The US Department of State has officially released the highly anticipated Visa Bulletin for December 2025, outlining significant updates for immigrant visa categories. This crucial document reveals the movement of dates for both 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications,' offering a clearer picture for thousands of Indian nationals awaiting their green cards.
The bulletin confirms that the worldwide annual limit for employment-based preference immigrants remains at least 140,000. For family-sponsored preference immigrants, the fiscal year 2026 cap is set at 226,000, as determined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Key Updates for Family-Sponsored Visa Applicants from India
For Indian applicants in the family-sponsored preference categories, the Final Action Dates show a mixed picture. The F2A category for Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents has a notably current date of 01 February 2024. However, other categories face much longer waits.
The F4 category for Brothers and Sisters of Adult US Citizens remains heavily backlogged with a Final Action Date of 01 November 2006. The Dates for Filing, which allow applicants to start the documentation process, show the F2A category as the most advanced at 22 November 2025.
Significant Advancements in Employment-Based Categories
The bulletin brings encouraging news for Indian professionals. The EB-1 category for Priority Workers shows a Final Action Date of 15 March 2022, with a Date for Filing at 15 April 2023. This represents one of the most current categories for skilled Indian workers.
For the EB-2 category, the Final Action Date is 15 May 2013, while the Date for Filing is set at 01 December 2013. The EB-3 category for Skilled Workers and Professionals has a Final Action Date of 22 September 2013 and a Date for Filing of 15 August 2014.
Understanding Final Action Dates and Filing Dates
The US State Department clarifies that the Final Action Date is the priority date of the first applicant in an oversubscribed category who could not be reached within the numerical limits. Unless specified otherwise on the USCIS website, individuals must use the 'Final Action Dates' chart to determine when they can file for adjustment of status.
The Dates for Filing chart indicates when applicants can assemble and submit required documents to the National Visa Center. This is a critical first step for those with a priority date earlier than the published application date.
This latest visa bulletin provides a vital roadmap for Indian citizens navigating the complex US immigration system, highlighting both opportunities and persistent backlogs in key visa categories.
