The U.S. Department of State’s March 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released, bringing important updates for prospective green card applicants, particularly those from India who are seeking employment-based visas. While the nation continues to remain oversubscribed for most categories, the latest bulletin reveals some positive developments for EB-2 and EB-3 applicants, both of which have advanced by six weeks. This advancement, albeit small, offers some hope to many who have been waiting for their chance to adjust their status and secure permanent residency.
The key updates from the March bulletin are as follows:
- EB-1 (Priority Workers): There has been no change; the Final Action Date remains at February 1, 2022, with filing permitted for priority dates before April 15, 2022.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degrees/Exceptional Ability): The Final Action Date has advanced to December 1, 2012, marking a six-week movement from the previous bulletin. Filing is available for those with priority dates earlier than January 1, 2013.
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals): The Final Action Date has progressed to February 1, 2013, also advancing six weeks, with filing available for priority dates before June 8, 2013.
- EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): This category has seen significant retrogression, moving back nearly 17 months, with the new Final Action Date set at August 1, 2019. The State Department has cautioned applicants, stating this category may soon become “Unavailable.”
- EB-5 (Unreserved, including C5, T5, I5, R5): No changes; the Final Action Date remains at January 1, 2022, with filing permitted for priority dates before April 1, 2022.
Beyond these categories, it's also noteworthy to mention the impending expiration of the Certain Religious Workers (SR) Program, which is set to end on March 14, 2025. If this program is not extended, no visas will be issued beyond March 13, 2025. Should the program be extended, the Final Action Date will remain unchanged at August 1, 2019, until the end of March.
For Indian applicants seeking family-sponsored visas, the latest bulletin indicates no changes from February's bulletin, as cutoff dates remain the same. This reflects the continuing backlogs faced by many seeking permanent residency through family connections.
The Visa Bulletin is important for individuals seeking green cards, as it provides information on adjusting immigration status and eligibility based on application submissions. According to officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the bulletin consists of two main sections:
- Final Action Dates: This section estimates the wait time for application approval, indicating when applicants can expect their applications to be processed based on their visa category and nationality.
- Dates for Filing: This section specifies when applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications and helps determine when it’s appropriate to file.
Despite the modest advancements seen for EB-2 and EB-3 categories, India remains heavily oversubscribed across nearly all categories, creating persistent delays for those hoping to secure their green cards. The backlogs continue to present obstacles, as many applicants find themselves waiting longer than anticipated amid fluctuated processing timelines.
Nevertheless, those tracking their applications must pay attention to the specific details contained within each Bulletin. The changes announced can significantly impact their chances of adjusting their immigration status and potentially pave the way to permanent residency.
With this latest Visa Bulletin, the path forward is becoming clearer for many Indian nationals engaged in the complex immigration process. Even as the EB-4 category grapples with potential unavailability, hopeful applicants can take heart from the advancements made for the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, as they chart the next steps on their immigration journeys.