SEPTEMBER 2025 VISA BULLETIN

What to Know About the September 2025 Visa Bulletin

Visa Bulletin Update — September 2025 (End of Fiscal Year)

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for September 2025, which marks the final month of the fiscal year. This update provides clarity on which green card applicants may move forward and where visa backlogs remain.

Filing Guidance: Which Chart to Use?

• Family-sponsored applicants must follow the “Dates for Filing” charts to determine when they can submit their Form I‑485 (adjustment of status)—that tool is being used across all family preference categories this month. 
• Employment-based applicants should refer solely to the “Final Action Dates” chart this month.

Key Trends & Highlights

Family-Based Preference Categories

• F‑2A (spouses and children of permanent residents) saw movement, advancing by approximately two months across the board. 
• Other family-based categories (F‑1, F‑2B, F‑3, F‑4) showed little to no movement compared to the previous month. 

Employment-Based Preference Categories

• Across all EB preference categories – including EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3, and even EB‑5 – the priority dates remained unchanged from August 2025 for all countries.
• The EB‑4 (special immigrant) category remains unavailable, consistent with prior months and likely until the new fiscal year begins. 
• In EB‑5, investment-based immigrant visas remain current for all countries except for China and India, both of which continue to have dated cutoffs. 

What It Means for You

• Family Green Card Seekers—especially in F‑2A—can potentially move forward with their filings sooner than expected. 
• Employment-Based Applicants should prepare for continued delay and delays, especially those from high-demand countries like India and China. 
• EB‑4 Applicants remain in wait mode due to unavailability of visa numbers through the end of September.

Commentary: What’s Behind the September Stasis?

The Visa Bulletin for September 2025 reflects the tension between visa availability and unyielding demand as the fiscal year draws to a close. Some key takeaways:

• Stagnant Employment-Based Categories: With no priority date movement across EB categories, filings are drawing closer to the limits set for FY 2025. If demand outpaces supply, USCIS and the Department of State may soon declare these categories fully used – pausing further visa issuances for the remainder of the year. 
• Family Advantage – But Limited: The modest advancement in F‑2A gives hope to spouses and children of permanent residents. Yet, other family categories saw no progress, signaling that relief remains limited and selective. 

A Sign of Reset Ahead: Since visa quotas reset on October 1, there’s a chance of forward shifts in October or November. But the backlog that carried through FY 2025, especially in EB categories, may persist into the new year.