Key Takeaways
• August 2025 Visa Bulletin updates green card availability and warns of retrogressions in employment and family categories.
• Family-sponsored categories show long waits, especially for Mexico and Philippines, with some dates over 24 years old.
• EB-2 category retrogressed globally; EB-3 close to limits; Diversity Visa numbers may run out before September 30, 2025.
The United States Department of State has released the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, bringing important updates for thousands of families, workers, and diversity visa applicants worldwide. The new bulletin sets out which green card applicants can move forward, highlights key changes in visa availability, and warns of possible slowdowns in several categories as annual limits approach.
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly update that tells people when they can apply for immigrant visas or green cards. It covers family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity visa categories. For many, this bulletin is the main source of information about when their long wait for a green card might finally end.
Key Highlights from the August 2025 Visa Bulletin
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin, published by the United States Department of State, brings several important changes and warnings for applicants in both family and employment-based categories. The bulletin also provides updates for the Diversity Visa (DV) program and special immigrant visas.
Let’s break down the most important details, what they mean for applicants, and what steps people should consider next.
Family-Sponsored Preference Categories: Progress and Backlogs
Family-sponsored visas are divided into several groups, called “preferences,” based on the relationship between the applicant and the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor. Each group has a set number of visas available each year, and some countries face longer waits due to high demand.
Family-Sponsored Final Action Dates for August 2025
The “Final Action Dates” chart shows when a green card can actually be issued. If your priority date (the date your petition was filed) is earlier than the date listed for your category and country, you may be eligible to receive a visa.
Here are some of the key dates for August 2025:
- F1 (Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens):
- Most countries: July 15, 2016
- Mexico: April 22, 2005
- Philippines: July 15, 2012
- F2A (Spouses and children of permanent residents):
- Most countries: September 1, 2022
- Mexico: February 1, 2022
- F2B (Unmarried sons and daughters, 21 or older, of permanent residents):
- Most countries: October 15, 2016
- Mexico: January 1, 2007
- Philippines: April 15, 2012
- F3 (Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens):
- Most countries: August 1, 2011
- Mexico: February 1, 2001
- Philippines: December 1, 2003
- F4 (Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens):
- Most countries: January 1, 2008
- India: November 1, 2006
- Mexico: March 15, 2001
- Philippines: January 1, 2006
What This Means for Families
These dates show that some categories, especially for Mexico and the Philippines, still face very long waits. For example, Mexican siblings of U.S. citizens (F4) must have filed their petitions before March 15, 2001, to be eligible for a visa in August 2025. This means a wait of over 24 years.
Dates for Filing Applications
The “Dates for Filing” chart lets applicants know when they can submit their paperwork to the National Visa Center. Sometimes, these dates are ahead of the final action dates, allowing people to start the process earlier. For August 2025, the F2A category is current for all countries, meaning spouses and children of permanent residents can file their applications right away.
Applicants should always check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to see which chart to use for adjustment of status. The official guidance is available at USCIS Visa Bulletin Information.
Employment-Based Preference Categories: Retrogression and Warnings
Employment-based green cards are also divided into preference categories, each with its own annual limit. The August 2025 Visa Bulletin brings both progress and setbacks for workers hoping to get permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories
- EB-1 (Priority Workers):
- Most countries: Current
- China: November 15, 2022
- India: February 15, 2022
- EB-2 (Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability):
- Most countries: September 1, 2023
- China: December 15, 2020
- India: January 1, 2013
- EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers):
- Most countries: April 1, 2023
- China: December 1, 2020
- India: May 22, 2013
- Philippines: February 8, 2023
- Other Workers:
- Most countries: July 8, 2021
- China: May 1, 2017
- India: May 22, 2013
- EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants): Unavailable for all countries
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investors, Unreserved):
- Most countries: Current
- China: December 8, 2015
- India: November 15, 2019
Retrogression in EB-2 and Warnings for EB-3
The bulletin warns that the EB-2 category for “Rest of World” countries (all except China and India) has retrogressed, or moved backward, due to high demand. The United States Department of State says the annual limit for this category may be reached in August 2025, which could make the category “unavailable” for the rest of the fiscal year.
Similarly, the EB-3 and “Other Workers” categories are close to reaching their annual limits. The bulletin states that it may be necessary to retrogress the final action dates or make these categories unavailable in September 2025, or even sooner.
EB-5 Investor Visas: Changes for China and India
The EB-5 Unreserved category for China and India has advanced after earlier retrogression. For China, the final action date moved forward because the expected demand from other countries did not materialize. For India, unused family-sponsored numbers are now available for EB-5, allowing more Indian investors to move forward.
Dates for Filing Employment-Based Applications
The “Dates for Filing” chart allows some applicants to submit their paperwork earlier than the final action dates. For example, EB-1 is current for most countries, but for China, applicants with a priority date before January 1, 2023, can file. For India, the date is April 15, 2022.
Diversity Visa (DV) Program: Deadlines and Regional Cut-Offs
The Diversity Visa program, also known as the green card lottery, provides up to 55,000 visas each year to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States 🇺🇸. For the 2025 fiscal year, the actual number is about 52,000 due to special programs that use some of these visas.
August 2025 DV Cut-Offs
Applicants must have a lottery rank number below the cut-off for their region to be eligible for a visa in August 2025. Here are some of the main cut-offs:
- Africa: 50,000 (except Algeria: 49,950; Egypt: 43,250; Morocco: 40,500)
- Asia: 11,000 (except Iran: 10,650; Nepal: 10,650)
- Europe: 22,000 (except Russia: 21,950; Uzbekistan: 13,000)
- North America (Bahamas): Current (no cut-off)
- Oceania: 1,700
- South America and the Caribbean: 2,600
September 2025 DV Cut-Offs
The bulletin also lists higher cut-offs for September, the last month of the fiscal year. For example, Africa’s cut-off rises to 58,500, and Asia’s to 14,500. However, the United States Department of State warns that DV visas may run out before September 30, 2025, so applicants should act quickly if they are eligible.
Important Reminder for DV Applicants
If you are selected for the DV-2025 program, you must complete your visa processing by September 30, 2025. After that date, no more DV-2025 visas will be issued, and family members can only get derivative status until then. Numbers could run out before the deadline, so it’s important to move quickly.
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and Government Employees
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 may affect some current and former U.S. government employees abroad, as well as certain surviving spouses and children. These changes do not affect Iraqi and Afghan SIV applicants. If you are applying for a Special Immigrant Visa under section 101(a)(27)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you should contact the consular section where you filed your Form DS-1884 for more information.
Why Do These Changes Happen?
Visa categories have annual limits set by law. When demand is high, the United States Department of State must slow down or stop issuing visas in certain categories to stay within these limits. This is called “retrogression.” It means that some people who thought they were close to getting a green card may have to wait longer.
For example, the EB-2 and EB-3 categories are seeing high demand from around the world. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this often leads to sudden changes in visa availability, making it hard for applicants and employers to plan ahead.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you are waiting for a green card, here are some steps to consider:
- Check Your Priority Date: Compare your priority date to the dates listed in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin. If your date is earlier, you may be able to move forward.
- Watch for Updates: The United States Department of State may make more changes if visa numbers run out. Check the official Visa Bulletin page regularly.
- Prepare Documents: If you are eligible to file, gather all required documents and follow instructions from the National Visa Center or USCIS.
- Act Quickly: For Diversity Visa applicants, complete your process as soon as possible before September 30, 2025.
- Consult Official Sources: Always use official government websites for the latest information and forms.
Implications for Immigrants, Employers, and Families
These changes affect many people:
- Families: Long waits continue for many, especially from Mexico and the Philippines. Some categories have not moved forward in years.
- Employers: Companies hoping to sponsor workers may face delays, especially in EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
- Investors: EB-5 applicants from China and India see some relief, but must watch for sudden changes.
- Diversity Visa Winners: Must act fast to avoid missing out as numbers run out.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin shows that demand for green cards remains high. Retrogression and warnings about reaching annual limits mean that some categories could become unavailable soon. The United States Department of State will continue to monitor demand and make changes as needed.
Applicants should stay informed, act quickly when eligible, and use official resources for guidance. For the latest updates on visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
By understanding the details in the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, applicants can better plan their next steps and avoid missing important deadlines.
Learn Today
Visa Bulletin → Monthly update by the U.S. Department of State showing visa availability for immigrant categories.
Priority Date → The date when an immigrant petition is filed, determining an applicant’s place in visa queues.
Retrogression → The reversal of visa availability dates due to exceeding annual limits, causing longer waits for applicants.
Final Action Date → The date indicating when a visa can be issued or green card application approved.
Dates for Filing → Dates that show when applicants can submit paperwork before the final visa issuance date.
This Article in a Nutshell
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin reveals critical visa availability updates, long family backlogs, and employment-based retrogressions. Applicants must monitor priority dates, prepare documents promptly, and act fast, especially for Diversity Visas. This bulletin guides thousands navigating the complex U.S. immigration process amid annual limits and changing visa dynamics.
— By VisaVerge.com
