The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for February 2025. This monthly update is critical for those waiting for a green card, as it outlines the anticipated wait times for various immigration categories.
Key Highlights for February 2025
USCIS has announced that:
Family-based applicants must use the "Dates for Filing" chart from the State Department’s website.
Employment-based applicants should refer to the "Final Action Dates" chart.
In February, there were slight shifts in employment-based green card categories, with notable changes for applicants from India and China. However, family-based categories saw no movement.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin serves as a guide to green card wait times. It includes priority dates, which indicate your place in the application queue. Here’s how it works:
Dates for Filing: If your priority date is earlier than the cut-off date in this chart, you can proceed with your application.
Final Action Dates: These dates indicate when USCIS or the Department of State is likely to process your application.
If your priority date is current, you can move forward by either:
Filing for Adjustment of Status (for applicants in the U.S.)
Applying for an Immigrant Visa (for applicants outside the U.S.)
What is my priority date?
This is the date your green card petition was filed. If you’re unsure, check your paperwork or consult an immigration attorney.
What if my country has a backlog?
Countries with high demand, like India and China, may experience slower movement or retrogression in cut-off dates.
How long will I have to wait?
The Visa Bulletin can’t provide an exact timeline, but tracking trends can help estimate wait times.
Family-Based Categories
Category Overview:
Employment-Based Categories
Category Overview:
Family-Based Green Card Backlogs
F-1: Unmarried Children (Age 21 and Older) of U.S. Citizens
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 1-Sept-17 | 1-Sept-17 | No Change |
China | 1-Sept-17 | 1-Sept-17 | No Change |
India | 1-Sept-17 | 1-Sept-17 | No Change |
Mexico | 1-Oct-05 | 1-Oct-05 | No Change |
Philippines | 22-April-15 | 22-April-15 | No Change |
F-2A: Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 15-July-24 | 15-July-24 | No Change |
China | 15-July-24 | 15-July-24 | No Change |
India | 15-July-24 | 15-July-24 | No Change |
Mexico | 15-July-24 | 15-July-24 | No Change |
Philippines | 15-July-24 | 15-July-24 | No Change |
F-2B: Unmarried Children (Age 21 or Older) of U.S. Green Card Holders
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 1-Jan-17 | 1-Jan-17 | No Change |
China | 1-Jan-17 | 1-Jan-17 | No Change |
India | 1-Jan-17 | 1-Jan-17 | No Change |
Mexico | 1-Oct-06 | 1-Oct-06 | No Change |
Philippines | 1-Oct-13 | 1-Oct-13 | No Change |
F-3: Married Children of U.S. Citizens
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 22-July-12 | 22-July-12 | No Change |
China | 22-July-12 | 22-July-12 | No Change |
India | 22-July-12 | 22-July-12 | No Change |
Mexico | 15-June-01 | 15-June-01 | No Change |
Philippines | 8-May-04 | 8-May-04 | No Change |
F-4: Siblings of U.S. Citizens
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 1-Mar-08 | 1-Mar-08 | No Change |
China | 1-Mar-08 | 1-Mar-08 | No Change |
India | 15-Aug-06 | 15-Aug-06 | No Change |
Mexico | 30-April-01 | 30-April-01 | No Change |
Philippines | 1-Jan-08 | 1-Jan-08 | No Change |
Employment-Based Green Card Backlogs
EB-1: Extraordinary People, Outstanding Researchers, and Multinational Executives
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | Current | Current | No Change |
China | 8-Nov-22 | 1-Jan-23 | -1 month, 3 weeks |
India | 1-Feb-22 | 15-April-22 | -2 months, 2 weeks |
Mexico | Current | Current | No Change |
Philippines | Current | Current | No Change |
EB-2: Exceptional People and Advanced Degree Holders
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 1-April-23 | 1-Aug-23 | -4 months |
China | 22-April-20 | 1-Oct-20 | -5 months, 1 week |
India | 15-Oct-12 | 1-Jan-13 | -2 months, 2 weeks |
Mexico | 1-April-23 | 1-Aug-23 | -4 months |
Philippines | 1-April-23 | 1-Aug-23 | -4 months |
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 1-May-20 | 1-May-20 | No Change |
China | 1-Dec-19 | 1-Dec-19 | No Change |
India | 1-Jan-09 | 1-Jan-09 | No Change |
Mexico | 1-May-20 | 1-May-20 | No Change |
Philippines | 1-May-20 | 1-May-20 | No Change |
EB-3: Other Workers
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 8-Dec-20 | 22-May-21 | – 5 months, 1 week |
China | 1-Jan-17 | 1-Jan-18 | – 1 year |
India | 15-Dec-12 | 8-June-13 | – 5 months, 3 weeks |
Mexico | 8-Dec-20 | 22-May-21 | – 5 months, 1 week |
Philippines | 8-Dec-20 | 22-May-21 | – 5 months, 1 week |
EB-4: Special Immigrants
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | 1-Jan-21 | 1-Feb-21 | – 1 month |
China | 1-Jan-21 | 1-Feb-21 | – 1 month |
India | 1-Jan-21 | 1-Feb-21 | – 1 month |
Mexico | 1-Jan-21 | 1-Feb-21 | – 1 month |
Philippines | 1-Jan-21 | 1-Feb-21 | – 1 month |
EB-5: Investors Category
Country | New Cut-Off Date | Old Cut-Off Date | Movement |
All Other Areas | No wait | No wait | No Change |
China | 15-July-16 | 1-Oct-16 | – 2 months, 2 weeks |
India | 1-Jan-22 | 1-April-22 | – 3 months |
Mexico | No wait | No wait | No Change |
Philippines | No wait | No wait | No Change |
Stay Updated
Understanding the Visa Bulletin is crucial for navigating the green card process. For personalized advice or to discuss your case, contact Canero Fadul Reis Law.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly updates on Visa Bulletin changes.
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