The U.S. Department of State’s March 2025 Visa Bulletin has introduced notable changes that could impact your green card journey, especially if you’re applying from India.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key updates and what they mean for you.
🇮🇳 India: Advancements in EB-2 and EB-3 Categories
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Professionals & Individuals of Exceptional Ability)
New Final Action Date: December 1, 2012
Movement: Advances by 6 weeks from the previous date of October 15, 2012
Implication: Applicants with priority dates earlier than December 1, 2012, can now file their Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications (Form I-485) if they are in the U.S.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers)
New Final Action Date: February 1, 2013
Movement: Advances by 6 weeks from the previous date of December 15, 2012
Implication: Similar to EB-2, applicants with priority dates earlier than February 1, 2013, can file their AOS applications.
⚠️ EB-4 (Special Immigrants) Retrogresses
New Final Action Date: August 1, 2019
Movement: Retrogresses by nearly 1.5 years from the previous date of January 1, 2021
Implication: Applicants in the EB-4 category may experience delays. The U.S. Department of State has indicated that this category could become “Unavailable” in the coming months due to high demand and number use throughout the first half of the fiscal year.
🛑 Certain Religious Workers (SR) Program Set to Expire
Expiration Date: March 13, 2025
Implication: If not extended, no SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight March 13, 2025. Visas issued prior to that date will be valid only until March 13, 2025.
🌍 Other Countries: Modest Advancements
EB-2: Advances by 6 weeks to May 15, 2023
EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: Advances by 6 weeks to May 15, 2023
EB-3 Other Workers: Advances by nearly 2 months to February 1, 2021
Implication: Applicants from countries other than India and China may see progress in their green card applications.
🗓️ Dates for Filing vs. Final Action Dates
USCIS Policy: For March 2025, USCIS will accept adjustment of status applications based on the Final Action Dates chart.
Implication: Applicants should refer to the Final Action Dates to determine eligibility for filing their AOS applications.
✅ Next Steps
Check Your Priority Date: Determine your priority date, which is typically the date your employer filed your labor certification or immigrant petition.
Compare with Final Action Dates: Refer to the Final Action Dates in the March 2025 Visa Bulletin to see if your priority date is current.
File Your AOS Application: If your priority date is current, you can file your I-485 application with USCIS.
Monitor Future Bulletins: Stay updated with future Visa Bulletins for any changes that may affect your application.
📌 Conclusion
The March 2025 Visa Bulletin brings both advancements and challenges.
While Indian applicants in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories may experience progress, those in the EB-4 category could face delays. It’s crucial to stay informed and consult with an immigration attorney to navigate these changes effectively.
