US Visa Processing Update for June 2025: As we approach June 2025, understanding the latest developments in U.S. visa processing is critical for both family-based and employment-based visa applicants. With shifting visa bulletin dates, processing delays, and new procedural rules from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), being prepared is more important than ever. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the changes you need to know about—whether you’re sponsoring a family member or navigating the U.S. immigration system for work.
US Visa Processing Update for June 2025
The landscape for U.S. visa applicants in June 2025 is a mix of delayed timelines, updated policies, and strategic decisions. Whether you’re reuniting with family or advancing your career, knowing the latest visa processing trends can save you time and stress. Planning and preparation remain your best tools. Stay updated, follow the correct chart, and don’t forget to submit that DS-160 form early!
| Category | Update |
|---|---|
| Family-Based Visa Movement | Minimal or no movement expected for F1, F2B, F3, and F4. Potential retrogression in F2A due to increased demand. |
| Employment-Based Visas | EB-1 remains current for most countries; India and China face cutoffs. EB-2 and EB-3 show significant backlogs. EB-4 remains unavailable; EB-5 faces retrogression. |
| New DS-160 Rule | Applicants must submit DS-160 at least 48 business hours before scheduling a visa interview. No exceptions. |
| USCIS Processing Times | Form I-130 (USC sponsor): ~14.4 months. I-485 (employment): ~6.9 months. I-140 (premium): ~21 days. |
| Adjustment of Status Charts | May 2025: Family-based = Dates for Filing chart. Employment-based = Final Action Dates chart. June 2025 chart pending. |
| Where to Check Official Info | USCIS Visa Bulletin and Visa Bulletin |
Family-Based Visa Updates
What’s Changing in June 2025?
Family-based immigration categories are subject to annual quotas, which can cause long waiting times—especially for applicants from high-demand countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Here’s a breakdown of the family-sponsored preference categories:
- F1: Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (age 21 or older)
- F2A: Spouses and children (under 21) of green card holders
- F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 and over) of green card holders
- F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens
For June 2025, forward movement is expected to stall in most categories. Specifically:
- F2A may experience retrogression due to high demand, which means applicants with current priority dates may temporarily lose eligibility to proceed.
- F1, F2B, F3, and F4 are expected to see minimal or no movement, continuing the slow trend from earlier in the year.
Tips for Family-Based Applicants
- Check the Visa Bulletin monthly: Compare your priority date with the “Dates for Filing” chart to estimate when you can proceed.
- Prepare documentation early: Having your Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), financial records, and civil documents ready can reduce delays.
- Consider concurrent filing if eligible: If your priority date becomes current and you’re in the U.S., you might file Form I-485 and I-130 together.
Employment-Based Visa Updates
Current Status in June 2025
Employment-based immigration is divided into five preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5), each with unique eligibility requirements and annual caps. Here’s the June 2025 update:
- EB-1 (priority workers): Remains current for most countries. India and China have cutoff dates.
- EB-2 (advanced degrees or exceptional ability): Severe backlogs for India and China, with cutoff dates in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
- EB-3 (skilled workers/professionals): Similar delays, especially for Indian nationals.
- EB-4 (special immigrants including religious workers): Unavailable across all countries.
- EB-5 (investors): India has retrogressed six months due to increased application volume.
How to Strategize Your Application?
- Premium processing: If you’re filing Form I-140, consider the 15-calendar-day premium processing to speed things up.
- Explore national interest waivers (NIW): Especially for EB-2, NIWs allow some applicants to bypass employer sponsorship if their work benefits the U.S.
- Monitor Final Action Dates closely: Especially if you’re nearing eligibility to file Form I-485.
New DS-160 Submission Requirement
As of May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State requires all nonimmigrant visa applicants to submit the DS-160 form at least 48 working hours before scheduling their visa appointment.
This policy change ensures that consular officers have adequate time to review applicant information.
What You Need to Know:
- Applies to all DS-160-based visa categories, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F-1), and temporary work (H-1B, L-1) visas.
- No exceptions allowed: Attempting to book without meeting this requirement will result in blocked appointment slots.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page is mandatory: Bring it to the interview, or risk denial of entry to the consulate.
US Visa Processing Update for June 2025: What to Expect
Processing times continue to fluctuate, but here are averages reported as of March 2025:
| Form | Applicant Type | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | U.S. citizen sponsoring spouse | ~14.4 months |
| I-130 | Green card holder sponsoring | ~35 months |
| I-485 | Family-based adjustment | ~9.5 months |
| I-485 | Employment-based adjustment | ~6.9 months |
| I-140 | Regular processing | ~7.6 months |
| I-140 | Premium processing | ~21 calendar day |
Adjustment of Status Filing: Which Chart to Use?
Each month, USCIS determines which visa bulletin chart applicants should use to file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). For May 2025:
- Family-sponsored categories: Use the Dates for Filing chart
- Employment-based categories: Use the Final Action Dates chart
US Visa Processing Dates for May 2025 – Latest Updates for Family & Employment Categories!
USA EB‑3 Work Visa 2025 Application – Check Process and Requirements
US Visa Processing Times Just Updated for May 2025; See How Long Yours Will Take
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, shows which priority dates are eligible to proceed with immigrant visa processing or adjustment of status.
What is a priority date?
A priority date is the date your petition (like Form I-130 or I-140) was filed. It determines your place in line for a visa number.
What happens if my priority date retrogresses?
If your category retrogresses, meaning it moves backward in time, your application may be paused until your date becomes current again.
Can I file Form I-485 if my date is not current?
No. You can only file Form I-485 when your priority date is current according to the applicable USCIS chart.
