DOS Releases October 2025 Visa Bulletin; USCIS Adopts Uniform Filing Chart

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (AP) - The U.S. State Department published its October 2025 Visa Bulletin today, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that both family-sponsored and employment-based applicants must use the “Dates for Filing” chart for this month’s adjustment of status filings.

The October bulletin arrives as the new fiscal year approaches, offering clarity-and limited movement-for green-card hopefuls, while USCIS’s uniform filing guidance streamlines the process for domestic applicants.

Key Filing Instructions

  • All family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories must follow the “Dates for Filing” chart in October.
  • USCIS will accept adjustment of status applications only if the applicant’s priority date is earlier than the listed filing date for their category.

Family-Sponsored Preferences

CategoryAll Chargeability AreasMexicoPhilippines
F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)Sep 15, 2017Jun 1, 2006Apr 22, 2015
F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents)Jun 1, 2025Jun 1, 2025Jun 1, 2025
F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents)Jan 1, 2017Apr 1, 2008Oct 1, 2013
F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of U.S. Citizens)Jul 22, 2012Jun 15, 2001May 1, 2005
F4 (Siblings of Adult U.S. Citizens)Jan 1, 2009Apr 30, 2001Jan 1, 2008

Employment-Based Preferences

CategoryAll Chargeability AreasChinaIndia
EB-1 (Priority Workers)CurrentNov 15, 2022Feb 15, 2022
EB-2 (Advanced Degrees/Special Ability)Sep 1, 2023Dec 15, 2020Jan 1, 2013
EB-3 (Skilled/Other Workers)Apr 1, 2023Dec 1, 2020May 22, 2013
EB-5 (Investors)CurrentDec 8, 2015Nov 15, 2019

Limited Movement in October

Most categories remain unchanged from September, reflecting steady demand and nearing FY-2025 numerical limits. The EB-4 category (Special Immigrants) remains unavailable until October 1, when the new fiscal year resets visa limits.

What Applicants Should Do

  • Check your priority date against the Dates for Filing chart before submitting Form I-485.
  • Monitor USCIS’s chart-use determinations at uscis.gov/visabulletininfo for any mid-month updates.
  • Consult an immigration attorney if your category is oversubscribed or if your filing window is tight.