USA Visa Applications March 2025 Bulletin Released by US Department of State

Are you eagerly waiting for your U.S. visa? The March 2025 Visa Bulletin is here, and it brings crucial updates that could impact your immigration journey! Whether you’re applying for a family-sponsored visa, an employment-based visa, or the coveted Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, this bulletin tells you when you can move forward with your application. Don’t miss out on these key dates—your chance to secure your visa could be closer than you think!

Read on to find out what’s inside this month’s visa bulletin, which categories are moving forward, and which ones have longer wait times. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure you’re fully prepared for your next steps in the U.S. immigration process.

What Are Final Action and Filing Dates?

• Final Action Dates: These tell you when a visa number is available, meaning your visa can be issued or your status can be adjusted.
• Dates for Filing Applications: These tell you when you can start submitting documents, even if your visa isn’t available yet.

It’s important to check your category and country of application to see if your priority date is eligible. Now, let’s look at the details for family-sponsored, employment-based, and Diversity Visa categories:

Family-Sponsored Visa Updates

If you are applying for a visa through a family member, the U.S. sets limits on how many visas are issued each year. The wait times vary based on your category and the country you’re applying from.

Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas

F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):

• • Most countries: November 22, 2015
  • Mexico: November 22, 2004
  • Philippines: March 8, 2012.

F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Current, meaning there’s no wait for many applicants.

F2B (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Permanent Residents, 21 and over):

• • Most countries: May 22, 2016
  • Mexico: July 1, 2005
  • Philippines: October 22, 2011.

F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens):

• • Most countries: July 1, 2010
  • Mexico: November 22, 2000
  • Philippines: January 22, 2003.

F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens):

• • Most countries: August 1, 2007
  • Mexico: March 1, 2001
  • Philippines: October 15, 2004.

Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visas

If your priority date is before the dates below, you can start submitting your documents:

• • F1: September 1, 2017 (most countries), October 1, 2005 (Mexico), April 22, 2015 (Philippines)
  • F2A: Current for all countries
  • F2B: January 1, 2017 (most countries), October 1, 2006 (Mexico), October 1, 2013 (Philippines)
  • F3: July 22, 2012 (most countries), June 15, 2001 (Mexico), May 8, 2004 (Philippines)
  • F4: March 1, 2008 (most countries), April 30, 2001 (Mexico), January 1, 2008 (Philippines).

Employment-Based US Visa Updates

If you’re applying for a visa based on a job offer or skills, your wait time will depend on the demand for visas in your category and country.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visas

EB-1 (Priority Workers):

• • Current for most applicants
  • China: November 8, 2022
  • India: February 1, 2022.

EB-2 (Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability):

• • Most countries: May 15, 2023
  • China: May 8, 2020
  • India: December 1, 2012.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals):

• • Most countries: December 1, 2022
  • China: August 1, 2020
  • India: February 1, 2013.

Dates for Filing Employment-Based Visas

• • EB-1: Current for most regions, China: January 1, 2023, India: April 15, 2022.
  • EB-2: Most countries: August 1, 2023, China: October 1, 2020, India: January 1, 2013
  • EB-3: Most countries: March 1, 2023, China: November 15, 2020, India: June 8, 2013.

Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program Updates

The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery helps people from underrepresented countries immigrate to the U.S. The DV-2026 program has 52,000 visas available this year.

March 2025 DV Cut-Off Numbers

If your number is below the listed cutoff, you can proceed with your visa:

• • Africa: 25,000 (except some countries)
  • Asia: 6,000 (Iran: 5,400, Nepal: 4,500)
  • Europe: 13,000 (Russia: 12,950, Uzbekistan: 7,750)
  • Oceania: 1,125
  • South America & Caribbean: 1,800

DV applicants must complete processing before September 30, 2025, or their visa will be lost.

Other Important Updates in US Visa System (March 2025)

Religious Workers (SR Visa)

• • The Religious Worker visa program is extended until March 14, 2025.
  • No SR visas will be issued after March 13, 2025, unless Congress renews it.

Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. Government Employees

• • The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2024 has changed some rules for government workers and their families. If this applies to you, check with your local consular office for details.

Announcement: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-march-2025.html.

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