October 2025 Visa Bulletin: New Fiscal Year Brings Major Advancements

The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2025 Visa Bulletin, marking the beginning of a new fiscal year and bringing important changes for green card applicants. This monthly bulletin sets out the cutoff dates for both family-based and employment-based immigrant visa categories, providing a clearer picture of how long applicants may need to wait before moving forward in their process.

This month’s bulletin includes some of the most significant forward movement we have seen in recent years, offering encouraging news for families, workers, and investors.

Family-Based Immigration

Applicants in several family-sponsored categories will see meaningful progress in October.

• F-2B (unmarried adult children of green card holders – Mexico): Advanced more than 8 months, representing one of the largest jumps this month.
• F-1 (unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens – Mexico): Moved forward by over 4 months.
• F-2A (spouses and minor children of green card holders): Progressed nearly 4 months across all countries.
• F-3 (married children of U.S. citizens – Philippines): Advanced 3 months.
• F-4 (siblings of U.S. citizens): Gained 2 months for China and most other countries, while India advanced by 2 weeks.

These changes represent real momentum for families who have been waiting years for reunification.

Employment-Based Immigration

The employment-based categories also bring very positive news this month.

• EB-1 (extraordinary ability, researchers, and multinational executives): Advanced 6 months for China and more than one year for India.
• EB-2 (advanced degree professionals and exceptional ability): Progressed nearly a year across all countries.
• EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals): China jumped forward by 1 year and 5 months, while India gained 1 year and 2 months.
• EB-5 (investors – India): Saw the largest improvement, moving forward by over two years.
• EB-4 (special immigrants): Reopened with a new cutoff date of February 15, 2021, after being unavailable in prior months.

This broad movement across multiple employment-based categories opens new opportunities for both highly skilled professionals and investors.

How to Read the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin is essentially a waiting list update. Two key concepts are important to understand:

• Priority Date: The date your green card petition was filed. This acts as your “spot in line.”
• Dates for Filing vs. Final Action Dates:
  • If your priority date is earlier than the “Dates for Filing” chart, you can take the next step in your case by submitting additional documents.
  • The “Final Action Dates” chart shows when the government is ready to actually approve your application.

For October 2025, both family-based and employment-based applicants must follow the Dates for Filing chart.

What to Do If Your Date Is Now Current

If your priority date falls before the cutoff listed in the October bulletin, you may be able to move forward right away:

• Applicants in the U.S.: File Form I-485, Adjustment of Status, to become a permanent resident.
• Applicants Abroad: Begin consular processing through the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

It is critical to check the official Visa Bulletin carefully for your category and country to confirm eligibility.

Bottom Line

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin brings long-awaited progress, with substantial forward movement in both family and employment categories. For many applicants, this may be the moment to take the next big step toward permanent residency in the United States.