The August 2025 Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State introduces important shifts as the government approaches the final stretch of the fiscal year. While family-sponsored categories continue to inch forward, the employment-based system is strained under high demand, prompting new retrogression and potential unavailability warnings. This month also offers a surprising rebound for EB-5 India and China after several months of restrictions.
Family-Sponsored Categories: Continued Modest Advancement
As in previous months, family-sponsored final action dates moved forward incrementally:
- F1: Advanced to July 15, 2016 for most countries; Mexico holds at April 22, 2005.
- F2A: Set at September 1, 2022 across most chargeability areas. Mexico remains at February 1, 2022.
- F2B: Moved to October 15, 2016 globally; Mexico holds at January 1, 2007.
- F3: Advanced slightly to August 1, 2011; Philippines remains behind at December 1, 2003.
- F4: India remains stalled at November 1, 2006, with most other areas at January 1, 2008.
Employment-Based Categories: Pressure Builds
EB-1 (Priority Workers):
- China: November 15, 2022
- India: February 15, 2022
- All other areas: Current
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals):
- Retrogression: Rest of World moves backward to September 1, 2023 due to increased usage.
- China: December 15, 2020
- India: Remains stuck at January 1, 2013
EB-3 (Skilled and Professional Workers):
- Rest of World: April 1, 2023
- China: December 1, 2020
- India: May 22, 2013
EB-4 (Special Immigrants):
Still Unavailable across all chargeability areas. This category is not expected to reopen before October 1.
EB-5 (Investors – Unreserved):
- India: Progresses to November 15, 2019, recovering from earlier retrogression.
- China: Improves to December 8, 2015.
- All others: Current
EB-5 (Set-Asides: Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure):
Remain Current across all categories and countries, encouraging investors to consider these targeted allocations.
Diversity Visa (DV-2025): Last Call Approaching
August brings the final months of processing for DV-2025 winners. The regional cutoffs reflect nearly full usage of the allotted visas. For example:
- Africa: 50,000 (except Egypt at 43,250; Algeria at 49,950)
- Asia: 11,000 (Iran and Nepal at 10,650)
- Europe: 22,000 (Russia 21,950; Uzbekistan 13,000)
- Oceania: 1,700
Warning: Visa numbers may be exhausted before the September 30 deadline. Applicants are urged to complete processing as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways and Trends
- EB-2 worldwide retrogresses due to demand nearing the annual limit. Unavailability is possible if demand persists.
- EB-3 and EW categories face similar pressure; potential cutoffs may occur in September.
- EB-5 India and China recover after earlier slowdowns—take advantage before potential caps are hit.
- Filing Dates mostly hold steady for both family and employment-based categories, offering a signal of possible forward movement in FY 2026.
Conclusion
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin highlights the mounting pressure on employment-based categories as the fiscal year draws to a close. Retrogressions and warnings indicate a need for cautious, strategic planning. Meanwhile, family categories continue to progress slowly and EB-5 set-asides remain a viable route. As demand outpaces supply, applicants should closely monitor upcoming bulletins and act proactively.
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JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
