The December 2025 Visa Bulletin brings modest advances in several Employment-Based categories, stability across most Family-Based preferences, and welcome news — the extension of the Religious Worker (SR) program through January 30, 2026. Here’s what you need to know.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: Advances slightly to March 15, 2022 (from February 15, 2022)
- China: Advances to January 22, 2023 (from December 22, 2022)
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: Advances to May 15, 2013 (from April 1, 2013)
- China: Advances to June 1, 2021 (from April 1, 2021)
- All Others: Advances to February 1, 2024 (from December 1, 2023)
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: Advances to September 22, 2013 (from August 22, 2013)
- China: Advances to April 1, 2021 (from March 1, 2021)
- All Others: Advances to April 15, 2023 (from April 1, 2023)
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: Advances to September 22, 2013 (from August 22, 2013)
- China: Advances to December 8, 2017 (from December 1, 2017)
- All Others: Advances to August 1, 2021 (from July 15, 2021)
EB-4 & Religious Workers
- All Countries: Advances to September 1, 2020 (from July 1, 2020)
- Religious Workers (SR): Extended and now current with EB-4 at September 1, 2020
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: Advances to July 1, 2021 (from February 1, 2021)
- China: Advances to July 15, 2016 (from 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: Still at November 8, 2016
- Mexico: Advances to March 1, 2006 (from November 22, 2005)
- Philippines: Still at January 22, 2013
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries: Still at February 1, 2024
- Mexico (exempt): Still at February 1, 2023
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries: Still at December 1, 2016
- Mexico: Advances to May 15, 2008 (from December 15, 2007)
- Philippines: Advances to October 8, 2012 (from October 1, 2012)
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: Still at September 8, 2011
- Mexico: Still at May 1, 2001
- Philippines: Advances slightly to November 1, 2004 (from September 22, 2004)
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: Still at November 1, 2006
- Mexico: Still at April 8, 2001
- Philippines: Advances to July 15, 2006 (from March 22, 2006)
- Others: Still at January 8, 2008
Key Takeaways
- Employment-Based categories show healthy movement — especially EB-1 China and India, and EB-2 across all chargeability areas.
- EB-5 shows notable progress, with China advancing for the first time in months.
- The SR (Religious Worker) program is extended through January 2026, ensuring continued eligibility.
- Family-Based preferences show small but steady movement, particularly for Mexico and the Philippines.
- Applicants should prepare filings early as demand will rise into 2026.
FAQ: December 2025 Visa Bulletin
Q1: What’s new in the December 2025 Visa Bulletin?
EB-1 and EB-2 categories advanced modestly, EB-5 categories for India and China moved forward, and the Religious Worker program was officially extended.
Q2: What does the SR program extension mean?
The Religious Worker (SR) category, previously set to expire, has been extended until January 30, 2026, allowing continued processing under EB-4 cutoff dates.
Q3: Which EB categories moved forward this month?
EB-1 China and India, EB-2 worldwide, EB-3 all chargeability areas, and EB-5 for both India and China advanced.
Q4: Will we see further movement early next year?
Yes, additional movement is likely through early 2026 as demand data and unused visa rollovers become clearer.
Need Strategic Help?
Visa cutoffs can shift quickly and affect case timing. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 201-670-0006, ext. 104. Stay informed at www.visaserve.com