The US State Department has released the Visa Bulletin for October 2025, which is the first one of the new financial year in the United States.
This bulletin brings good news for Indian applicants in both employment-based and family-sponsored categories.
Compared to the September 2025 bulletin, there have been positive changes in the EB-2, EB-3, and family category F2A.
The EB-4 category, which was unavailable for several months, has now reopened.
What is the Visa Bulletin and How Does It Work?
The Visa Bulletin is an important document published monthly by the US government.
It works like a waiting list for people applying for a Green Card — the document that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States.
Here’s how it works:
Final Action Date: This tells you when your Green Card can be approved.
If your priority date (the date you first applied) is earlier than the final action date, your Green Card is ready for approval.
Dates for Filing: This shows when you can submit your Green Card application paperwork, even if it’s not ready for approval yet.
It helps you start the process early while you’re still waiting.
Because more people want Green Cards than the number of visas available, this bulletin helps applicants understand where they stand in line.
Improvements for Indian Applicants in EB-2 and EB-3 Categories
There has been notable progress for Indians waiting in the employment-based EB-2 and EB-3 categories:
EB-2 Category:
Final Action Date: Moved from January 1, 2013 to April 1, 2013 (3-month progress)
Dates for Filing: Moved from February 1, 2013 to December 1, 2013 (10-month progress)
The EB-2 category is for:
People with advanced degrees
At least 5 years of work experience
Researchers, scientists, professors, and others with exceptional ability
EB-3 Category:
Final Action Date: Moved from May 22, 2013 to August 22, 2013 (3-month progress)
Dates for Filing: Moved from June 8, 2013 to August 15, 2014 (14-month progress)
The EB-3 category includes:
Skilled workers, IT professionals, doctors, and healthcare workers
Many H-1B visa holders, especially from India, fall under this category
Why This Matters
These changes are especially helpful for Indian applicants who often face long wait times.
The movement in priority dates means that more people can now either apply or move forward in the Green Card process.
The reopening of the EB-4 category and improvements in family-sponsored categories like F2A are also seen as positive signs for the coming year.
