The US March 2025 Visa Bulletin has been released, offering crucial information for individuals seeking a green card through the employment-based categories. While India continues to face oversubscription in most categories, there’s some positive news for applicants in EB-2 and EB-3. These categories have advanced by six weeks, offering hope to many hopeful green card seekers.
However, the updates are mixed, as the EB-4 category has seen significant retrogression, and the Certain Religious Workers Program is set to expire by March 14, 2025. Let’s dive into the details of this bulletin and understand the impact of these changes.
Key Updates in the March 2025 Visa Bulletin
The March 2025 Visa Bulletin offers the following key updates for employment-based applicants:
EB-1 (Priority Workers)
- No Change: The Final Action Date remains on February 1, 2022.
- Filing is allowed for priority dates before April 15, 2022.
EB-2 (Advanced Degrees/Exceptional Ability)
- Advancement of Six Weeks: The Final Action Date has moved to December 1, 2012, which is a six-week movement from the previous bulletin.
- Filing remains open for priority dates before January 1, 2013.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals)
- Advancement of Six Weeks: The Final Action Date is now February 1, 2013, advancing six weeks from the previous date.
- Filing remains available for priority dates before June 8, 2013.
EB-4 (Certain Special Immigrants)
- Significant Retrogression: The Final Action Date has been retrogressed by almost 17 months, now set at August 1, 2019.
- The State Department has warned that this category might soon become “Unavailable” in the coming months.
EB-5 (Unreserved, Including C5, T5, I5, R5)
- No Change: The Final Action Date remains at January 1, 2022, with filing allowed for priority dates before April 1, 2022.
Religious Workers and Program Expiry
The Certain Religious Workers (SR) Program is slated to expire on March 14, 2025. If it is not extended, this category will become unavailable, and no visas will be issued beyond March 13, 2025. If the program is extended, the Final Action Date will remain August 1, 2019, through the end of March.
Family-Based Visa Categories
There are no changes for Indian applicants in family-sponsored categories. The cut-off dates from February remain consistent:
- F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Final Action Date remains November 22, 2015, with a filing date of September 1, 2017.
- F2A (Spouses/Unmarried Children of Permanent Residents): Final Action Date is January 1, 2022, with a filing date of July 15, 2024.
- F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters, 21 Years and Older, of Permanent Residents): Final Action Date is May 22, 2016, with a filing date of January 1, 2017.
- F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens): Final Action Date is July 1, 2010, with a filing date of July 22, 2012.
- F4 (Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens): Final Action Date is August 8, 2006, with a filing date of August 15, 2006.
Understanding the Visa Bulletin
The Visa Bulletin is crucial for individuals seeking a green card as it outlines the timelines for adjusting immigration status based on the submission of applications. The bulletin consists of two sections:
- Final Action Dates: This section estimates the wait time for application approval. It helps applicants understand when they can expect their applications to be processed.
- Dates for Filing: Specifies the earliest date applicants can submit their adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications, allowing them to track their eligibility for filing.
Impact of Retrogression and Oversubscription
While some categories, particularly EB-2 and EB-3, have shown modest progression, India remains heavily oversubscribed in nearly all employment-based visa categories. This means that while some applicants might experience shorter waiting times, the overall backlog persists. Those in oversubscribed categories will continue to face significant waiting periods before their green card applications are processed.
The retrogression in the EB-4 category, which impacts applicants in special immigrant categories, and the looming expiration of the Religious Workers Program add complexity to the visa landscape for prospective applicants.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting a Green Card
Despite the delays and retrogressions, there are steps applicants can take to improve their chances of securing a green card:
- Track the Visa Bulletin Regularly: Monitor updates to stay informed about changes to the cut-off dates and filing timelines.
- Consider Alternatives: If your category is facing significant delays, explore other pathways like the EB-2 to EB-3 downgrade or apply through a family-sponsored visa.
- Seek Professional Guidance: Immigration laws are complex, and having an immigration attorney or expert on your side can help navigate the changing rules and advise on the best course of action.
US March 2025 Visa Bulletin Overview
The US March 2025 Visa Bulletin offers a glimpse of progress for some Indian applicants, particularly in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, but the overall waiting times remain long due to ongoing oversubscription. While retrogression in the EB-4 category is concerning, understanding the dynamics of the visa bulletin and staying informed can help applicants plan their next steps effectively.
Next Steps for Applicants: If you are awaiting an update, keep track of the changes, evaluate your eligibility, and adjust your strategy as needed to ensure the best chance of success.
