The latest US State Department Visa Bulletin for March 2025 brings positive news for Indian applicants awaiting their employment-based Green Cards. The Final Action Dates for EB-2 and EB-3 categories will advance by six weeks, while EB-1 and EB-5 remain unchanged.
Employment-Based Visa Movement for India
EB-2 and EB-3 Advancement
- EB-2 Final Action Date: Moves forward to December 1, 2012 (previously October 15, 2012).
- EB-3 (Professionals and Skilled Workers) Final Action Date: Advances to February 1, 2013 (previously December 15, 2012).
- EB-3 Other Workers Final Action Date: Matches EB-3 at February 1, 2013.
EB-4 Retrogression & Special Categories
- EB-4 Final Action Date: August 1, 2019, marking a 1.5-year retrogression.
- Certain Religious Workers (SR) Program: Set to expire on March 14, 2025. If not extended, visas under this category will be unavailable beyond March 13, 2025. If extended, the Final Action Date remains August 1, 2019.
EB-5 Investment-Based Visas
- Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5): January 1, 2022 (unchanged).
- Set-Asides: Rural (20%), High Unemployment (10%), and Infrastructure (2%) remain current.
Adjustment of Status Applications
USCIS has confirmed that it will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications for individuals whose priority date is earlier than the listed Final Action Dates.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is a crucial tool for Green Card applicants, providing two key sections:
- Dates for Filing: The earliest date applicants can submit their applications.
- Final Action Dates: The date when applications are processed for approval.
March 2025 Visa Bulletin Highlights
| Category | Final Action Date | Dates for Filing |
|---|---|---|
| F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens) | November 22, 2015 (unchanged) | September 1, 2017 (unchanged) |
| F2A (Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents) | January 1, 2022 (unchanged) | July 15, 2024 (unchanged) |
| F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters 21+ of Permanent Residents) | May 22, 2016 (unchanged) | January 1, 2017 (unchanged) |
Employment-Based Green Cards: Final Action Dates for India
| Category | Final Action Date |
|---|---|
| EB-1 | February 1, 2022 (unchanged) |
| EB-2 | December 1, 2012 (was October 15, 2012) |
Employment-Based Green Cards: Dates for Filing (India)
| Category | Dates for Filing |
|---|---|
| EB-1 | April 15, 2022 (unchanged) |
| EB-2 | January 1, 2013 (unchanged) |
What This Means for Green Card Applicants
- EB-2 and EB-3 applicants benefit from a six-week advancement, allowing some to move closer to Green Card approval.
- EB-4 applicants face significant retrogression, potentially increasing wait times.
- Religious Workers (SR) must act fast as their program may expire by March 14, 2025.
- USCIS is accepting applications based on Final Action Dates, providing clarity for applicants ready to adjust their status.
With the March 2025 Visa Bulletin bringing mixed outcomes, Indian applicants must strategize accordingly. While employment-based categories see some movement, backlogs remain a challenge. Staying informed about future bulletins and potential legislative changes will be key for those navigating the Green Card process.
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