The U.S. Department of State has released the December 2025 Visa Bulletin. As expected for the early months of FY 2026, December remains largely stable, with several family-based advancements, particularly in F2A, while employment-based categories continue to reflect the controlled movement typical of the post-pandemic, demand-rebalancing years.
December’s patterns closely follow what we’ve seen in recent fiscal years: steady but restrained advancement in family-sponsored categories, limited movement in India and China, employment-based queues, and consistency in EB-5 Set-Asides, which continue to absorb significant demand.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Final Action Dates (FAD)
F1 – Unmarried Sons & Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability / China / India: Nov 8, 2016
- Mexico: Mar 1, 2006
- Philippines: Jan 22, 2013
Assumption: F1 has historically advanced slowly, typically weeks per quarter, due to high demand and low attrition. This slow, steady progression is expected to continue through FY-2026.
F2A – Spouses & Children of Permanent Residents
- All Chargeability / China / India / Philippines: Feb 1, 2024
- Mexico: Feb 1, 2023
Assumption: F2A often advances more quickly in the first half of the fiscal year before slowing in the spring as usage numbers recalibrate. December’s strong Filing Date indicates that Final Action Dates may see additional movement in early 2026.
F2B – Unmarried Adult Children of Permanent Residents
- All Chargeability / China / India: Dec 1, 2016
- Mexico: May 15, 2008
- Philippines: Oct 8, 2012
Assumption: F2B advancements have been modest for years. Trendlines suggest only incremental progress through FY-2026, likely limited to several weeks every few bulletins.
F3 – Married Sons & Daughters of U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability / China / India: Sep 8, 2011
- Mexico: May 1, 2001
- Philippines: Nov 1, 2004
Assumption: High demand and slow attrition in F3 make substantial advancement unlikely. December’s steadiness matches multi-year patterns of minimal quarterly movement.
F4 – Siblings of Adult U.S. Citizens
- All Chargeability / China: Jan 8, 2008
- India: Nov 1, 2006
- Mexico: Apr 8, 2001
- Philippines: Jul 15, 2006
Assumption: F4 remains one of the slowest-moving categories. Historically, F4 inches forward with occasional pauses. Expect similar behavior throughout FY-2026.
Family-Sponsored Categories – Dates for Filing (DFF)
The most notable development is a significant increase in F2A Filing Dates, which have advanced to November 22, 2025, maintaining this category as one of the most advantageous channels for family immigration filings.
- F1: Sep 1, 2017 (Mexico: Mar 1, 2007; Philippines: Apr 22, 2015)
- F2A: Nov 22, 2025 (All Countries)
- F2B: Mar 8, 2017 (Mexico: May 15, 2009; Philippines: Oct 1, 2013)
- F3: Jul 22, 2012 (Mexico: Jul 1, 2001; Philippines: Nov 1, 2005)
- F4: Mar 1, 2009 (India: Dec 15, 2006; Mexico: Apr 30, 2001; Philippines: Jan 1, 2008)
Assumption: USCIS tends to use Dates for Filing during the early part of the fiscal year when demand and annual limits allow it.
Given historical patterns, the agency may continue allowing Filing Dates for AOS filings into early 2026, especially for F2A and EB categories where demand leveling is needed.
Employment-Based Categories – Final Action Dates (FAD)
EB-1 – Priority Workers
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: Current
- China: Jan 22, 2023
- India: Mar 15, 2022
Assumption: EB-1 has displayed strong stability since late FY-2025. Historically, EB-1 India and China see measurable advancement in Q3 of the fiscal year if demand remains steady.
EB-2 – Advanced Degree / Exceptional Ability
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: Feb 1, 2024
- China: Jun 1, 2021
- India: May 15, 2013
Assumption: EB-2 India is historically backlogged due to sustained demand; minimal monthly movement is expected. EB-2 China may see selective advances late in FY-2026, depending on usage.
EB-3 – Skilled & Professional Workers
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: Apr 15, 2023
- China: Apr 1, 2021
- India: Sep 22, 2013
Assumption: EB-3 tends to advance more than EB-2 for India, but recent years have tightened toward parity. Expect conservative movement for both India and China through FY-2026.
EB-3 Other Workers
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: Aug 1, 2021
- China: Dec 8, 2017
- India: Sep 22, 2013
Assumption: Due to NACARA reductions, EB-3 Other Workers rarely advance significantly. Trends show a historically constrained progression that is unlikely to change this fiscal year.
EB-4 – Special Immigrants
- Worldwide: Sep 1, 2020
Assumption: EB-4 entered a multi-year stabilization period. Expect it to remain at or near this date until at least mid-FY-2026.
EB-5 – Unreserved
- All Chargeability / Mexico / Philippines: Current
- China: Jul 15, 2016
- India: Jul 1, 2021
Assumption: EB-5 Set-Asides continue to carry the category, keeping Unreserved retrogressed for China and India. This pattern is consistent with 2023–2025 behavior and likely to persist.
Employment-Based Categories – Dates for Filing (DFF)
- EB-1: China (May 15, 2023); India (Apr 15, 2023); ROW Current
- EB-2: ROW (Jul 15, 2024); China (Dec 1, 2021); India (Dec 1, 2013)
- EB-3: ROW (Jul 1, 2023); China (Jan 1, 2022); India (Aug 15, 2014)
- Other Workers: ROW (Dec 1, 2021); China (Oct 1, 2018); India (Aug 15, 14)
- EB-4: Feb 15, 2021
- EB-5 Unreserved: China (Jul 22, 2016); India (Apr 1, 2022);
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Sources
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding a U.S. immigration matter, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
