Hope for US Green Card Applicants: Key Changes in January 2025 Visa Bulletin

The January 2025 US Visa Bulletin has been released, offering some positive news for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States. Significant advancements in Final Action Dates have been observed for Indian and Chinese applicants in the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based visa categories.
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The January 2025 US Visa Bulletin announces key updates on immigrant number availability, Final Action Dates, and Dates for Filing Applications. It also guides applicants on submitting required documentation to the National Visa Center.

The Dates for Filing chart remains unchanged from December 2024, but the Final Action Dates for specific employment-based visa categories show notable shifts.

January 2025 Visa Bulletin

The January 2025 US Visa Bulletin brings positive news for Indian and Chinese applicants with advancements in EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories. Learn about the key updates and what they mean for your immigration journey.

Employment-Based Visa Updates

EB-1 (First Priority Workers): The EB-1 Visa category, which includes multinational executives and individuals with exceptional abilities, remains unchanged for all countries, including China and India.

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EB-2 (Second Priority Workers)

  • China: Advances by one month to April 22, 2020.
  • India: Moves forward by two months to October 1, 2012.
  • All Other Countries: Progress by two weeks to April 1, 2023.

EB-3 (Third Priority Workers)

  • India: Advances by three weeks to December 1, 2012.
  • China: Moves ahead by two months to June 1, 2020.
  • All Other Countries: Progress by two weeks to December 1, 2022.

EB-5 (Investors): The EB-5 visa category remains unchanged:

  • India: Priority date stands at January 1, 2022.
  • China: Priority date is July 15, 2016.
  • Other Countries and Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure): Remain current.

Increased Processing and Monitoring for EB-5 Visas

The Department of State and USCIS report an uptick in I-526E petition approvals, with more applicants completing their EB-5 set-aside category applications. USCIS anticipates potential priority date adjustments during the fiscal year to prevent exceeding annual visa limits. Updates will be issued as necessary to manage demand.

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Filing Requirements and Allocation Guidelines

Eligibility for Filing

Applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart to determine adjustment-of-status eligibility. If USCIS identifies surplus visas, the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart may also become applicable.

Priority Date Allocation

Priority dates are allocated chronologically, based on demand as of December 3, 2024. Oversubscription in any category or country may trigger retrogression, causing Final Action Dates to move backwards. Categories reaching their annual limits may be marked as “unavailable,” halting further visa issuance.

Family-Sponsored and Diversity Visa Caps

Family-Sponsored Visas:

  • Annual cap: 226,000 visas.

Employment-Based Visas:

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  • Annual cap: 140,000 visas.

Per-Country Limits:

  • Each country: 7% of the total (25,620 visas).
  • Dependent areas: 2% of the total (7,320 visas).

Diversity Visa (DV) Program:

  • Annual limit: 52,000 visas.
  • No country may receive more than 7% of the total.
  • DV-2025 program ends on September 30, 2025, with all visas required to be issued by this date.

Oversubscribed Chargeability Areas

Countries such as China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines remain oversubscribed. Visa prorating provisions are applied to ensure fair distribution and compliance with per-country limits.

Conclusion

The January 2025 Visa Bulletin offers critical updates for employment-based and family-sponsored immigrants, diversity visa applicants, and EB-5 investors. Monitor your category’s priority dates closely and promptly prepare the necessary documentation.

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For detailed insights on visa processes, updates, and travel advisories, stay tuned to our dedicated visa news section.


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Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Editorial Team: A dynamic group of experienced authors dedicated to delivering the latest in travel news and insights. Explore the world through their collective expertise.

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