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

The April 2025 Visa Bulletin has just been released, bringing key updates that could impact your journey to the United States! Whether you’re applying for a family-sponsored visa, an employment-based visa, or the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, this bulletin contains crucial information about when you can proceed with your application. If you’ve been waiting for your priority date to become current, now is the time to check where you stand!

Find out which categories are advancing and where delays are occurring so you can plan your next steps effectively. Let’s dive into the details and see what this month’s visa bulletin means for you!

Understanding Final Action vs. Filing Dates

• Final Action Dates: These indicate when a visa number is available, meaning a visa can be issued or an adjustment of status can be processed.
• Dates for Filing Applications: These allow applicants to submit required documents ahead of time, even if the visa is not yet available.

USCIS determines which chart to use for filing adjustment of status applications each month of 2025.

Family-Sponsored Visa Updates Got Major Update for April 2025!

If you are applying for a visa through a family member, there are annual limits on how many visas are issued. Visa availability depends on your preference category and your country of chargeability.

Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored Visas

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

• • Most countries: March 15, 2016
  • Mexico: January 1, 2005
  • Philippines: July 15, 2012.

F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents): Current for most regions

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

• • Most countries: July 22, 2016
  • Mexico: January 1, 2006
  • Philippines: January 22, 2012.

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

• • Most countries: April 1, 2011
  • Mexico: January 15, 2001
  • Philippines: March 22, 2003.

F4 (Siblings of U.S. Citizens):

• • Most countries: August 1, 2007
  • Mexico: March 15, 2001
  • Philippines: January 1, 2005.

New Dates for Filing Family-Sponsored Visa Applications

If your priority date is before the dates below, you may submit your documents for processing:

• F1: September 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2006 (Mexico), April 22, 2015 (Philippines)
• F2A: Current for all countries
• F2B: January 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2007 (Mexico), October 1, 2013 (Philippines)
• F3: July 22, 2012 (most countries), June 15, 2001 (Mexico), September 22, 2004 (Philippines)
• F4: April 1, 2008 (most countries), April 30, 2001 (Mexico), January 1, 2008 (Philippines)

Employment-Based US Visa Updates for April 2025

If you’re applying for a visa based on employment, your wait time will depend on demand and per-country limits. Here’s where things stand in April 2025.

Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Visas

EB-1 (Priority Workers):

• • Current for most applicants
  • China: November 8, 2022
  • India: February 15, 2022.

EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals & Exceptional Ability):

• • Most countries: June 22, 2023
  • China: October 1, 2020
  • India: January 1, 2013.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Professionals):

• • Most countries: January 1, 2023
  • China: November 1, 2020
  • India: April 1, 2013.

New 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: November 1, 2020
  • India: February 1, 2013.

EB-3:

• • Most countries: March 1, 2023
  • China: November 15, 2020
  • India: June 8, 2013.

Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Program Updates for April 2025

The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery allows individuals from underrepresented countries to apply for U.S. residency. For April 2025, here are the latest updates.

April 2025 DV Cut-Off Numbers (New)

• Africa: 30,000 (except certain countries)
• Asia: 6,000 (Iran: 5,950, Nepal: 5,950)
• Europe: 16,000 (Russia: 15,950, Uzbekistan: 7,750)
• Oceania: 1,500
• South America & Caribbean: 2,200.

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

Other Key Updates in April 2025 US Visa Bulletin Highlights

Employment Fourth Preference – Religious Workers (SR Visa)

• • The Religious Worker visa program has reached its limit for FY 2025.
  • No further SR visas will be issued until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025.

Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) Retrogression

• • Due to high demand, China and India have seen retrogressions in the EB-5 Unreserved Visa category.
  • The situation is under review and may change in future bulletins.

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

• • The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2024 has introduced new eligibility criteria.
  • Applicants should check with their local consular section for further detail.

April 2025 Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-april-2025.html.

Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.