JANUARY 2025 VISA BULLETIN UPDATE

The January 2025 visa bulletin has been released by the Department of State and our team at Garvish Immigration Law Group has once again summarized the important changes and noteworthy items. 

USCIS’ determination for this month on which chart to use for determining when to file for adjustment of status remains the same. Applicants in both employment- based preference categories and family-sponsored preference categories will use the Dates for Filing chart. 

Employment-based preference categories:

We are three months in since the beginning of the 2025 fiscal year and progress remains the same in the Dates for Filing chart under the employment-based preference category.

The Final Action Dates chart under the employment-based preference category shows progress in categories ranging from 7 days, 1 month, and 2 months. In contrast, the EB4 category for all countries remains the same from the previous month. 

A noteworthy change is shown in the EB4 Certain Religious Workers categories for all countries. Applicants in this category have encountered a setback. Here, the class is displayed as unauthorized. Unfortunately, adjustment of status is unavailable for those whose priority date falls within this category for the January visa bulletin. 

Family-sponsored preference categories:

Dates for Filing progress remain consistent for most categories from the previous visa bulletin with progress shown in certain categories. F2B Mexico and F3 Worldwide, China and India display 3 months of forward progress; and Applicants in the F4 Philippines category display 6 months of forward movement from July 22, 2007 to January 1, 2008.  On the other hand, only 14 days of movement is shown for F4 India. 

Final Action Dates charts under the Family-sponsored preference category display progress ranging from 7 days to 3 months in each category.  Please click here to see the summary for Family-sponsored preference categories for the January 2024 visa bulletin under the Final Action Dates Chart.

Whether you’re in the process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad or seeking adjustment of status to permanent residence within the United States, staying informed about these updates is crucial. Don’t miss out on the latest developments that may impact your immigration journey. Schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys to begin your journey today.