USA Visa Bulletin – September 2025

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Key Updates in the Visa Bulletin – September 2025

  1. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the Visa Bulletin for September 2025. Hunton Andrews Kurth+3Travel.state.gov+3Morgan Lewis+3

  2. USCIS has specified which chart to use for filing Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications in September:

    • For employment-based (EB) categories: use the Final Action Dates chart. USCIS+1

    • For family-sponsored categories: use the Dates for Filing chart. USCIS+2Gozel Law Firm+2

  3. Most employment-based category “cut-off” (final action) dates remain unchanged from August 2025. Ogletree+1

  4. In EB categories, for all countries except China and India, many are “current” or very close. But for China / India, backlogs remain deep in several EB categories. Ogletree+2Hunton Andrews Kurth+2

  5. The “Other Workers” employment categories are particularly stagnant in many countries—some categories haven’t moved. Hunton Andrews Kurth+2Morgan Lewis+2

  6. In family-based categories:

  7. Some categories remain “unavailable” (marked “U”), meaning still no visa numbers to allocate. EB-4 is one of them. Gozel Law Firm+2Hunton Andrews Kurth+2

  8. DOS and USCIS expect that many employment-based categories may reach their annual visa limits during August or September. Once the limit hits, those categories become unavailable until the new fiscal year (starting October 1, 2025). Ogletree+1

  9. Fiscal Year 2025 ends September 30, 2025. New visa numbers and movement likely in the October 2025 bulletin, as FY 2026 begins. Ogletree+2Hunton Andrews Kurth+2

  10. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed in the relevant chart (depending on EB vs family-based), you may file your adjustment of status (Form I-485) or be eligible for visa issuance. If not, you must wait. USCIS+2Gozel Law Firm+2

Steps & Tips If You’re Affected by the September 2025 Bulletin

Below are practical steps and tips to help people who are in the green card / immigrant visa queue, or plan to be. Use these to plan, avoid mistakes, or move faster.

  1. Check your priority date carefully

    • Look at your I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) approval date, or labor certification acceptance date.

    • Then compare to the cutoff date for your country & category in the correct chart (Final Action vs Dates for Filing).

  2. Confirm which chart USCIS is using

    • For September, USCIS says: EB uses Final Action Dates; family-sponsored uses Dates for Filing. USCIS+1

    • Make sure your case applies under those rules.

  3. If F-2A or F-3 (or any family category that moved), act fast

    • Because these category dates moved forward, more people become eligible to file AOS or immigrant visa documents now.

    • Gather all required documents (birth, marriage, status records) in advance.

  4. Don’t assume anything will hold steady

    • EB categories are expected to become oversubscribed soon. That means “retrogression” (cutoff dates moving backward) could happen. Ogletree

    • If your date is close, be ready to file as soon as it becomes current.

  5. Prepare required supporting documents ahead of time

    • Civil documents: birth certificates, marriage/divorce decrees, passports, translations.

    • For employment-based: approved I-140, employer letters, proof of maintenance of status.

    • For family-based: proof of relationship, financial support (Affidavit of Support), etc.

  6. Monitor visa availability / bulletin updates

    • The bulletin is updated monthly. Check the next months (especially October 2025) carefully.

    • Use official sites: U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin page, USCIS “Visa Availability & Priority Dates” page.

  7. Understand the difference: Final Action Date vs Dates for Filing

    • Final Action Date = when visas may be issued / applicant can adjust status if all else is in order.

    • Dates for Filing = when one may submit the application even if visa not yet available. Helps lock in place in line.

  8. If you qualify now, file when allowed

    • If your priority date is earlier than the cutoff in the relevant chart, file your Form I-485 (if in the U.S.) or prepare for consular visa process (if abroad).

  9. Be aware of “U” (Unavailable) status

    • If your category shows “U”, you cannot file nor receive final action—wait for it to become available.

    • EB-4 is currently unavailable. Gozel Law Firm+1

  10. Watch for retrogression risk

    • As FY-end approaches, competition for visas intensifies. Dates may move back.

    • Having everything ready means you can respond quickly if your window opens now.

  11. Keep copies and accurate records

    • Always keep multiple copies of all submitted forms.

    • Check that names, dates, translations match exactly.

  12. Legal help may make a difference

    • Especially in EB categories with heavy backlog or retrogression, an immigration attorney can help interpret your case, spot risks, perhaps suggest alternatives.

  13. For those abroad (consular processing)

    • Be ready with medical exams, civil documents, interview scheduling. Consulates require certain steps that take time.

    • Check local U.S. Embassy / Consulate instructions.

  14. For those in the U.S. (AOS Applicants)

    • Maintain lawful status if required.

    • Continue renewing nonimmigrant status if delays happen.

    • Apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) / Advance Parole if eligible.

  15. Plan for October 2025

    • Fiscal year reset often brings movement in cut-off dates.

    • New visa numbers are allocated.

    • Be ready with everything so you can take advantage of movements.

Useful Resources & Official Websites

  • U.S. Department of State — Visa Bulletin main page (official)
    Visa Bulletin Travel.state.gov+1

  • USCIS — Visa Availability & Priority Dates; Adjustment of Status Filing Charts USCIS+1

  • USCIS — When to File Adjustment of Status (Family-Sponsored or EB) page USCIS

50 FAQs on Visa Bulletin – September 2025

General FAQs

  1. What is the Visa Bulletin?
    It’s a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that shows when green card applicants can move forward based on their priority date.

  2. Why is the September 2025 Visa Bulletin important?
    It’s the final bulletin of Fiscal Year 2025, so it shows how many visas are left before the annual limit resets in October.

  3. Who publishes the Visa Bulletin?
    The U.S. Department of State (DOS).

  4. Where can I find the official Visa Bulletin?
    On the DOS website: Visa Bulletin.

  5. What are the two main charts in the bulletin?

    • Final Action Dates (when visas can actually be issued).

    • Dates for Filing (when you may submit your application).

  6. Which chart should I use in September 2025?

    • Family cases → Dates for Filing

    • Employment cases → Final Action Dates (USCIS).

  7. What is a priority date?
    It’s the date your immigrant petition (I-130 or I-140) was filed and accepted.

  8. Why do priority dates matter?
    They decide your place in line for a green card.

  9. What does “Current” mean in the Visa Bulletin?
    It means no backlog — visas are available for all qualified applicants in that category.

  10. What does “U” mean in the chart?
    “U” means Unavailable. No visas can be issued in that category for that month.

Family-Based Categories FAQs

  1. What is the F1 category?
    For unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (21+).

  2. What is the F2A category?
    For spouses and children under 21 of green card holders.

  3. Did F2A move in September 2025?
    Yes, it advanced by about two months.

  4. What is the F2B category?
    For unmarried sons and daughters (21+) of green card holders.

  5. What is the F3 category?
    For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.

  6. Did F3 change in September 2025?
    Yes, the Philippines F3 advanced by 5 months.

  7. What is the F4 category?
    For brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.

  8. Are family categories moving fast?
    No, most are slow with small advances, except F2A and F3 Philippines.

  9. Can I file I-485 if my family priority date is earlier than the “Date for Filing”?
    Yes, if USCIS allows that chart for family cases (they do for September).

  10. What happens if my family category is “current”?
    You can file right away and move forward with your case.

Employment-Based Categories FAQs

  1. What is EB-1?
    For priority workers: multinational executives, managers, and people with extraordinary ability.

  2. What is EB-2?
    For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.

  3. What is EB-3?
    For skilled workers, professionals, and “other workers.”

  4. What is EB-4?
    For special immigrants (religious workers, certain U.S. employees abroad).

  5. What is EB-5?
    For immigrant investors creating U.S. jobs.

  6. What happened to EB categories in September 2025?
    Most stayed the same as August; some remain backlogged for China and India.

  7. Is EB-4 available in September 2025?
    No, EB-4 is “Unavailable.”

  8. Why is EB-4 unavailable?
    The annual visa limit for FY 2025 has been reached.

  9. Which countries face the longest EB delays?
    India and China, especially in EB-2 and EB-3.

  10. Are EB-1 categories current for most countries?
    Yes, except for some backlogs in India and China.

Application Process FAQs

  1. What should I do if my date is current?
    File Form I-485 (if in the U.S.) or begin consular processing (if abroad).

  2. What if my date is close to the cutoff?
    Prepare all documents now so you can file quickly if it becomes current.

  3. What happens if my date retrogresses (moves backward)?
    Your case pauses until your date is current again.

  4. How do I check which chart USCIS accepts each month?
    Visit USCIS “When to File” page: USCIS Filing Charts.

  5. What documents do I need for I-485 filing?
    Birth certificate, passport, immigration forms, photos, medical exam, proof of relationship/job, and filing fees.

  6. Can I file online?
    Some petitions can be filed online, but green card AOS (I-485) is usually filed by mail.

  7. What if I live abroad and my priority date is current?
    Your case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing.

  8. How long does consular processing take?
    Typically 6–12 months after becoming current, but depends on consulate backlogs.

  9. Can I still work while waiting?
    If you file I-485, you can apply for Employment Authorization (EAD).

  10. Can I travel while waiting?
    Yes, with Advance Parole if you have an I-485 pending.

Timing & Future Outlook FAQs

  1. When does the fiscal year end?
    September 30, 2025.

  2. When does the new fiscal year start?
    October 1, 2025.

  3. Why does October matter for the Visa Bulletin?
    Because new visa numbers are allocated, and cut-off dates often move forward.

  4. Will there be retrogression in September 2025?
    Possible, especially in EB categories that already met annual limits.

  5. What should applicants expect in October 2025?
    Likely forward movement in family and employment categories.

  6. Does the country you are born in matter?
    Yes, the Visa Bulletin is based on country of chargeability, usually your birth country.

  7. What if I’m married to someone from a different country?
    You may use “cross-chargeability” to benefit from your spouse’s country category.

  8. What if I miss my chance to file while current?
    You must wait again until your date becomes current.

  9. Does being “documentarily qualified” help?
    Yes, the NVC requires your documents to be ready before scheduling an interview.

  10. What’s the best tip for Visa Bulletin watchers?
    Always check the official DOS and USCIS pages each month, prepare documents early, and act fast when your date is current.