The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has emphasized its ongoing efforts to maintain steady progress in employment-based visa categories to ensure visa numbers are not exhausted prematurely.

The DOS regularly publishes the Visa Bulletin, which provides essential information on immigrant visa availability. This bulletin showcases the priority dates that determine when prospective immigrants can receive their visas. Each month, the bulletin features two distinct charts for each visa preference category: the Final Action Dates and the Dates for Filing Applications.

Final Action Dates: Indicate when visas can officially be issued.

Dates for Filing Applications: Represent the earliest dates when applicants may submit their applications.

For January 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to use the Dates for Filing chart for Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Applications, a practice first introduced in the October 2024 Visa Bulletin. Similarly, the Dates for Filing chart will also guide Family-Sponsored Adjustment of Status Applications.

While the January 2025 bulletin reflects date changes for applicants globally, this summary focuses on updates relevant to Indian nationals.

Family-Based Categories

1. F1 – Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: The cut-off date for India remains at September 1, 2017.
2. F2A – Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents: The date stays at July 15, 2024.
3. F2B – Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years or older) of Permanent Residents: The cut-off date continues at January 1, 2017.
4. F3 – Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens: The cut-off date advances to July 22, 2012.
5. F4 – Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens: The cut-off date moves slightly to August 15, 2006.

Employment-Based Categories

1. EB-1 (Priority Workers): The cut-off date for India is April 15, 2022.
2. EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals or Persons with Exceptional Ability): The date remains at January 1, 2013.
3. EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): The cut-off date stays at June 8, 2013, including other workers.
4. EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): The date is set at February 1, 2021, applicable to religious workers as well.
5. EB-5 (Immigrant Investor Visa): The cut-off for the unreserved category is April 1, 2022. EB-5 visas for rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure areas remain Current for Indian applicants in the Dates for Filing chart.

Minimal Movement in January 2025

As observed, there has been limited progress in both Family-Based and Employment-Based preference categories. The continued use of the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based cases underscores the Department of State's cautious approach to managing visa numbers amidst high demand. Moving forward, the DOS and USCIS are expected to take measured steps to manage visa availability effectively.

We will monitor upcoming Visa Bulletins closely to provide updates on any significant changes that may impact applicants.