The December Visa Bulletin 2025 is here, and for employment-based green card applicants, the picture remains largely unchanged from the November bulletin. Published: December 15, 2025 Effective: December 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Here’s our complete breakdown of what moved, what didn’t, and what it means for your case.
Quick Summary of December Visa Bulletin
The big picture for December 2025:
- EB-1 remains current for all countries except China (January 2023) and India (March 2022)
- EB-2 India stays severely backlogged at May 2013—a wait of over 12 years
- EB-3 India sits at September 2013, nearly identical to EB-2, creating an unusual situation
- EB-5 set-asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) remain current across all countries
- Religious Workers (SR) extended only until January 29, 2026—urgent deadline approaching
No significant forward movement in employment-based categories this month. If you were waiting for your priority date to become current, December offers no relief.
Employment-Based Final Action Dates
The Final Action Dates in the December Visa Bulletin chart shows which priority dates can receive green card approval this month. If your priority date is earlier than the date listed, your case can be adjudicated.
| Category | All Other | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | Current | Jan 22, 2023 | Mar 15, 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Feb 1, 2024 | Jun 1, 2021 | May 15, 2013 | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 1, 2024 |
| EB-3 | Apr 15, 2023 | Apr 1, 2021 | Sep 22, 2013 | Apr 15, 2023 | Apr 15, 2023 |
| Other Workers | Aug 1, 2021 | Dec 8, 2017 | Sep 22, 2013 | Aug 1, 2021 | Aug 1, 2021 |
| EB-4 | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 1, 2020 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | Jul 15, 2016 | Jul 1, 2021 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Rural | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 High Unemployment | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Infrastructure | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
Employment-Based Dates for Filing
The Dates for Filing chart shows when you can submit your I-485 adjustment of status application (if filing in the U.S.) or begin National Visa Center processing (if consular processing). Check USCIS’s guidance each month to confirm which chart applies for adjustment of status.
| Category | All Other | China | India | Mexico | Philippines |
| EB-1 | Current | May 15, 2023 | Apr 15, 2023 | Current | Current |
| EB-2 | Jul 15, 2024 | Dec 1, 2021 | Dec 1, 2013 | Jul 15, 2024 | Jul 15, 2024 |
| EB-3 | Jul 1, 2023 | Jan 1, 2022 | Aug 15, 2014 | Jul 1, 2023 | Jul 1, 2023 |
| Other Workers | Dec 1, 2021 | Oct 1, 2018 | Aug 15, 2014 | Dec 1, 2021 | Dec 1, 2021 |
| EB-4 | Feb 15, 2021 | Feb 15, 2021 | Feb 15, 2021 | Feb 15, 2021 | Feb 15, 2021 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Current | Jul 22, 2016 | Apr 1, 2022 | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Rural | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 High Unemployment | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
| EB-5 Infrastructure | Current | Current | Current | Current | Current |
EB-1 Analysis
Current Status
EB-1 remains current for applicants from most countries, meaning if you’re not from China or India, you can file and have your case adjudicated without waiting in a backlog queue.
For China, the final action date sits at January 22, 2023 roughly a 3-year backlog. For India, it’s March 15, 2022, nearly 4 years.
What This Means for EB-1A and EB-1B Applicants
If you’re pursuing an EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) or EB-1B (Outstanding Professor/Researcher) petition and you’re not from India or China, the path remains wide open. File when ready.
For Indian and Chinese nationals, the calculus is different. While a 3-4 year wait is significant, EB-1 still moves considerably faster than EB-2 or EB-3 for these countries. The premium processing option for I-140 petitions means you can lock in your priority date quickly, even if the final green card approval takes years.
Strategic consideration: If you’re an Indian national currently in EB-2 with a priority date after 2013, an EB-1A petition, if you qualify, could cut years off your wait. The extraordinary ability standard is high, but for those who meet it, the time savings are substantial.
EB-1C (Multinational Managers)
EB-1C follows the same dates as EB-1A and EB-1B. For multinational executives and managers transferring to U.S. operations, the current status for most countries makes this an attractive category when the qualifying criteria are met.
December Visa Bulletin: EB-2 Analysis
The India Situation: 12+ Years and Counting
The EB-2 India final action date remains at May 15, 2013. Let that sink in: applicants whose priority dates were established over 12 years ago are just now becoming eligible for green card approval.
The Dates for Filing chart offers slightly better news at December 1, 2013, meaning Indian nationals with priority dates before that date can file their I-485 applications (when USCIS permits use of the filing chart). But “better” is relative; that’s still an 11+ year wait just to file.
EB-2 vs. EB-3 India: The Convergence Question
Here’s something worth noting: EB-2 India sits at May 2013, while EB-3 India is at September 2013; only four months apart.
Historically, EB-2 moved faster than EB-3 because it receives unused EB-1 visas that fall down. But the severe backlog in India has narrowed the gap. This raises the question many Indian EB-2 applicants ask: Should I downgrade to EB-3?
The answer depends on your specific situation:
- If your EB-2 priority date is after September 2013, you might actually reach the front of the EB-3 line first
- If your EB-2 priority date is before May 2013, stay in EB-2—you’re closer to approval
- Consider filing in both categories if your employer will support duplicate petitions (different positions or PERM filings required)
There’s no universal correct answer. The categories have moved unpredictably, and what looks advantageous today could reverse tomorrow.
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver)
EB-2 NIW applicants follow the exact dates as standard EB-2. The advantage of NIW isn’t faster processing—it’s the ability to self-petition without employer sponsorship and avoid the PERM labor certification process.
For Indian nationals, NIW offers flexibility (no employer dependency) but not speed. For applicants from other countries, NIW with a February 2024 final action date means relatively quick movement from petition to green card.
China and Other Countries
China EB-2 sits at a 4.5-year backlog as of June 1, 2021. Not as severe as India, but still significant.
All other countries show February 1, 2024, for final action, less than two years. If you’re from Europe, Africa, South America, or most of Asia (excluding China and India), EB-2 remains a viable path with reasonable timelines.
December Visa Bulletin: EB-3 Analysis
Skilled Workers and Professionals
EB-3 final action dates for most countries sit at April 15, 2023—roughly 2.5 years. China is at April 1, 2021 (4.5 years), and India at September 22, 2013 (12+ years).
For non-India, non-China applicants, EB-3 trails EB-2 by about 2 months (April 2023 vs. February 2024). The difference is marginal enough that category selection should be based on qualification requirements rather than speed.
Other Workers
The “Other Workers” subcategory (unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training) in the December Visa Bulletin shows tighter dates across the board. In August 2021, for most countries and in December 2017 for China, this category moves more slowly due to its smaller annual allocation.
EB-4 and Religious Workers: Deadline Alert
January 29, 2026, Deadline
The Religious Workers (SR) category received a short extension through January 29, 2026. This is not a typo—the category expires in approximately six weeks.
If you have a pending SR case, understand the stakes:
- No SR visas may be issued after midnight January 29, 2026
- Adjustment of status cases must receive final action before the deadline
- Anyone seeking admission must physically enter the U.S. by January 29
This is an urgent situation for religious workers in the pipeline. If your case is pending, contact your attorney immediately to assess options.
Standard EB-4
Non-religious EB-4 categories show September 1, 2020, across all countries—over 5 years of backlog. This affects special immigrants, including certain broadcasters, Iraq/Afghanistan translators, and other specialized categories.
December Visa Bulletin: EB-5 Investor Visas
Unreserved Category
The traditional EB-5 unreserved category remains current for most countries. China faces a significant backlog at July 2016 (9+ years), while India shows July 2021 (4+ years).
Set-Aside Categories: Still Current
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 created reserved visa categories that have remained current since their inception:
- Rural (20%): Current for all countries
- High Unemployment (10%): Current for all countries
- Infrastructure (2%): Current for all countries
For Chinese and Indian investors, these set-aside categories offer a path around the unreserved backlog, if the investment is structured to qualify.
Family-Based Snapshot
While Agoravisa focuses primarily on employment-based immigration, here’s a brief look at family categories:
F2A (Spouses/Children of Green Card Holders): Final action at February 2024 for most countries; February 2023 for Mexico. The Dates for Filing chart shows “current” status through November 22, 2025.
Other family categories (F1, F2B, F3, F4): Continue to show multi-year to multi-decade backlogs, particularly for Mexico and Philippines.
What Should You Do This Month?
If Your Priority Date Just Became Current
Your case is ready for final adjudication. Ensure all documentation is complete and up to date. If you filed under the Dates for Filing chart months or years ago, your application should already be pending; monitor for interview scheduling or approval notices.
If You’re Waiting in the India EB-2/EB-3 Backlog
The painful truth: there’s no quick fix. Continue maintaining valid non-immigrant status, keep your employer informed of your situation, and consider:
- Concurrent EB-1A filing if you may qualify for extraordinary ability
- EB-2 NIW as a backup to reduce employer dependency
- EB-3 downgrade analysis if your priority date math suggests it could help
If You’re Planning a New Petition
For non-India, non-Chinese applicants, employment-based categories remain accessible with reasonable timelines. Start the process; PERM labor certification takes 8-12+ months, and the earlier you establish a priority date, the better.
For Indian and Chinese nationals, prioritize EB-1 if you have any chance of qualifying. The backlog differential between EB-1 and EB-2 is measured in years, not months.
If You Have a Religious Worker Case
Act immediately. The January 29, 2026, deadline is real and immovable.
Looking Ahead
Retrogression Risk
We’re early in fiscal year 2026 (which began October 1, 2025), so immediate retrogression risk is low. However, watch for potential movement, positive or negative, as USCIS demand patterns become clearer in the coming months.
Historically, significant movement (both forward and backward) tends to occur in the summer months as agencies reconcile numbers before the September 30 fiscal year end. December through March typically shows stability.
Legislative Uncertainty
Immigration reform discussions continue in Congress, but no imminent changes to employment-based visa numbers appear likely. Long-term backlog relief for India and China would require statutory changes that have proven difficult to pass.
Plan based on current law, not hoped-for reform.
How to Read the December Visa Bulletin
New to the December Visa bulletin? Check out our comprehensive guide: How to Read and Understand the US Visa Bulletin
Key concepts:
- Priority Date: Your place in line, typically the date your PERM was filed or I-140 received
- Final Action Dates: When your green card can actually be approved
- Dates for Filing: When you can submit your I-485 application
- Current: No backlog—file anytime regardless of priority date
- Chargeability: Your country of birth determines which column applies to you
The Bottom Line
December Visa Bulletin 2025 brings no major changes for employment-based applicants. EB-1 remains the fastest path for those who qualify, EB-2 and EB-3 continue their slow crawl for India and China, and the religious workers deadline looms.
If you’re in the India or China backlog, the strategy discussion matters more than the monthly bulletin check. Slight movements of days or weeks don’t change the fundamental calculus of a multi-year wait.
For everyone else, the December Visa Bulletin indicates that employment-based green cards remain achievable on reasonable timelines. The system works; it just works slowly for some countries.
The December 2025 Visa Bulletin is effective December 1-31, 2025. Check the State Department website for official data and USCIS guidance on which chart to use for adjustment of status.
Have questions about your priority date or green card strategy? Every case is different, and the right approach depends on your specific circumstances, your country of birth, your qualifications, your employer situation, and your timeline.
Schedule a consultation with Agoravisa to discuss your options.
