The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for May 2025, offering the latest update on green card wait times. This monthly bulletin helps applicants understand when they might be able to take the next step in their immigration journey.

Each month, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announces whether green card applicants living in the U.S. should use the “Final Action Dates” or “Dates for Filing” chart when submitting their adjustment of status applications. For May 2025, family-based applicants should refer to the “Dates for Filing” chart, while employment-based applicants must follow the “Final Action Dates” chart. Both charts are available on the State Department’s website.

In the family-based categories, May saw modest movement. The most notable advancement came in the F-2A category (spouses and children under 21 of green card holders), which progressed by more than three months for all countries. The F-4 category (siblings of U.S. citizens) also moved forward by about two months for most countries, except for India and Mexico, where it remained unchanged. Categories such as F-1, F-2B, and F-3 showed no movement this month.

Among employment-based categories, most remained static. However, the EB-5 category for India experienced a significant setback, with the priority date moving back by six months—an indication of increased demand for investor green cards. The EB-4 category has now reached its annual quota and will remain unavailable until the next fiscal year begins.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin

The Visa Bulletin is a tool used by the U.S. government to manage the green card backlog. It organizes green card applications by “priority date,” which is essentially your place in line. Your priority date is based on when your petition was filed.

• Dates for Filing:
  These dates indicate when applicants can submit their paperwork to USCIS. If your priority date is earlier than the listed cut-off date for your visa category and country, you may proceed with filing. If it’s the same or later, you must wait until the date advances.
• Final Action Dates:
  These represent when a green card can be issued. It’s the date when a decision will be made on your application, provided all documentation is in order. The gap between the Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates reflects processing times and demand in each category.

What Happens When Your Priority Date is Current?

Suppose your priority date becomes current (i.e., it falls before the listed date in the Visa Bulletin). In that case, you can move forward with your green card application through one of the following processes:

• Adjustment of Status: If you’re already living in the U.S., you may apply to adjust your status to a lawful permanent resident.
• Immigrant Visa Processing: If you live outside the U.S., you’ll proceed with your green card interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

Staying updated with the monthly Visa Bulletin is crucial for all green card applicants, as it provides a roadmap for when you can advance your case based on government projections and visa availability.

Final Action Dates For Family-Sponsored Preference Cases