Good news for Indians seeking employment-based visas to the United States! The March 2025 US Visa Bulletin reveals an exciting update for EB-2 and EB-3 visa applicants from India. Final Action Dates for these categories have advanced by six weeks. This is a significant development for those waiting for their opportunity to apply for an immigrant visa or adjust their status in the US.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key updates in the March 2025 US Visa Bulletin, focusing on the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, and explore what this advancement means for Indian applicants.
What is the EB-2 Visa?
The EB-2 visa is an employment-based, second-preference visa granted to individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field of work. This category is ideal for professionals seeking to work in the US under specific expertise requirements.
There are two main types of EB-2 visas:
- Advanced Degree Category: Requires an advanced degree (master’s or higher) or its equivalent in a specific field of expertise, as well as at least five years of relevant work experience.
- Exceptional Ability Category: This category is for individuals who have exceptional skills in the sciences, arts, or business. It requires meeting labor certification and demonstrating significant expertise in the chosen profession.
Key Update for EB-2 India in March 2025:
The Final Action Date for EB-2 India advances from October 15, 2012, to December 1, 2012. This means that applicants with a priority date earlier than December 1, 2012, can now proceed with their visa applications.
What is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based, third-preference visa designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers who do not meet the requirements for advanced degrees or exceptional abilities.
EB-3 visa applicants are divided into three subcategories:
- Skilled Workers: Applicants with at least two years of work experience or training in a specific occupation.
- Professionals: Individuals with a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
- Other Workers: Applicants for unskilled labor positions that require less than two years of experience.
Key Update for EB-3 India in March 2025:
The Final Action Date for EB-3 India advances from December 15, 2012, to February 1, 2013. This advancement offers Indian applicants with earlier priority dates the chance to file their visa petitions or adjust their status in the US.
What Does the Advancement of Final Action Dates Mean for Indian Applicants?
The advancement of Final Action Dates under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories means that applicants who have been waiting for their priority dates to become current can now move forward with their visa filing or adjustment of status applications. This is a positive development, especially for Indian nationals who have been facing longer wait times due to the high demand for employment-based visas.
Here’s a look at the March 2025 Visa Bulletin’s Final Action Dates:
| Visa Category | Final Action Date (India) | Previous Final Action Date |
|---|---|---|
| EB-2 (India) | December 1, 2012 | October 15, 2012 |
| EB-3 (India) | February 1, 2013 | December 15, 2012 |
This six-week advancement is a significant step for applicants who are eager to begin their journey to the United States for work.
How to Use the US Visa Bulletin for March 2025
Understanding how to use the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing Applications charts in the US Visa Bulletin is essential for applicants.
- Final Action Dates (FAD): This chart shows when applicants can proceed with their visa applications based on their priority date. For adjustment of status applicants, the FAD is the critical date that determines when they can file their application with USCIS.
- Dates for Filing Applications: This chart provides an earlier date for applicants to file their immigrant visa application with the U.S. Department of State. It may be used by USCIS if more visas are available than applicants.
For applicants under EB-2 and EB-3 India, it is essential to monitor both charts to ensure that you file your application as soon as your priority date becomes current.
What Are the Other Employment-Based Visa Categories?
Apart from the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, other employment-based visas include:
- EB-1 (First Preference): For individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers.
- EB-5 (Fifth Preference): For investors who make qualifying investments in the U.S. economy to create jobs.
The March 2025 Visa Bulletin shows that the Final Action Dates for EB-1 and EB-5 will remain unchanged at February 1, 2022, and January 1, 2022, respectively.
Steps for Filing an EB-2 or EB-3 Application
If your priority date is now current, here are the essential steps for filing your EB-2 or EB-3 visa application:
Step 1: Check Your Priority Date
Ensure your priority date is earlier than the Final Action Date in the visa bulletin.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather necessary documents, such as:
- Employment verification letter
- Proof of educational qualifications
- Labor certification (if applicable)
- Passport and visa photos
Step 3: File Your Application
If you’re applying for an adjustment of status within the U.S., you will need to file Form I-485 with USCIS. If you are outside the U.S., you will apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate.
Step 4: Attend Your Interview (If Required)
After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an interview.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once your application is approved, you will be granted a green card, allowing you to work and live permanently in the U.S.
Good News for Indian EB-2 and EB-3 Applicants
The March 2025 US Visa Bulletin brings much-needed relief to Indian nationals waiting for their EB-2 and EB-3 visas. The six-week advancement of Final Action Dates allows applicants to move forward with their applications. If you’re eligible, it’s important to act promptly and file your visa applications to take full advantage of this positive update.
Stay updated with future visa bulletins to monitor any further changes in processing times and ensure a smooth application process.
