Important Updates
Important Updates
December 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Issues Final Rule to Replace Random H-1B Cap Lottery with Wage-Level-Based Weighted System for H-1B Cap Allocation in Time for Implementation in Early 2026
December 24, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
December 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Judge Issues Opinion Upholding $100,000 H-1B Fee
December 23, 2025 | United StatesFranceinfo: États-Unis : bientôt une inspection au peigne fin des réseaux sociaux avant d'entrer sur le territoire
December 23, 2025 | CanadaToronto Star: Canada Wants to Bring in 1,000 Researchers and Skilled Workers. Here’s What It Will Take
December 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Issues Final Rule to Replace Random H-1B Cap Lottery with Wage-Level-Based Weighted System for H-1B Cap Allocation in Time for Implementation in Early 2026
December 24, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
December 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Judge Issues Opinion Upholding $100,000 H-1B Fee
December 23, 2025 | United StatesFranceinfo: États-Unis : bientôt une inspection au peigne fin des réseaux sociaux avant d'entrer sur le territoire
December 23, 2025 | CanadaToronto Star: Canada Wants to Bring in 1,000 Researchers and Skilled Workers. Here’s What It Will Take
December 23, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Issues Final Rule to Replace Random H-1B Cap Lottery with Wage-Level-Based Weighted System for H-1B Cap Allocation in Time for Implementation in Early 2026
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
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration 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

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • 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: October 2025 Visa Bulletin – Moderate Movement in Final Action Dates Across Most Employment-Based Categories for the Start of the Fiscal Year

September 12, 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

  • At the start of the new fiscal year in October, the Final Action Dates for several EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 countries will move forward, but none will advance by more than three and a half months.
  • The Final Action Date for EB-5 India will advance by almost 15 months.
  • The Dates for Filing chart shows more significant employment-based advancements in EB-1 through EB-3, with some categories advancing more than a year.
  • The Date for Filing for the EB-5 China category will retrogress by three months.

A closer look 

According to the State Department’s October 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: China will advance by five weeks to December 22, 2022, and India will remain at February 15, 2022. All other countries will continue to be current.
  • EB-2: China will advance by three and a half months to April 1, 2021, and India will advance by three months to April 1, 2013.  All other countries will advance by three months to December 1, 2023.
  • EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers: China will advance by three months to March 1, 2021, India will advance by three months to August 22, 2013, and the Philippines will advance by seven weeks to April 1, 2023. 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 advance by almost 15 months to February 1, 2021. All other countries will remain current. The EB-5 set-aside categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also remain current.

The October Dates for Filing will advance for all countries in the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Professional/Skilled Worker categories, while the EB-5 India date will remain the same. However, the EB-5 China Date for Filing will retrogress by three months to July 1, 2016.

In the coming days, USCIS will announce on its own Visa Bulletin web page whether the agency will accept adjustment of status applications based on the Visa Bulletin Final Action Dates chart or the Dates for Filing chart in October.

Final Action Dates for October 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 will become unavailable for all countries on October 1, 2025 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

Dates for Filing for October 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*
*As noted above, this category will become unavailable for all countries on October 1, 2025 unless the Certain Religious Workers 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

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

Franceinfo: États-Unis : bientôt une inspection au peigne fin des réseaux sociaux avant d'entrer sur le territoire

Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.

Learn more

Video

The Schengen C Visa: What Non-EU Nationals Need to Know About 90/180-Day Travel

Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Canada Wants to Bring in 1,000 Researchers and Skilled Workers. Here’s What It Will Take

Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.

Learn more

Blog post

Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension Deadline | February 2026 UK Update

Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Franceinfo: États-Unis : bientôt une inspection au peigne fin des réseaux sociaux avant d'entrer sur le territoire

Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.

Learn more

Video

The Schengen C Visa: What Non-EU Nationals Need to Know About 90/180-Day Travel

Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Canada Wants to Bring in 1,000 Researchers and Skilled Workers. Here’s What It Will Take

Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.

Learn more

Blog post

Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension Deadline | February 2026 UK Update

Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

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.