The November 2025 Visa Bulletin brings another month of largely stable Employment-Based categories and slight movement in some Family-Based preferences. With limited visa number availability early in FY 2026, the Department of State maintains consistency to manage demand, while the EB-4 Religious Worker program remains “Unavailable.” Here’s what you need to know.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action Dates
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: Still at February 15, 2022
- China: Still at December 22, 2022
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: Still at April 1, 2013
- China: Still at April 1, 2021
- All Others: Still at December 1, 2023
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: Still at August 22, 2013
- China: Still at March 1, 2021
- All Others: Still at April 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: Still at August 22, 2013
- China: Still at December 1, 2017
- All Others: Still at July 15, 2021
EB-4 & Religious Workers
- All Countries: EB-4 remains at July 1, 2020
- Religious Workers: Still “Unavailable”
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: Still at February 1, 2021
- 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: Still at November 8, 2016
- Mexico: Still at 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: Advances slightly to December 1, 2016 (from November 22, 2016)
- Mexico: Still at December 15, 2007
- Philippines: Still at October 1, 2012
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: Still at September 8, 2011
- Mexico: Advances slightly to May 1, 2001 (from April 15, 2001)
- Philippines: Still at September 22, 2004
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: Still at November 1, 2006
- Mexico: Still at April 8, 2001
- Philippines: Still at March 22, 2006
- Others: Still at January 8, 2008
Key Takeaways
- The Employment-Based categories remain unchanged, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize FY 2026 allocations.
- EB-4 Religious Worker category remains unavailable; congressional reauthorization is still pending.
- Minor advances in the F2B and F3 Mexico categories indicate small adjustments based on demand.
- No retrogressions reported this month — good news for applicants in most categories.
- Expect more movement in early 2026 as demand data becomes clearer.
FAQ: November 2025 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why is the November Visa Bulletin mostly unchanged?
The Department of State is managing demand early in FY 2026 to avoid rapid retrogressions later in the fiscal year.
Q2: What does it mean that the Religious Worker category is “Unavailable”?
This means that no visas can be issued in this category unless Congress renews the program. If extended, it will reopen immediately using the same EB-4 cutoff date.
Q3: Is it normal to see little movement right after a new fiscal year starts?
Yes. Early in a fiscal year, visa usage is assessed cautiously, and adjustments typically occur between December and March.
Q4: Should applicants in F2A or EB-2 act now?
Yes. Since those categories remain relatively favorable, eligible applicants should file as soon as their priority date is current.
Need Strategic Help? Visa cutoffs can shift without warning. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 551-400-6461, ext. 104. Stay informed at www.visaserve.com