US visa update: Key green card dates revealed in November 2025 bulletin
The US State Department has issued the November 2025 visa bulletin, providing updated guidance for green card applicants seeking lawful permanent residence. The bulletin includes instructions on filing dates and final action dates, helping prospective immigrants determine when they can take important steps in their green card process.
Green card applicants alert: November 2025 visa bulletin updates released
The US State Department has issued the November 2025 visa bulletin, providing important updates for green card applicants seeking lawful permanent residence. The bulletin guides applicants on filing dates and final action dates, helping them determine when they can take key steps in the green card process.
Key components of the bulletin:
- Dates for Filing (DOF): Applicants whose priority date is earlier than the DOF can file Form I-485 to adjust their status.
- Final Action Dates (FAD): Cases may be approved if the applicant’s priority date is before the FAD and a visa number is available.
Notable changes for November 2025:
- FAD F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents) – India: Extended from November 22 to December 1, 2016.
- FAD F3 (Married Sons/Daughters of US Citizens) – Mexico: Moved from April 15 to May 1, 2001.
- DOF F1 (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of US Citizens) – Mexico: Shifted from October 8, 2006 to March 1, 2007.
- DOF F2A (Spouses/Children of Permanent Residents) – China, India, Mexico, Philippines: Delayed by one month, from September 22, 2025 to October 22, 2025.
- DOF F2B (Unmarried Sons/Daughters of Permanent Residents) – China, India: Moved from January 1 to March 8, 2017; Mexico from December 15, 2008 to May 15, 2009.
Employment-based visa categories remain unchanged from October to November 2025.
Why it matters for applicants:
Obtaining an immigrant visa is a critical step toward US permanent residency. Waiting times depend on an applicant’s priority date, visa preference category, and country of chargeability, as demand exceeds the number of available visas. The visa bulletin serves as a crucial guide, providing clear instructions on when applicants can file and when cases may be approved.
Applicants and families are advised to monitor the bulletin closely and plan accordingly. The December 2025 visa bulletin is expected to be released in mid-November 2025.