Important Updates
Important Updates
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 21, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesSaudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Alter the H-1B Cap Selection Process Is Sent to OMB for Review
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 21, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesSaudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Alter the H-1B Cap Selection Process Is Sent to OMB for Review
July 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Announces Implementation of Several New Fees for Humanitarian Applications Based on Reconciliation Bill
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

United States: January 2025 Visa Bulletin - Modest Forward Movement in EB-2 and EB-3 Final Action Dates; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing, Which Remain Unchanged

December 10, 2024

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a glance

  • In January, the EB-1 Final Action Dates will remain the same, and the EB-2 and EB-3 Professional and Skilled Worker Final Action dates will advance from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the category and country.
  • USCIS will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is earlier than the Dates for Filing listed in the State Department’s January Visa Bulletin, which remain unchanged from December.

A closer look 

According to the State Department’s January Visa Bulletin, Final Action cutoff dates for issuance of an immigrant visa or approval of an adjustment of status application will be as follows: 

  • EB-1: India will remain at February 1, 2022, and China will remain at November 8, 2022. All other countries will continue to be current.
  • EB-2: India will advance by two months, to October 1, 2012, and China will advance by one month, to April 22, 2020. All other countries will advance by two weeks, to April 1, 2023.
  • EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: India will advance by three weeks, to December 1, 2012, and China will advance by two months, to June 1, 2020. All other countries will advance by two weeks, to December 1, 2022.
  • EB-3 Other Workers: India will advance by three weeks, to December 1, 2012. China will remain at January 1, 2017. All other countries will advance by one week, to December 8, 2020.
  • EB-5: For the EB-5 Unreserved categories, China will remain at July 15, 2016, and India will remain at January 1, 2022. All other countries will remain current. The EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also remain current.

USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing in January

USCIS has announced on its own Visa Bulletin web page that the agency will accept adjustment of status applications based on the Dates for Filing chart in January. To be eligible to file an employment-based adjustment of status application next month, foreign nationals must have a priority date that is earlier than the Date for Filing for their preference category and country. The January Dates for Filing, which are listed below, are unchanged from December.

Expiration of EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker Program

The EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker program is set to expire on December 20, 2024. If there is no action in Congress to extend it beyond that date, the category will become “unavailable” after midnight on December 19, 2024, and no immigrant visas or adjustment of status applications can be approved under the category until a reauthorization is passed. If the program is extended, it will be subject to the same Final Action dates as listed for the general EB-4 category.

Future Visa Availability in EB-5 Set-Aside Categories

According to the State Department’s January 2025 Visa Bulletin, an increasing number of EB-5 applicants are processing their applications under the EB-5 Rural, High-Unemployment, and Infrastructure “set aside” categories. As such, the State Department notes that it may become necessary to establish Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates in these categories during FY 2025 to avoid exceeding the categories’ annual limits.

Final Action Dates for January 2025

EB-1 
China: November 8, 2022
India: February 1, 2022
All other countries: Current             

EB-2  
China: April 22, 2020
India: October 1, 2012
All other countries: April 1, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers  
China: June 1, 2020
India: December 1, 2012
All other countries: December 1, 2022

EB-3 Other Workers  
China: January 1, 2017
India: December 1, 2012
All other countries: December 8, 2020

EB-4*
All countries: January 1, 2021
*The EB-4 Non-Minister Religious Worker category will become unavailable on December 20, 2024, unless the program is reauthorized by legislation.

EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
China: July 15, 2016
India: January 1, 2022
All other countries: Current

EB-5 Set-Asides
Rural: Current for all countries
High Unemployment: Current for all countries
Infrastructure: Current for all countries

Dates for Filing for January 2025

EB-1 
China: January 1, 2023
India: April 15, 2022
All other countries: Current

EB-2  
China: October 1, 2020
India: January 1, 2013
All other countries: August 1, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers  
China: November 15, 2020
India: June 8, 2013
All other countries: March 1, 2023

EB-3 Other Workers  
China: January 1, 2018
India: June 8, 2013
All other countries: May 22, 2021

EB-4
All countries: February 1, 2021

EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
China: October 1, 2016
India: April 1, 2022
All other countries: Current

EB-5 Set-Asides
Rural: Current for all countries
High Unemployment: Current for all countries
Infrastructure: Current for all countries

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen. 

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.