The October 2025 U.S. Visa Bulletin is here, and it brings the biggest movement in employment-based Green Card categories in more than three years. For many professionals and investors, this update could be the turning point that moves their Green Card applications from “waiting” to “actionable.”
If you are applying under EB-1, EB-2, or EB-5, here’s what you need to know.
Why the October Visa Bulletin Matters
Every month, the U.S. Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin, showing when Green Card applicants can move forward based on their priority date and category.
October is especially important because it marks the start of a new fiscal year. Each year on October 1, fresh visa numbers are allocated, which often leads to forward movement in backlogged categories.
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin is historic because it advances multiple employment-based categories by months, in some cases by over a year.
Key Advances in October 2025 (Compared to September 2025)
- EB-1 India (Extraordinary Ability / Outstanding Professors & Researchers)
- ➝ Advanced +365 days (~12 months): from April 2022 to April 2023
- EB-1 China
- ➝ Advanced +134 days (~4 months, 14 days): from January 2023 to May 2023
- EB-2 Worldwide (Advanced Degree Professionals / Master’s+ category)
- ➝ Dates for Filing moved forward +243 days (~8 months): from Nov 2023 to Jul 2024
- ➝ Final Action Dates moved forward +91 days (~3 months): from Sep 2023 to Dec 2023
- EB-5 India (Investor Visa, Unreserved)
- ➝ Advanced +444 days (~14 months, 19 days): from Nov 2019 to Feb 2021
These jumps are among the largest monthly advances in recent history, particularly for Indian nationals in EB-1 and EB-5.
What This Means for Green Card Applicants
1. EB-1 India
Indian professionals in the EB-1 Green Card category (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational managers) have faced long backlogs. This one-year jump means many applicants can now either file adjustment-of-status applications or expect faster case movement.
2. EB-2 Worldwide
For the first time in years, advanced degree professionals outside of India and China see real progress. If your EB-2 Green Card petition is approved and your priority date falls within the new ranges, you may now be eligible to file.
3. EB-5 India
Indian investors under the EB-5 Green Card program (unreserved visas) are some of the biggest winners. With more than a year of movement, investors with older priority dates will finally see action on their cases.
Final Action vs. Dates for Filing
It’s important to understand the two charts in the Visa Bulletin:
- Final Action Dates: When a Green Card can actually be approved.
- Dates for Filing: When you’re allowed to submit your adjustment-of-status application (Form I-485).
For October 2025, check which chart USCIS has authorized for filings. If your date is current under the applicable chart, you can prepare your documents and file right away.
Action Steps for Applicants
- Check your priority date against both charts in the October 2025 Visa Bulletin.
- If eligible under Dates for Filing, prepare your I-485 Adjustment of Status package (including medical exams, civil docs, employment letters, and optional work/travel permits).
- If your Final Action Date is current, your Green Card approval or interview scheduling could happen soon.
- EB-5 investors should confirm whether their application is in a reserved or unreserved subcategory, as this makes a major difference.
- Work with an experienced immigration team, large movements can create opportunities but also risks if filings are not timely or complete.
Bottom Line
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin is a game-changer for many employment-based applicants. After years of little to no movement, the EB-1 India, EB-2 Worldwide, and EB-5 India categories have finally advanced in a way that could unlock thousands of Green Cards.
If your priority date is close to or within the new ranges, this is your moment to act. Don’t wait for the next bulletin, start preparing your documents now so you can file immediately when eligible.
At AgoraVisa, we help talented professionals and investors navigate complex U.S. immigration processes. Our team can review your case, track your eligibility, and prepare everything you need to seize this historic opportunity.
