The US Department of State has announced a report on the April 2025 US visa application.
Recently, the April 2025 Visa Bulletin was released and there have been some important changes that could affect your trip to the US! Whether you are applying for a Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, employment-based visa, or a family-sponsored visa, this bulletin contains important details as to when the application process can be initiated. If you are waiting for your priority date to be up to date, check your status now.
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To properly plan your next move, find out which categories are moving forward and where the delays are occurring. Find out more and discover what this month's visa news means for you!
What is the difference between a submission date and a final action?
Last Action Date: Shows these indications when your visa number is available, allowing you to process visa issuance or status changes. Application Submission Date: Even if the visa is not yet available, applicants can submit the necessary documents in advance.
Every month in 2025, USCIS selects the chart to use when submitting applications for status adjustments.
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There is an annual limit on the number of visas that can be granted if you are applying through your family. Visa availability is conditioned on changes in your country and preference categories.
F1 (Unmarried Sons and Daughters of US Citizens):
Most Countries: March 15, 2016 Mexico: January 1, 2005 Philippines: July 15, 2012.
F2A (Spouse and Children of Permanent Residents): Currently in most areas
F2B (Unmarried son and daughter of permanent residents, age 21 and above):
Most Countries: July 22, 2016 Mexico: January 1, 2006 Philippines: January 22, 2012.
F3 (Married Sons and Daughters of US Citizens):
Most countries: April 1, 2011 Mexico: January 15, 2001 Philippines: March 22, 2003.
F4 (Brother of a US citizen):
Most Countries: August 1, 2007 Mexico: March 15, 2001 Philippines: January 1, 2005.
If the priority date falls before the next date, you can submit the document for processing.
F1: September 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2006 (Mexico), April 22, 2015 (Philippines)
F2A: Current F2B in all countries: January 1, 2017 (most countries), April 1, 2007 (Mexico), October 1, 2013 (Philippines) F3: July 22, 2012 (most countries), June 15, 2001 (Mexico), September 22, 2004 (Philippines) F4: April 1, 2008 (Mexico), April 30, 2008
Also Read: UK changes minimum visa requirements for visa applications (from February 2025)
Employment-based US visa renewal for April 2025
If you apply for a visa based on your employment, your waiting period will be determined by demand and national restrictions. This is the current situation in April 2025.
Last action date for employment-based visas
EB-1 (Preferred Worker):
Currently most applicants China: November 8, 2022 India: February 15, 2022.
EB-2 (advanced degree experts and exceptional abilities):
Most countries: June 22, 2023 China: October 1, 2020 India: January 1, 2013.
EB-3 (Skilled Workers and Experts):
Most countries: January 1, 2023 China: November 1, 2020 India: April 1, 2013.
New dates for submitting employment-based visas
EB-1:
Currently in most regions China: January 1, 2023 India: April 15, 2022.
EB-2:
Most countries: August 1, 2023 China: November 1, 2020 India: February 1, 2013.
EB-3:
Most countries: March 1, 2023 China: November 15, 2020 India: June 8, 2013.
Updated the Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 program for April 2025
People in underrated countries can apply for US residencies through the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. This is the latest change for April 2025.
April 2025 DV cutoff number (new)
Africa: 30,000 (excluding certain countries) Asia: 6,000 (Iran: 5,950, Nepal: 5,950) Europe: 16,000 (Russia: 15,950, Uzbekistan: 7,750) Oceania: 1,500 South America & Kaliban: 2,200.
If the domestic violence applicant does not complete the process by September 30, 2025, the visa will expire.
Also Read: Canada announces new express entry category in March 2025 to reduce skills shortages
Important updates for April 2025
Fourth preferred for employment: Religious Workers (SR Visa)
The 2025 cap for the Religious Workers Visa Program has been achieved. SR visas will not be granted again until October 1, 2025, when the next fiscal year begins.
Employment-based fifth preference withdrawal (EB-5)
The unreserved visa category of the EB-5 has witnessed a recovery in China and India as demand has risen to an excess. Future breaking news may reflect changes in the current review.
Special Immigration Visa (SIVS) for US Government Employees
New eligibility requirements have been added to the 2024 National Defense Certification Act (NDAA). Applicants must contact their local consulate for more information.
Announcement: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-april-2025.html.
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