U.S. Visa Bulletin October 2025: What Applicants Need to Know

If you’re waiting for your U.S. green card or planning to file soon, the October 2025 Visa Bulletin is one update you don’t want to miss.

Each month, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) releases a new Visa Bulletin showing who can move forward with their immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications. October is especially important because it marks the start of a new immigration year, which means fresh visa numbers and, often, forward movement in many categories.

So, what’s changing this month and how does it affect you? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Why the October Visa Bulletin Matters

October is like a “reset” for U.S. immigration. When the fiscal year begins, new visa quotas are released across family-based and employment-based categories.

If your priority date is close to becoming “current”, this month could be the time you finally get to file for adjustment of status or schedule your immigrant visa interview.

Employment-Based Visa Categories: Good News for Most

The employment-based sections show some positive signs this month, especially for applicants from India and China, who usually face longer backlogs.

1. EB-1 (Priority Workers)

Current for all countries.

This category remains wide open for executives, managers, and people with extraordinary ability.

2. EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders & Professionals)

Modest advancement for India and China, while all other regions stay current.

This means many professionals waiting under EB-2 may finally be able to file or move forward in 2025.

3. EB-3 (Skilled Workers & Professionals)

Also shows small forward movement for India and China.

With continued demand in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades, EB-3 remains one of the most active visa categories this year.

4. EB-4 (Special Immigrants)

Little to no change — this category remains backlogged for most regions, especially for religious workers and other special cases.

5. EB-5 (Investors)

Largely current across most countries, including for new “set-aside” categories (like rural and infrastructure projects).

This continues to be a reliable pathway for foreign investors in 2025.

Family-Based Visa Categories: Small but Steady Progress

Family-based categories continue their slow forward climb:

1. F1 (Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens): Moves ahead by a few weeks.

2. F2A (Spouses and children of permanent residents): Remains current — that’s great news for green card holders sponsoring their immediate family.

3. F2B, F3, and F4: Slight progress but still long waiting times for countries with high demand like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.

So while it’s not a huge leap, there’s still positive momentum for family-sponsored applicants this month.

Filing vs. Final Action Dates: Which Chart to Use?

For those applying inside the U.S., the USCIS decides which chart you should follow when filing your Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).

For October 2025, USCIS has confirmed that applicants can use the “Dates for Filing” chart, meaning more people can file early and start receiving benefits like:

• EAD (Work Permit)

• Advance Parole (Travel Document)

This is especially helpful for those in EB-2 and EB-3 categories whose priority dates are approaching.

What These Changes Mean for You

If you’ve been waiting for your date to become current, here’s what to do next:

1. Check the Visa Bulletin carefully – confirm your category and country of chargeability.

2. Compare your priority date with the cut-off listed for October 2025.

3. If your date is before the listed one, you can move forward!

4. Prepare your I-485 package or visa interview documents now, don’t wait until the last minute.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect for Late 2025

• EB-1: Expected to remain current for all.

• EB-2 and EB-3: Slow but steady movement for India and China.

• Family-based visas: Likely minor shifts month to month.

• Processing times: Could improve slightly as USCIS continues digitising systems.

Experts predict no major retrogressions for the next few months, which means a relatively stable period for applicants.

Applicants should not forget to

Stay updated with the monthly Visa Bulletin (released around the 10th–15th).

• Stay updated with the monthly Visa Bulletin (released around the 10th–15th).
• File early if your date becomes current — it locks in your place in line.
• Double-check your documents for accuracy before submission.
• Use USCIS online accounts for faster tracking.

If you’re unsure which chart applies to you, consult an immigration professional.

Conclusion

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin sets a positive tone for the new immigration year. With new visa numbers, improved movement in key categories, and the ability to file early, many applicants will finally see progress on long-awaited cases.

Whether you’re applying through family sponsorship, skilled employment, or investment, staying informed and prepared is the best way to make 2025 the year your green card journey moves forward.