The U.S. State Department has just released its October 2025 Visa Bulletin, officially kicking off the new fiscal year with positive news for green card applicants. Many categories have seen significant forward movement, creating fresh opportunities for those seeking lawful permanent residence.
Why This Matters?
The Visa Bulletin plays a critical role in the green card process. It determines when applicants can move forward with their cases and, in some instances, cut years off the waiting time. With the release of new visa numbers at the start of the fiscal year, applicants now have a better chance to file or advance their applications.
Key Highlights from the October 2025 Bulletin
- EB-5 (Unreserved) India: Final Action Date jumped forward by nearly 15 months, from Nov. 15, 2019, to Feb. 1, 2021.
- F2A (Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents) India: Advanced from Sept. 1, 2022, to Feb. 1, 2024.
- EB-2 & EB-3 (India & China): Modest forward movement, while many other countries remain current.
- EB-1 to EB-3 (Multiple Categories): Dates for Filing advanced in many areas, some by over a year.
- EB-5 China: Dates for Filing retrogressed by three months.
Immigration experts emphasize that this progress opens doors for many applicants who were previously waiting in long backlogs.
If you haven’t sponsored your relatives for a Green Card then its time to do so. Nobody knows how the immigration landscape is going to change in the near future. Having an application through the door gives atleast some chance towards getting a green card.
Take Action Now
Sponsor your relatives for a Green Card even if the current scenario seems bad. If you are a Green Card holder yourself and your card is expiring then Renew your Green Card and consider applying for U.S. Citizenship if eligible to take advantage of the current Citizenship test instead of the harder test being implemented for applications filed on or after October 20. Staying proactive ensures you won’t miss critical opportunities to advance your immigration journey.
