July 2025 Visa Bulletin Explained: What You Need to Know About Green Card Progression
If you’re on the journey to permanent residency in the U.S., staying updated with the monthly Visa Bulletin from the Department of State is essential. The July 2025 bulletin brings both hopeful progress and ongoing retrogressions in key categories.
Whether you are a skilled professional on an H-1B visa, a spouse of a green card holder, or a Diversity Visa (DV) lottery winner, this breakdown helps you understand what the new bulletin means for your immigration timeline.
What Is the Visa Bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin outlines two key dates:
Final Action Date: The date when the government is ready to issue a green card.
Date for Filing: When you can submit your adjustment of status or immigrant visa application.
USCIS has announced that for July 2025, Final Action Dates must be used to determine filing eligibility for most employment and family-based categories.
Family-Sponsored Categories: Mixed Movement
| Category | Final Action Date | Notable Updates |
|---|---|---|
| F1 – Unmarried sons/daughters of U.S. citizens | July 15, 2016 (Mexico: April 22, 2005) | Stagnant |
| F2A – Spouses/children of LPRs | September 1, 2022 (Mexico: February 1, 2022) | Still favorable |
| F2B – Adult children of LPRs | October 15, 2016 | No major changes |
| F3 – Married children of U.S. citizens | August 1, 2011 (Mexico: February 1, 2001) | Backlogged |
| F4 – Siblings of U.S. citizens | January 1, 2008 (India: July 8, 2006; Mexico: March 15, 2001) | Long waits remain |
Takeaway: F2A continues to be one of the best options for spouses and children of green card holders. Filing early is encouraged while dates remain favorable.
Employment-Based Green Cards: EB-2 & EB-3 India Still Struggling
| Category | Final Action Date | Key Countries |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 – Priority workers | Current for most; India: February 15, 2022 | Some forward movement |
| EB-2 – Advanced degree holders | All others: October 15, 2023; India: January 1, 2013 | Major backlog for India |
| EB-3 – Skilled workers | All others: April 1, 2023; India: April 22, 2013 | Still retrogressed |
| Other Workers | Most: July 8, 2021; India: April 22, 2013 | No major change |
| EB-5 (Unreserved) | Current except India & China | Stable |
Special Note: EB-2 India and EB-3 India remain heavily retrogressed due to excess demand. Forward movement is likely only in future fiscal years.
DV-2025 Lottery: Numbers Moving Quickly
If you're a Diversity Visa winner for FY 2025, check your regional rank number. The bulletin shows allocations for July and hints at numbers for August, signaling that applicants should prepare documents immediately if eligible.
DV-2025 Regional Cutoff Numbers
| Region | July Cutoff | August Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | 45,000 | 50,000 |
| Asia | 9,000 | 11,000 |
| Europe | 19,000 | 22,000 |
Deadline Alert: DV visas must be issued by September 30, 2025 – no extensions, no exceptions.
What Should You Do Now?
Check Your Priority Date: Is your date current under Final Action Dates?
Consult Your Attorney: Each case is different. A small mistake in timing or category can delay your case by years.
File Early: If your date is current, do not wait – especially in retrogressed categories.
Track Monthly: Movement can change direction each month.
Need Expert Guidance?
At Yildiz Law Firm, we specialize in employment-based immigration, family sponsorships, and DV lottery processing. Our firm stays on top of each month’s Visa Bulletin to ensure our clients never miss a filing opportunity.
Book a consultation today and let’s discuss your options for adjustment of status, consular processing, or reclassification.
