USCIS to Use “Dates for Filing” in October 2025 Visa Bulletin
On September 17, 2025, USCIS announced that for October 2025 (the start of Fiscal Year 2026), it will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications under the Dates for Filing chart (Chart B), instead of the Final Action Dates chart (Chart A) used last year. For family-sponsored cases, USCIS will continue with the Dates for Filing chart.
Key Employment-Based Updates
EB-1: India remains at Feb 15, 2022; China advances slightly to Dec 22, 2022; all other countries stay “current.”
EB-2: India advances to Apr 1, 2013; China to Apr 1, 2021; World/Mexico/Philippines to Dec 1, 2023.
EB-3: India moves to Aug 22, 2013; China to Mar 1, 2021; World/Mexico/Philippines stay at Apr 1, 2023.
EB-4: Now set at July 1, 2020 worldwide, but the Religious Worker program remains unavailable until Congress reauthorizes it.
EB-5: India jumps forward to Feb 1, 2021 (from Nov 2019 last month); China remains at Dec 2015; all others current.
Key Family-Based Updates
F-1 (Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens): India now Nov 8, 2016.
F-2A (Spouses/children of LPRs): India/World/China/Philippines advance to Feb 1, 2024; Mexico to Feb 1, 2023.
F-2B (Unmarried adult children of LPRs): India/China/World now Nov 22, 2016; Mexico Dec 15, 2017; Philippines Oct 1, 2012.
F-3 (Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens): India/China/World at Sept 8, 2011; Mexico Apr 15, 2001; Philippines Sept 22, 2004.
F-4 (Siblings of U.S. citizens): Minimal movement; India Nov 1, 2006.
What This Means
By using Chart B for employment-based cases, more applicants can file earlier, gaining access to EADs and Advance Parole while waiting for green card approvals.
Visa availability remains tight, and demand may still outpace supply later in FY 2026.
Applicants should expect fluctuations in cutoff dates as the year progresses.
📌 Tip: Always check the official USCIS adjustment filing charts before preparing your application.
