The March 2025 Visa Bulletin updates priority dates for family-based and employment-based green cards. Key changes include advancements in EB-2 and EB-3 for India and China.
US Visa Bulletin March 2025: The US Visa Bulletin for March 2025 has been released, updating the priority dates for family-sponsored and employment-based visas. This bulletin is essential for green card applicants, as it dictates when they can move forward with their Adjustment of Status (AOS) or Consular Processing applications.
Understanding these changes is crucial for those waiting in line for their green cards. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the latest updates, explain how they impact you, and outline actionable steps to take next.
US Visa Bulletin March 2025
| Category | Country | New Cut-Off Date | Previous Cut-Off Date | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-2 (Advanced Degrees) | India | December 1, 2012 | October 15, 2012 | Advanced by 6 weeks |
| EB-3 (Skilled Workers) | India | February 1, 2013 | December 15, 2012 | Advanced by 6 weeks |
| EB-4 (Special Immigrants) | All | August 1, 2019 | March 1, 2021 | Retrogressed by ~1.5 years |
| Family-Sponsored Categories | Various | No significant changes |
The March 2025 Visa Bulletin shows advancements in employment-based green card categories, particularly for India and China, while family-sponsored visas remain largely unchanged. If your priority date is current, act quickly to avoid potential retrogression.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin and tracking updates is essential for green card applicants. Make sure to stay updated on immigration policies, document preparation, and USCIS procedures.
What is the US Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the US Department of State, indicating the availability of immigrant visa numbers for green card applicants. It is used to determine when applicants can proceed with their cases under family-sponsored and employment-based visa categories.
Visa availability is based on priority dates, which correspond to the date the petition was filed. If your priority date is before the listed cut-off date, you can advance with your application.
Employment-Based Visa Updates for March 2025
EB-1: Priority Workers
- India: Remains at February 1, 2022.
- China: Remains at November 8, 2022.
- All Other Countries: Current.
EB-2: Advanced Degree Holders
- India: Advances by six weeks to December 1, 2012.
- China: Advances by two weeks to May 8, 2020.
- All Other Countries: Advances by six weeks to May 15, 2023.
EB-3: Skilled Workers & Professionals
- India: Advances by six weeks to February 1, 2013.
- China: Advances by one month to August 1, 2020.
- All Other Countries: Remains at December 1, 2022.
EB-4: Special Immigrants
- All Countries: Retrogresses by 1.5 years to August 1, 2019.
EB-5: Investors
- China: Remains at July 15, 2016.
- India: Remains at January 1, 2022.
- All Other Countries: Current.
Family-Based Visa Updates for March 2025
The family-sponsored green card categories have seen minimal movement, with most priority dates remaining unchanged.
- F1 (Unmarried Sons & Daughters of U.S. Citizens):
- All Countries: No change; remains at September 1, 2017.
- Mexico: No change; remains at October 1, 2005.
- Philippines: No change; remains at April 22, 2015.
- F2A (Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents):
- All Countries: No change; remains at July 15, 2024.
- F2B (Unmarried Sons & Daughters of Permanent Residents):
- All Countries: No change; remains at January 1, 2017.
- Mexico: No change; remains at October 1, 2006.
- Philippines: No change; remains at October 1, 2013.
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How Does This Affect Green Card Applicants?
1. Employment-Based Green Card Applicants
- If your priority date is current, act fast! Begin your Adjustment of Status (AOS) or Consular Processing immediately.
- If your category has retrogressed, expect additional wait times before your case moves forward.
2. Family-Based Green Card Applicants
- Minimal changes indicate that waiting times remain long, particularly for applicants from Mexico and the Philippines.
- Monitor upcoming Visa Bulletins for potential movement in dates.
FAQs On US Visa Bulletin March 2025
1. What is a priority date?
A priority date is the date USCIS received your green card petition. It determines when you can apply for adjustment of status or consular processing.
2. How do I check my priority date?
Your priority date is on your Form I-797 Approval Notice. Compare it with the cut-off dates in the Visa Bulletin.
3. What happens if my priority date is not current?
You must wait until your priority date becomes current before proceeding with your green card application.
4. Can priority dates move backward?
Yes, retrogression occurs when demand for visas exceeds available numbers, pushing cut-off dates backward.
5. How often does the Visa Bulletin update?
The Visa Bulletin updates monthly, typically around the 15th of each month.
