Important Updates
Important Updates
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
April 29, 2026 | IndiaIndia: New OCI Rules Bring Broader Eligibility but Stricter Compliance Measures
April 29, 2026 | United StatesThe PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”
04/28/2026 | BelgiumEuropean Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
April 29, 2026 | IndiaIndia: New OCI Rules Bring Broader Eligibility but Stricter Compliance Measures
April 29, 2026 | United StatesThe PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”
04/28/2026 | BelgiumEuropean Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
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
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • 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

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

United States: November 2025 Visa Bulletin – Employment-Based (EB) Dates Remain the Same as October Visa Bulletin; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing for EB Categories

October 15, 2025

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

  • For employment-based immigrant visa categories, both the Final Action and the Dates for Filing charts in the November Visa Bulletin remain unchanged from the October Visa Bulletin.
  • Next month, 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 November Bulletin.
  • The November Bulletin also notes that details for the 2027 Diversity Visa Program will be publicized in the coming months.

A closer look 

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

  • EB-1: China will remain at December 22, 2022, and India will remain at February 15, 2022. All other countries will continue to be current.
  • EB-2: China will remain at April 1, 2021, and India will remain at April 1, 2013.  All other countries will remain at December 1, 2023.
  • EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: China will remain at March 1, 2021, and India will remain at August 22, 2013. All other countries will remain at April 1, 2023.
  • EB-5: For the EB-5 Unreserved categories, China will remain at December 8, 2015, and India will remain at February 1, 2021. All other countries will remain current. The EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also remain current.

In addition, the November Visa Bulletin employment-based Dates for Filing chart remains the same as the October Visa Bulletin.

USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing in November

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

Because the Dates for Filing are unchanged from the October Visa Bulletin, eligible adjustment of status applicants will have some additional time to submit their applications to USCIS.

2027 Diversity Visa Lottery Program

In the November Bulletin, the State Department also says that the dates for the 2027 Diversity Visa Lottery Program registration period will be widely publicized in the coming months.

Dates for Filing November 2025

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

EB-2  
China: December 1, 2021
India: December 1, 2013
All other countries: July 15, 2024

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers  
China: January 1, 2022
India: August 15, 2014
All other countries: July 1, 2023

EB-3 Other Workers  
China: October 1, 2018
India: August 15, 2014
All other countries: December 1, 2021

EB-4 (except SR Certain Religious Workers)
All countries: February 15, 2021

EB-4 SR Certain Religious Workers
All countries: Unavailable*
*The EB-4 Certain Religious Workers (SR) category remains unavailable for all countries unless the program is reauthorized by legislation for the new fiscal year.

EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
China: July 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

Final Action Dates for November 2025

EB-1 
China: December 22, 2022
India: February 15, 2022
All other countries: Current            

EB-2  
China: April 1, 2021
India: April 1, 2013
All other countries: December 1, 2023

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers  
China: March 1, 2021
India: August 22, 2013
All other countries: April 1, 2023

EB-3 Other Workers  
China: December 1, 2017
India: August 22, 2013
All other countries: July 15, 2021

EB-4 (except SR Certain Religious Workers)
All countries: July 1, 2020

EB-4 SR Certain Religious Workers
All countries: Unavailable*
*The EB-4 Certain Religious Workers (SR) category remains unavailable for all countries unless the program is reauthorized by legislation for the new fiscal year.

EB-5 Unreserved (Regional Center and Non-Regional Center)
China: December 8, 2015
India: February 1, 2021
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

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

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
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

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

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

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

© 2026 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.