations without backlogs.

Remain alert for the USCIS’s announcement regarding filing acceptance, and consult an immigration attorney for tailored advice.