The 2025 Visa Bulletin brings important updates for EB-2 India applicants, especially as the fiscal year nears its end. These changes affect thousands of individuals and families waiting for their green cards under the employment-based second preference (EB-2) category. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the broader implications for pending and future applications. The goal is to help applicants and their families understand what these changes mean for their immigration journey and what steps they should take right now.
Summary of What Changed
The most important update from the July and August 2025 Visa Bulletins is that the EB-2 India cutoff date remains at January 1, 2013. This means that only applicants from India with a priority date earlier than January 1, 2013, are eligible for final action on their green card applications. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the July 2025 Visa Bulletin on June 27, 2025, and the August 2025 Visa Bulletin in mid-July, confirming that this cutoff date has not changed.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also announced that, for July and August 2025, it will use the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based categories, including EB-2 India. This chart determines who can file or have their applications approved. The Dates for Filing chart is not being used for employment-based categories during these months; it applies only to family-sponsored categories.
Who Is Affected by the 2025 Visa Bulletin Changes?
These updates mainly affect Indian nationals applying for green cards under the EB-2 category. The EB-2 category is for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. The changes impact:
- Applicants with priority dates before January 1, 2013: These individuals are eligible for final action, meaning their applications can be approved, and they can receive their green cards.
- Applicants with priority dates on or after January 1, 2013: These individuals must continue to wait. Their applications cannot move forward until the cutoff date advances in future Visa Bulletins.
Employers who sponsor workers under the EB-2 India category are also affected, as are family members who are included in these applications.
Effective Dates and Key Deadlines
The current cutoff date of January 1, 2013, is effective for both July and August 2025. The DOS and USCIS will continue to review and update the Visa Bulletin each month. The fiscal year for immigration purposes ends on September 30, 2025. This is important because visa number availability resets at the start of the new fiscal year in October.
Key dates to remember:
- July 2025 Visa Bulletin: Released June 27, 2025; cutoff date for EB-2 India is January 1, 2013.
- August 2025 Visa Bulletin: Released mid-July 2025; cutoff date for EB-2 India remains January 1, 2013.
- Fiscal year ends: September 30, 2025; visa numbers reset in October.
July 2025 Visa Bulletin released
August 2025 Visa Bulletin released
Fiscal year ends
Visa numbers reset
EB-2 category may become unavailable
Visa Number Availability and the Risk of Retrogression
The DOS has warned that the EB-2 category is quickly reaching its annual limit for fiscal year 2025. This means that all available green cards for EB-2 India could be used up as early as August 2025. If this happens, the category could become unavailable, and the cutoff date might move backward—a process called retrogression.
Retrogression means that the cutoff date could shift to an even earlier date, making fewer people eligible to apply or have their applications approved. This is a serious concern for many Indian applicants, as the backlog is already very large, and the cutoff date has not moved forward for several months.
What Should EB-2 India Applicants Do Now?
If you are an EB-2 India applicant, your next steps depend on your priority date—the date when your employer filed the first step of your green card process (usually the PERM labor certification or Form I-140).
If your priority date is before January 1, 2013:
- You are eligible for final action. This means you can file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if you are in the United States 🇺🇸. If you are outside the United States 🇺🇸, you can proceed with consular processing.
- Act quickly. Because the annual limit is almost reached, it is important to file your application as soon as possible. Delays could mean missing the window before the category becomes unavailable.
- Prepare all documents. Make sure you have all required paperwork ready, including proof of your priority date, employment verification, and supporting documents for your I-485 or consular application.
If your priority date is on or after January 1, 2013:
- You are not yet eligible for final action. You must wait until the cutoff date moves forward in a future Visa Bulletin.
- Stay prepared. Keep your documents up to date and stay in contact with your attorney or employer.
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin. Check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin every month for updates on the cutoff date.
- Consider alternatives. If your wait is very long, talk to an immigration expert about other visa options or strategies.
For all applicants:
- Watch for retrogression. If the DOS announces that the category is unavailable or the cutoff date moves backward, new filings may be suspended until the date advances again.
- Understand “locked in” status. If you have already filed your I-485 and the category retrogresses, your application will stay in line, but it will not be approved until your priority date is current again.
Background: Why Is There a Backlog for EB-2 India?
The EB-2 India backlog is the result of high demand and strict per-country limits. Each country can only receive a certain number of green cards each year in each category. Because so many Indian professionals apply under EB-2, the demand far exceeds the supply, causing long waits.
The cutoff date of January 1, 2013, has been stable for several months. This means that, despite many people waiting, the government has not been able to move the date forward due to the large number of pending applications and limited visa numbers.
How the Visa Bulletin Works
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the DOS that shows which green card applicants can move forward based on their priority date. There are two important charts:
- Final Action Dates: Shows who can have their applications approved or receive their immigrant visas.
- Dates for Filing: Shows who can submit their applications, even if they cannot be approved yet.
For July and August 2025, the USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based categories, including EB-2 India. This means only those with priority dates before January 1, 2013, can file or have their cases approved.
For more information on how the Visa Bulletin works, visit the USCIS Visa Bulletin Information page.
Expert Analysis and Stakeholder Perspectives
Immigration law experts say that the lack of movement in the EB-2 India cutoff date is a clear sign that visa numbers are running out for the year. This often happens near the end of the fiscal year, as the government tries to use every available visa number without going over the limit.
The warning from the DOS about reaching the annual limit in August 2025 is especially important. If the limit is reached, the category could become unavailable, and the cutoff date could move backward. This would cause even longer waits for Indian applicants.
Stakeholders, including immigration attorneys and advocacy groups, urge eligible applicants to file as soon as possible. They also recommend staying ready for sudden changes in visa availability. Some experts suggest looking at other visa categories or strategies, such as the EB-1 category (for people with extraordinary ability or multinational managers) or family-based options, if possible.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have already filed your I-485 or consular application and your priority date is before January 1, 2013, your case can move forward and may be approved soon. However, if the category becomes unavailable before your case is approved, it will be put on hold until visa numbers become available again.
If your priority date is after January 1, 2013, your application cannot move forward until the cutoff date advances. You should continue to monitor the Visa Bulletin and keep your documents and information up to date.
Future Outlook: What to Expect After September 2025
The fiscal year ends on September 30, 2025. On October 1, 2025, visa numbers will reset, and the DOS will issue a new Visa Bulletin. There is a chance that the cutoff date for EB-2 India could move forward at that time, but given the high demand and large backlog, any movement is likely to be slow.
No new laws or policy changes affecting per-country limits or visa number allocations have been announced as of July 2025. If Congress or the administration makes changes in the future, this could affect how quickly the backlog moves. For now, applicants should rely on the monthly Visa Bulletin for the most accurate information.
Step-by-Step Guidance for EB-2 India Applicants (July-August 2025)
- Check your priority date against the Final Action Dates chart for EB-2 India (January 1, 2013 cutoff).
- If your priority date is earlier than January 1, 2013:
- Prepare and file your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status if you are in the United States 🇺🇸.
- If you are outside the United States 🇺🇸, work with the National Visa Center and your local U.S. consulate to complete consular processing.
- If your priority date is on or after January 1, 2013:
- Continue to monitor the Visa Bulletin every month.
- Keep all your documents up to date and stay in touch with your attorney or employer.
- Be ready to file as soon as your priority date becomes current.
- Watch for announcements from the DOS about visa number availability or retrogression.
- Consult with immigration experts if your wait is very long or if you want to explore other options.
Practical Tips for Applicants and Employers
- File as soon as eligible. Delays can mean missing the window before the category becomes unavailable.
- Keep records organized. Make sure you have copies of all filings, approvals, and correspondence.
- Stay informed. Regularly check the Visa Bulletin and USCIS updates.
- Communicate with your employer. Employers should be aware of these changes and support employees in preparing documents quickly.
- Consider family impact. Family members included in your application will also be affected by these changes.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin: Visa Bulletin section
- USCIS Visa Bulletin Information: USCIS Visa Bulletin Info
- AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association): aila.org for expert analyses and updates
- For case-specific questions, contact your immigration attorney or USCIS customer service.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the EB-2 India backlog and the risk of retrogression make it more important than ever for applicants to stay alert and act quickly when eligible. The 2025 Visa Bulletin changes highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Indian professionals and their families seeking permanent residence in the United States 🇺🇸.
Conclusion and Immediate Next Steps
The 2025 Visa Bulletin keeps the EB-2 India cutoff date at January 1, 2013, for July and August 2025. Only applicants with priority dates before this can move forward. With the annual limit nearly reached, the risk of retrogression is high. Applicants should check their priority dates, file as soon as eligible, and monitor official updates closely. Those waiting should keep their documents ready and consider other options if the wait becomes too long.
By staying informed and prepared, EB-2 India applicants can make the best decisions for themselves and their families during this challenging time. For the latest updates and detailed guidance, always refer to official government resources and trusted immigration professionals.
Learn Today
EB-2 India → Employment-based second preference visa category for Indian nationals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
Priority Date → The date when an immigrant petition or labor certification is filed, determining visa queue position.
Cutoff Date → A date in the Visa Bulletin showing who can file or receive green cards based on priority dates.
Retrogression → A backward movement of cutoff dates causing delays in visa availability and application approvals.
I-485 Form → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for individuals inside the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
The 2025 Visa Bulletin keeps EB-2 India cutoff at January 1, 2013, with visa numbers nearly exhausted. Applicants should act fast to file adjustment forms, as retrogression risk looms. The fiscal year ends September 30, 2025, resetting visa availability newcomers eagerly await progress.
— By VisaVerge.com
