May 2025 Visa Bulletin: The May 2025 Visa Bulletin, published by the U.S. Department of State, offers mixed news for green card applicants worldwide. While India and China see minor advancements in employment-based categories like EB-3, most other regions remain unchanged or retrogressed, leaving applicants and professionals with few short-term options. Understanding this monthly bulletin is essential for immigrants, employers, and immigration attorneys, as it determines when foreign nationals can apply for permanent residence in the U.S. In this article, we’ll break it down into clear sections, provide practical advice, and link to official sources to ensure you’re well-informed and ready to act.
May 2025 Visa Bulletin
The May 2025 Visa Bulletin reflects a system under pressure, with glimpses of progress for India and stability for China, but little relief for most. While some applicants move forward, backlogs, retrogression, and static dates continue to dominate the landscape. Applicants must stay proactive, work with legal professionals, and prepare for a long-term journey. The green card path remains open—but for many, it is a marathon, not a sprint.
| Category | India | China | All Other Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Feb 15, 2022 | Nov 8, 2022 | Current | No changes from April |
| EB-2 | Jan 1, 2013 | Oct 1, 2020 | Jun 22, 2023 | Static across all countries |
| EB-3 | Apr 15, 2013 | Nov 1, 2020 | Jan 1, 2023 | Slight movement for India (2 weeks); no change elsewhere |
| EB-5 (Unreserved) | May 1, 2019 | Jan 22, 2014 | Current | India retrogressed by 6 months |
| EB-4 (Special Immigrants) | Unavailable | Unavailable | Unavailable | Annual limit reached |
| Family-Based (F2A) | Feb 1, 2025 | Feb 1, 2025 | Feb 1, 2025 | Advanced ~7 months across the board |
| Filing Chart (Employment) | Final Action Dates | Final Action Dates | Final Action Dates | USCIS mandates use of Final Action Dates chart |
What Is the May 2025 Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update issued by the U.S. Department of State, which informs green card applicants when they can either file their Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or expect a visa number to become available.
Each month, the bulletin contains two charts per category:
- Final Action Dates – When a green card can be issued.
- Dates for Filing – When an applicant may submit paperwork.
For May 2025, USCIS requires applicants to use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based categories. This means your priority date (the day your petition was filed) must be before the date listed in the bulletin for your application to proceed.
India: A Glimmer of Progress in EB-3
Indian nationals waiting in employment-based categories will find only modest good news:
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers/Professionals): Advanced to April 15, 2013. This two-week movement may help a small group of applicants move forward.
- EB-5 (Unreserved): Retrogressed to May 1, 2019, due to a high volume of pending applications and oversubscription of the visa quota.
- EB-1 and EB-2: No forward movement. EB-2 remains stuck at January 1, 2013—a decade-old priority date.
Long-Term Trend for India
India has long experienced severe backlogs, especially in EB-2 and EB-3, due to per-country limits. According to CATO Institute estimates, some Indian applicants could wait over 50 years under current policy.
This month’s limited movement continues that trend—while small gains are welcome, the system remains fundamentally gridlocked for Indian professionals.
China: Stable But Stagnant
China’s priority dates across EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5 remain unchanged from April.
- EB-1 holds at November 8, 2022
- EB-2 and EB-3 stay at October 1, 2020 and November 1, 2020, respectively
- EB-5 Unreserved is unchanged at January 22, 2014
While there’s no retrogression, the lack of progress is disappointing for those who have waited years.
All Other Countries: Retrogression and Uncertainty
For most other countries:
- EB-3 remains at January 1, 2023
- EB-4 (Special Immigrants) is unavailable due to reaching its annual cap
- EB-5 (Unreserved) remains Current, but further retrogression is expected if demand rises
Applicants from Mexico, the Philippines, Brazil, and other high-demand countries should prepare for slower processing and monitor future bulletins.
Family-Based Immigration: F2A Moves Forward
One bright spot is in the F2A category (spouses and children of U.S. permanent residents), which advanced by seven months to February 1, 2025.
This movement is uniform across all nationalities, offering many families a chance to apply sooner than expected. If you’ve filed a petition for a spouse under F2A, now is a good time to review your documents and prepare to file Form I-485.
Strategic Tips for Applicants and Employers
For Individuals:
- Check your priority date every month against the Visa Bulletin.
- Organize documents early: birth certificates, passports, education records, etc.
- Consider downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3 if it improves your chances—consult a lawyer.
For Employers:
- Be proactive in PERM processing and labor certification.
- Educate your foreign workers about the timeline realities.
- Use cap-exempt H-1Bs or other strategies to retain key talent during delays.
For Attorneys and Legal Teams:
- Anticipate RFEs and policy shifts.
- Help clients plan for dual filings if eligible for both EB-2 and EB-3.
- Stay up-to-date via AILA and USCIS.gov.
Permanent Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
USA EB‑3 Work Visa 2025 Application – Check Process and Requirements
H-1B Visa Debate: India Responds, Collaborates with IT Companies for Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a priority date?
Your priority date is the date when your green card petition (Form I-140 or I-130) was officially filed with USCIS. It determines your place in line.
2. What is retrogression?
Retrogression occurs when demand for green cards exceeds supply, causing the Final Action Date to move backward.
3. Why are Indian and Chinese applicants waiting longer?
U.S. immigration law limits green card issuance to 7% per country, regardless of population. As India and China have the most applicants, their lines are disproportionately longer.
4. How do I check the Visa Bulletin each month?
Visit the official Visa Bulletin page or sign up for email updates from uscis.gov.
5. Can my employer help expedite my case?
While employers can’t speed up priority dates, they can file new petitions in more favorable categories or ensure you’re prepared once your date becomes current.
