Key Takeaways
• August 2025 visa bulletin reduces EB-3 Other Workers visas by approximately 150 due to NACARA program.
• Final action dates and filing dates set for EW applicants from China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
• High EB-3 demand may cause retrogression or category unavailability as early as September 2025.
The August 2025 visa bulletin from the United States Department of State brings important updates for applicants in the Employment-Based Third Preference “Other Workers” (EW) category, especially regarding the ongoing impact of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) program. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the broader implications for those with pending or future applications. The information is presented in a clear, step-by-step manner to help applicants, employers, and legal representatives understand what these changes mean for their immigration plans.
Summary of Key Changes in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin
The August 2025 visa bulletin introduces several updates that directly affect the Employment-Based Third Preference “Other Workers” category. The most significant change is the continued reduction in the annual limit of visas available for this category due to the requirements of the NACARA program. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, this reduction is limited to approximately 150 visas, a much smaller cut than in previous years.
Additionally, the bulletin warns that demand for EB-3 and EW visas remains high, and the annual limits for these categories are close to being reached. This could lead to further retrogression (moving the cut-off date backward) or even making the category “Unavailable” in September 2025, if not sooner.
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
The updates in the August 2025 visa bulletin primarily affect:
- Applicants in the Employment-Based Third Preference “Other Workers” (EW) category, both those applying from outside the United States 🇺🇸 and those seeking adjustment of status within the country.
- Employers sponsoring workers under the EW category.
- Legal representatives and immigration attorneys assisting clients in the EW category.
- Individuals from countries with high demand for employment-based visas, such as China-mainland born, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
The changes also have indirect effects on applicants in other employment-based categories, as the shifting of unused visa numbers and the overall demand can influence wait times and visa availability across categories.
Effective Dates and What Has Changed
The changes outlined in the August 2025 visa bulletin are effective immediately for the month of August 2025. The bulletin provides two important charts for applicants:
- Final Action Dates: These dates determine when a visa can actually be issued or when an applicant can receive approval for adjustment of status.
- Dates for Filing Applications: These dates indicate when applicants can submit their required documents to the National Visa Center or file for adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
For the “Other Workers” category, the final action dates and dates for filing applications are as follows:
Final Action Dates for EW (Other Workers) in August 2025:
– All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed: 08JUL21
– China-mainland born: 01MAY17
– India: 22MAY13
– Mexico: 08JUL21
– Philippines: 08JUL21
Dates for Filing Applications for EW (Other Workers) in August 2025:
– All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed: 22JUL21
– China-mainland born: 01JAN18
– India: 08JUN13
– Mexico: 22JUL21
– Philippines: 22JUL21
Applicants must have a priority date earlier than the listed date for their country to be eligible to receive a visa or file their application.
How the NACARA Program Affects the Other Workers Category
The NACARA program, passed by Congress in 1997, was designed to provide immigration relief to certain nationals from Nicaragua and Central America. One of its provisions directly impacts the number of visas available each year in the “Other Workers” category.
Here’s how it works:
- Once the EW cut-off date reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved before November 19, 1997, the annual limit of 10,000 EW visas was reduced by up to 5,000 each year, starting in Fiscal Year 2002.
- This reduction continues each year as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program.
- For Fiscal Year 2025, the reduction is much smaller—limited to approximately 150 visas—meaning that about 9,850 EW visas are available for the year.
This change is significant because, in past years, the reduction was much larger, limiting the number of visas available and increasing wait times for applicants. The smaller reduction in FY 2025 provides some relief, but high demand means that the category is still at risk of reaching its annual limit.
Required Actions for Applicants and Employers
If you are an applicant or employer affected by these changes, here are the immediate steps you should take:
1. Check Your Priority Date
– Review the final action date and date for filing applications for your country and category.
– If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, you may be eligible to receive a visa or file your application.
2. Assemble Required Documentation
– If you are eligible to file, gather all necessary documents as soon as possible.
– Wait for notification from the National Visa Center or USCIS before submitting your documents.
3. Monitor the Visa Bulletin
– The situation for the EW category is fluid. The bulletin warns that the category could retrogress or become “Unavailable” in September 2025, if not sooner.
– Check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin regularly for updates.
4. Consult with Legal Counsel
– If you have questions about your eligibility or the impact of these changes, consider speaking with an immigration attorney or accredited representative.
5. Prepare for Possible Retrogression
– If the annual limit is reached, the category may retrogress or become “Unavailable.” This means that even if you are eligible now, you may not be able to proceed if the category closes before your application is processed.
Implications for Pending and Future Applications
The changes in the August 2025 visa bulletin have several important implications for those with pending or future applications in the Other Workers category:
1. Increased Pressure to Act Quickly
– With the annual limit nearly reached and the possibility of retrogression or unavailability in September 2025, eligible applicants should act as soon as possible.
– Delays in submitting required documents could result in missing the window of eligibility.
2. Shorter Wait Times for Some Applicants
– The smaller NACARA reduction in FY 2025 means more EW visas are available compared to previous years.
– This could lead to shorter wait times for some applicants, especially those with earlier priority dates.
3. Ongoing Uncertainty
– High demand and the risk of reaching the annual limit create uncertainty for applicants.
– The Department of State will continue to monitor the situation and may make further adjustments in future bulletins.
4. Impact on Employers
– Employers sponsoring workers in the EW category should be aware of the changing visa availability and plan accordingly.
– Delays or retrogression could affect hiring timelines and workforce planning.
5. Effects on Other Categories
– The shifting of unused visa numbers and high demand in the EW category can also impact other employment-based categories, potentially leading to changes in wait times and visa availability across the board.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin Process
To help applicants and employers better understand how the visa bulletin works, here’s a brief explanation:
- Final Action Dates: These dates indicate when a visa can actually be issued. If your priority date is earlier than the final action date for your category and country, you may receive a visa or have your adjustment of status application approved.
- Dates for Filing Applications: These dates allow applicants to submit their documents in advance, even if a visa is not yet available. This helps speed up the process once the final action date becomes current.
USCIS may sometimes allow applicants to use the “Dates for Filing Applications” chart instead of the “Final Action Dates” chart. Check the USCIS Visa Bulletin Information page each month to see which chart applies.
What Is the “Other Workers” Category?
The “Other Workers” category is part of the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) group. It is for people who perform unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience. Examples include some food service workers, custodians, and certain care providers.
Each year, up to 10,000 visas are available for this category, but the NACARA program can reduce this number. For FY 2025, the reduction is about 150 visas, leaving roughly 9,850 available.
Why Is the NACARA Program Still Affecting Visa Numbers?
The NACARA program was created to help certain people from Nicaragua and Central America become permanent residents of the United States 🇺🇸. To balance the number of people getting green cards through NACARA, Congress decided to reduce the number of visas in the EW category each year. This reduction continues until the number of people helped by NACARA is balanced out.
For many years, this meant a big cut in the number of EW visas. In FY 2025, the cut is much smaller, but it still affects how many people can get visas in this category.
What Happens If the Category Becomes “Unavailable”?
If the annual limit for the EW category is reached, the Department of State will make the category “Unavailable.” This means:
- No more visas will be issued in the category for the rest of the fiscal year.
- Pending applications will not move forward until the new fiscal year begins and new visa numbers become available.
- Applicants who have not yet filed or who are waiting for their priority date to become current will have to wait until the category reopens.
Practical Guidance for Applicants
If you are waiting in the Other Workers category, here are some practical steps to take:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the visa bulletin and the USCIS website for updates.
- Act Quickly: If your priority date is current, submit your documents as soon as possible.
- Keep Records: Make sure all your paperwork is complete and up to date.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you are unsure about your case, talk to a qualified immigration attorney.
- Plan for Delays: Be prepared for possible delays if the category becomes unavailable.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, staying proactive and informed is the best way to avoid missing important deadlines or losing your place in line.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official government sources. The U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin is the primary source for monthly updates on visa availability. For information on which chart to use for filing applications, visit the USCIS Visa Bulletin Information page.
If you need to access immigration forms, such as those for adjustment of status, you can find the official Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status on the USCIS website.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The August 2025 visa bulletin brings both opportunities and challenges for applicants in the Employment-Based Third Preference “Other Workers” category. While the NACARA-related reduction is smaller this year, high demand means the annual limit is close to being reached. Applicants and employers should act quickly, stay informed, and be prepared for possible changes in visa availability.
Key takeaways:
- Check your priority date and eligibility based on the latest visa bulletin.
- Submit required documents promptly if you are eligible to file.
- Monitor official sources for updates on visa availability and category status.
- Consult with legal experts if you have questions or concerns about your case.
By following these steps and staying alert to new developments, applicants and employers can better manage the uncertainties of the immigration process and increase their chances of a successful outcome.
Learn Today
Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) → A visa category for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with less than two years’ training or experience.
Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) → A 1997 law reducing Other Workers visas to offset adjustments granted to certain Central American nationals.
Final Action Dates → Dates indicating when a visa can be issued or adjustment of status approved for applicants.
Dates for Filing Applications → Dates indicating when applicants can submit required documents before visa availability.
Retrogression → When visa cut-off dates move backward due to high demand, delaying eligibility for visa issuance.
This Article in a Nutshell
The August 2025 visa bulletin lowers Other Workers visa availability due to NACARA, impacting applicants worldwide. With high demand, swift action is vital to avoid delays caused by retrogression or unavailability in this employment-based category. Monitoring official updates supports timely applications and better immigration outcomes.
— By VisaVerge.com
