The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for January 2025, providing important details regarding both family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visas. These updates are essential for those seeking to adjust their status or apply for immigrant visas, especially when it comes to priority dates and eligibility for filing.
At a Glance
In January 2025, the Visa Bulletin will see some key changes that impact various immigrant visa categories. The EB-1 Final Action Dates will remain the same, but for both EB-2 and EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers, the Final Action Dates will advance anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the category and country of origin. Additionally, USCIS will continue to accept adjustment of status applications based on the Dates for Filing chart, which remains unchanged from December.
A Closer Look at Visa Bulletin January 2025 Updates
According to the Visa Bulletin January 2025, the Final Action cutoff dates for the issuance of immigrant visas and the approval of adjustment of status applications will be as follows:
EB-1 (Priority Workers):
China: November 8, 2022
India: February 1, 2022
All Other Countries: Current
EB-2 (Advanced Degrees and Exceptional Ability):
China: April 22, 2020
India: October 1, 2012 (advancing by 2 months)
All Other Countries: April 1, 2023 (advancing by 2 weeks)
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals):
China: June 1, 2020
India: December 1, 2012 (advancing by 3 weeks)
All Other Countries: December 1, 2022 (advancing by 2 weeks)
EB-3 Other Workers:
China: January 1, 2017
India: December 1, 2012
All Other Countries: December 8, 2020
EB-5 (Investor Visas):
China: July 15, 2016
India: January 1, 2022
All Other Countries: Current
USCIS has announced that for January 2025, they will accept adjustment of status applications based on the Dates for Filing chart. To qualify for submitting an application, foreign nationals must have a priority date earlier than the Date for Filing in the Visa Bulletin. It is important to monitor USCIS for ongoing updates to ensure that you meet the required eligibility criteria.
Visa Bulletin Forecast for the Coming Months
Looking forward, there is potential for some categories to see retrogression or further advancements, depending on demand and other factors. The Visa Bulletin forecast suggests that EB-2 and EB-3 categories may continue to experience changes, especially for countries with high demand like India and China. Applicants should be prepared for potential shifts and plan their applications accordingly.
Expiration of EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker Program
An important update in the Visa Bulletin for January 2025 is the expiration of the EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker program, which is set to expire on December 20, 2024. Unless Congress takes action to extend this program, no visas or adjustment of status applications will be approved in this category after December 19, 2024.
Future Visa Availability in EB-5 Set-Aside Categories
In the Visa Bulletin January 2025, there is an increase in applications processed under the EB-5 set-aside categories such as Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure. As demand grows, the State Department may introduce Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates specifically for these set-aside categories during FY 2025.
Dates for Filing for January 2025
For those looking to file applications, the Dates for Filing for various categories are as follows:
EB-1:
China: January 1, 2023
India: April 15, 2022
All Other Countries: Current
EB-2:
China: October 1, 2020
India: January 1, 2013
All Other Countries: August 1, 2023
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals):
China: November 15, 2020
India: June 8, 2013
All Other Countries: March 1, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers:
China: January 1, 2018
India: June 8, 2013
All Other Countries: May 22, 2021
Stay Informed with the Visa Bulletin
Navigating the Visa Bulletin can be complex, but staying informed is crucial to avoiding delays in your immigration process. At Panteva Law Group, we track these updates closely to help you take timely action based on the latest changes. If your priority date is current or within the filing dates, it's time to gather your documentation and consult with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
For more updates on the Visa Bulletin and your immigration journey, visit the USCIS Visa Bulletin page and contact Panteva Law Group for personalized guidance.