The September 2025 Visa Bulletin arrives with minimal movement as the fiscal year comes to an end. Most Employment-Based and Family-Based categories remain unchanged from August, signaling that annual visa limits are near or already reached. Demand remains high, and some categories are already 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 November 15, 2022
- All Others: Current
EB-2: Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- India: Still at January 1, 2013
- China: Still at December 15, 2020
- All Others: Still at September 1, 2023
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: Still at May 22, 2013
- China: Still at December 1, 2020
- All Others: Still at April 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers
- India: Still at May 22, 2013
- China: Still at May 1, 2017
- All Others: Still at July 8, 2021
EB-4 & Religious Workers
- All Countries: Remain “Unavailable”
EB-5: Unreserved
- India: Still at 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: Still at July 15, 2016
- Mexico: Still at April 22, 2005
- Philippines: Still at July 15, 2012
F2A (Spouses/Children of LPRs)
- All Countries: Still at September 1, 2022
- Mexico (exempt): Still at February 1, 2022
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of LPRs)
- India/China/Other Countries: Still at October 15, 2016
- Mexico: Still at April 1, 2007
- Philippines: Still at May 1, 2012
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)
- All Countries: Still at August 1, 2011
- Mexico: Still at February 1, 2001
- Philippines: Still at May 1, 2004
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens)
- India: Still at November 1, 2006
- Mexico: Still at March 15, 2001
- Philippines: Still at January 1, 2006
- Others: Still at January 1, 2008
Key Takeaways
- No forward movement this month, signaling that FY 2025 visa allocations are largely maxed out.
- EB-4 and Religious Workers remain unavailable due to visa exhaustion.
- Expect possible retrogression or resets in October as FY 2026 numbers take effect.
- High demand persists in EB-2, EB-3, and Other Workers categories, with little room for advancement until new annual limits apply.
FAQ: September 2025 Visa Bulletin
Q1: Why is there no movement in September 2025?
Because this is the last month of FY 2025, most visa numbers are already used, leaving no room for forward movement.
Q2: What does “Unavailable” mean in EB-4?
“Unavailable” means there are no more visas left in that category for the rest of the fiscal year.
Q3: When will we see changes again?
Changes typically occur with the October Visa Bulletin, when the new fiscal year’s visa numbers are released.
Q4: Can my priority date still change before October?
No, the September Bulletin dates remain in effect until September 30, 2025. Any changes will be reflected in October’s Bulletin.
Need Strategic Help?
Visa cutoffs can change quickly, especially at the start of a new fiscal year. For individualized legal guidance, contact NPZ Law Group at info@visaserve.com or call 201-670-0006, ext. 104. Stay up to date at www.visaserve.com