US Department of State Issues Bulletin on USA Visa Applications for April 2025
Recently, the April 2025 Visa Bulletin was released, with important changes that may affect your trip to the US! Regardless of whether you’re applying for a Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, employment-based visa, or family-sponsored visa, this bulletin includes important details regarding when you can start the application process. Check your status now if you have been waiting for your priority date to become current.
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To properly plan your next moves, find out which categories are moving forward and where delays are happening. Let’s examine the specifics and discover what the visa bulletin for this month means for you!
What is the Difference Between Filing Dates and Final Action
- Final Action Dates: These show when a visa number becomes available, allowing for the issuance of a visa or the processing of a status change.
- Dates for Application Submission: Even if the visa is not yet available, applicants can submit the necessary paperwork in advance.
Every month in 2025, USCIS chooses which chart to use when submitting applications for adjustments of status.
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Family-Sponsored Visa Updates for April 2025!
There are yearly restrictions on the number of visas that can be granted if you are applying through a family member. The availability of a visa is contingent upon your country of changeability and preference category.
Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas
F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):
- Most countries: March 15, 2016
- Mexico: January 1, 2005
- Philippines: July 15, 2012.
F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Current for most regions
F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents, 21 and over):
- Most countries: July 22, 2016
- Mexico: January 1, 2006
- Philippines: January 22, 2012.
F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):
- Most countries: April 1, 2011
- Mexico: January 15, 2001
- Philippines: March 22, 2003.
F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens):
- Most countries: August 1, 2007
- Mexico: March 15, 2001
- Philippines: January 1, 2005.
New Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications
You can submit your documents for processing if your priority date falls before the following dates:
F1: September 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2006 (Mexico), April 22, 2015 (Philippines)
- F2A: Current for all countries
- F2B: January 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2007 (Mexico), October 1, 2013 (Philippines)
- F3: July 22, 2012 (most countries), June 15, 2001 (Mexico), September 22, 2004 (Philippines)
- F4: April 1, 2008 (most countries), April 30, 2001 (Mexico), January 1, 2008 (Philippines)
Read Also: The UK Changes Its Minimum Visa Requirements for Visa Applications (Starting Feb 2025)
Employment-Based US Visa Updates for April 2025
Your wait period will be determined by demand and national restrictions if you are applying for a visa based on your employment. This is the current situation as of April 2025.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visas
EB-1 (Priority Workers):
- Currently for most applicants
- China: November 8, 2022
- India: February 15, 2022.
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals & Exceptional Ability):
- Most countries: June 22, 2023
- China: October 1, 2020
- India: January 1, 2013.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals):
- Most countries: January 1, 2023
- China: November 1, 2020
- India: April 1, 2013.
New Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visas
EB-1:
- Currently for most regions
- China: January 1, 2023
- India: April 15, 2022.
EB-2:
- Most countries: August 1, 2023
- China: November 1, 2020
- India: February 1, 2013.
EB-3:
- Most countries: March 1, 2023
- China: November 15, 2020
- India: June 8, 2013.
Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program Updates for April 2025
People from underrepresented nations can apply for U.S. residency through the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. Here are the most recent changes for April 2025.
April 2025 DV Cut-Off Numbers (New)
- Africa: 30,000 (except certain countries)
- Asia: 6,000 (Iran: 5,950, Nepal: 5,950)
- Europe: 16,000 (Russia: 15,950, Uzbekistan: 7,750)
- Oceania: 1,500
- South America & Caribbean: 2,200.
The visa will expire if DV applicants don’t finish processing by September 30, 2025.
Read Also: Canada Announces New Express Entry Category to Reduce Skill Shortages in March 2025
Additional Important Updates for April 2025
Fourth Preference for Employment: Religious Workers (SR Visa)
- The FY 2025 cap for the Religious Worker visa program has been achieved.
- SR visas won’t be granted again until October 1, 2025, when the next fiscal year starts.
Retrogression of the Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5)
- The EB-5 Unreserved Visa category has witnessed retrogressions in China and India due to excessive demand.
- Future bulletins may reflect changes to the situation, which is currently being reviewed.
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Employees of the United States Government
- New qualifying requirements were added in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- For more information, applicants should contact the local consular office.
Announcement: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-april-2025.html.
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