The October 2025 Visa Bulletin opens the new fiscal year with some forward movement in Family-Based and Employment-Based categories. While EB-4 remains heavily backlogged and Religious Workers are “Unavailable,” modest advances are seen in EB-2, EB-3, and Family categories. Here’s what you need to know.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: Still at February 15, 2022
- China: Advances to December 22, 2022 (from November 15, 2022)
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: Advances to April 1, 2013 (from January 1, 2013)
- China: Advances to April 1, 2021 (from December 15, 2020)
- All Others: Advances to December 1, 2023 (from September 1, 2023)
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: Advances to August 22, 2013 (from May 22, 2013)
- China: Advances to March 1, 2021 (from December 1, 2020)
- All Others: Still at April 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: Advances to August 22, 2013 (from May 22, 2013)
- China: Advances to December 1, 2017 (from May 1, 2017)
- All Others: Retrogresses slightly to July 15, 2021 (from July 8, 2021)
EB-4 & Religious Workers
- All Countries: EB-4 now July 1, 2020; Religious Workers remain “Unavailable”
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: Advances to February 1, 2021 (from November 15, 2019)
- China: Still at December 8, 2015
- All Others: Current
EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure)
- All Chargeability Areas: Current
Family-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- India/China/Other Countries: Advances to November 8, 2016 (from July 15, 2016)
- Mexico: Advances to November 22, 2005 (from April 22, 2005)
- Philippines: Advances to January 22, 2013 (from July 15, 2012)
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries: Advances to February 1, 2024 (from September 1, 2022)
- Mexico (exempt): Advances to February 1, 2023 (from February 1, 2022)
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries: Advances to November 22, 2016 (from October 15, 2016)
- Mexico: Advances to December 15, 2007 (from April 1, 2007)
- Philippines: Retrogresses to October 1, 2012 (from May 1, 2012)
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: Advances to September 8, 2011 (from August 1, 2011)
- Mexico: Advances to April 15, 2001 (from February 1, 2001)
- Philippines: Advances to September 22, 2004 (from May 1, 2004)
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: Still at November 1, 2006
- Mexico: Advances to April 8, 2001 (from March 15, 2001)
- Philippines: Advances to March 22, 2006 (from January 1, 2006)
- Others: Still at January 8, 2008
Key Takeaways
- The start of FY 2026 brings modest advances in EB-2, EB-3, F1, F2A, and F3 categories.
- EB-5 India sees a significant jump forward to 2021, while China remains stalled in 2015.
- EB-4 advances slightly, but Religious Workers remain unavailable pending congressional extension.
- F2B Philippines retrogresses, showing uneven progress in family-based categories.
- Expect further adjustments as FY 2026 visa numbers are allocated in the coming months.
FAQ: October 2025 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why are some categories advancing while others are retrogressing?
Visa allocation depends on demand, per-country limits, and how many visas remain unused from prior fiscal years. Some categories face heavier demand than others.
Q2: What does it mean that EB-4 Religious Workers are “Unavailable”?
This means no visas are available in that category unless Congress extends the program. If extended, availability could reopen immediately.
Q3: Why did EB-5 India advance significantly this month?
EB-5 India benefited from the reset of FY 2026 visa numbers, allowing forward movement into 2021.
Q4: Will these October dates last all year?
No. Visa Bulletin cutoffs are updated monthly and can advance, retrogress, or remain the same depending on demand.
Need Strategic Help? Visa cutoffs shift quickly, especially at the start of a new fiscal year. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 551-400-6461, ext. 104. Stay up to date at www.visaserve.com