The U.S. Department of State sends out the monthly Visa Bulletin. It tells when work-based green card cases can be filed and when they can get the okay. This guide lets you check the official October 2025 Visa Bulletin in a hurry. It points out changes in work visa groups. No guesses here. For the true cutoff dates, look at the official tables we link below.
What the October 2025 Visa Bulletin Covers
Work-based immigrant visas, which are green cards, for EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 (that includes “Other Workers”), EB-4, and EB-5.
Two main charts for each one:
- Final Action Dates: this is when approvals happen, like getting a visa or the I-485 green card nod.
- Dates for Filing: this is when you can turn in your I-485, but only if USCIS says to use this chart.
Columns split by country, called chargeability: All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed, China (mainland born), India, Mexico, Philippines, and any others that apply.
October kicks off the new federal year. That’s when fresh yearly visa numbers come out, as set by law.
You can find the current and old months straight on the official U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin page.
Where to Read the Official October 2025 Tables
Head over to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. Choose “Visa Bulletin for October 2025.” Then scroll to the Employment-Based tables.
Figure out which chart to use for I-485 this month by checking USCIS’s Adjustment of Status Filing Charts. USCIS says each month if you go with Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing for work-based stuff.
Tip: The USCIS and DOS pages team up to show you the right cutoff dates and if it’s time to file or hold off.
How to Check If You Can File or Get Approved This Month
- Pick out your EB group: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, or EB-5. Not sure? Peek at your I-140 approval or chat with your boss or lawyer. What they mean is on USCIS’s Green Card through a job page.
- Spot your priority date. It’s usually the day you filed PERM (for most EB-2 or EB-3), or the I-140 receipt day if no PERM was part of it.
- Know your country of chargeability – that’s often where you were born.
- Pull up the October 2025 Visa Bulletin tables for Employment-Based.
- Line up your priority date with:
- Final Action Dates (that’s for getting approved), and
- Dates for Filing (that’s for being ready to file).
- Check the USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts to know which chart – Final Action or Dates for Filing – you need for I-485 right now.
Outcome:
- If your date comes before or matches the cutoff that fits, you’re “current” on that chart.
- If it doesn’t, just wait till your date catches up.
Example logic (no real dates here): Say your EB-2 India priority date is January 15, 2022, and the EB-2 India Final Action cutoff is February 1, 2022. Then your case is current and ready for approval.
Employment-Based Categories to Review (EB-1 to EB-5)
- EB-1: These are priority workers, such as managers who move between countries, top-notch researchers, or folks with amazing talents.
- EB-2: People with higher degrees or really special abilities.
- EB-3: Skilled folks, regular pros, and “Other Workers” known as EW.
- EB-4: Special immigrants, with various types laid out by the rules.
- EB-5: Folks who invest. This covers “unreserved” visas and special “set-aside” types from the law, like for rural spots, high jobless areas, or big projects. Look at both if they match you.
For the real meanings of these categories, check USCIS’s Green Card through a job.
Final Action Dates vs. Dates for Filing: Know the Difference
- Final Action Dates (Chart A): This is when they can hand out a green card or approve your I-485. If your priority date is before or right on the listed date, there’s a visa spot open for you.
- Dates for Filing (Chart B): This lets you send in your I-485 if USCIS picks this chart for the month. Doing it early might get you perks like work permits or travel docs while you hang tight.
USCIS breaks down visa spots, priority dates, and when things slide back at Visa availability and priority dates.
Quick Reference Table: What to Check and Where
| What you need to do | Where to look | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| See exact EB cutoff dates for your country | Employment-Based “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing” (October 2025) | U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin |
| Confirm which chart USCIS requires for I-485 this month | “Adjustment of Status Filing Charts” notice | USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts |
| Verify your EB category and eligibility | Category definitions and eligibility criteria | Green Card through a job |
| Understand priority dates, retrogression, and visa availability | Official USCIS guidance | Visa availability and priority dates |
Practical Tips Based on Official Guidance
- Make it a habit to look at both charts in the Visa Bulletin. Then double-check with USCIS on which one to use for I-485 that month.
- When you compare your priority date, pay close attention to the day, month, and year.
- Doing consular processing? Stick to the Department of State Final Action Dates for when your visa might come through.
- If things retrogress after you’ve filed your I-485, USCIS just holds onto your case until your date is current once more. Check the USCIS guidance on Visa availability and priority dates.
- Hang onto copies of your I-140 approval (or the receipt), PERM approval, and any I-485 receipts. You’ll want them to confirm your priority dates and group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a priority date?
It is the place you hold in the visa queue. For most EB-2/EB-3 cases, it is the PERM filing date; otherwise, it can be the I-140 receipt date.
Where do I see my priority date?
On your PERM approval or I-140 receipt/approval notice (Form I-797).
Does premium processing change my place in line?
No. Premium processing speeds up certain petition decisions but does not affect visa availability or cutoff dates.
Which chart applies to me in October 2025?
Check USCIS Adjustment of Status Filing Charts. USCIS announces monthly whether to use Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing for employment-based cases.
